- Key Takeaways
- Some of the most common career options in social services include social services workers, family social workers, and child welfare workers.
- The rise in mental health awareness also influenced the growing demand for social services work.
- Careers in social services have high demand and are often well-paid in British Columbia.
A diploma in social services support work might be your key to a fulfilling career. Here are some job options, plus career insights on the top careers you can get with a social services support worker diploma.
Social Services Worker
A social services worker covers a lot of responsibilities, from counseling clients to assisting in community programs. In a bigger context, they also investigate cases of abuse, specifically among children and the vulnerable.
WorkBC reports that careers in social work will continue to emerge as a way to replace retiring workers. Moreover, the changing demographics in British Columbia also call for more social work jobs in urban areas.
Social work is rarely part-time work and individuals may find it difficult to be self-employed. But there is a rise in corporate employee assistance programs which may boost contract-based occupations.
Social and community service workers earn an average of $45,362 per year. The provincial hourly rate is currently set at $21.75, but more experienced workers can start earning $28.68 per hour. It all depends on the worker’s credentials.
Family Social Worker
A family social worker is a much more specific career under social and community services work. As the name implies, this career is more concentrated on family dynamics, specifically with issues related to it.
Most of the responsibilities include helping individuals and families achieve their mutual goals or overcome their problems. They may also specialize in certain areas such as behavioral disorders, rehabilitation, marriage and family therapy, and more.
As the awareness of mental health continues to gain visibility, WorkBC affirms that family social work jobs will continue to increase. According to the organization, there are higher career demands in the more remote parts of British Columbia.
Family social workers and other related occupations can expect a provincial median salary of $65,071 per year. The hourly rates range from $19.23 to $43.58, per the 2021 Job Bank Wage Report.
Child Welfare Worker
A child welfare worker falls into the same category as a family social worker, but the responsibilities are more focused on the welfare of children. They specialize in working together with families to ensure the safety of children.
The core of this career centers on the assessment and response to issues of child abuse and neglect. This is often done through intensive interviews and collaborating with the right agencies to deliver the best level of care.
Similar to family social workers, jobs as child welfare workers will continue to increase, thanks to the growing awareness of mental health. While there is a fairly consistent demand across British Columbia, there is higher demand in the Northern parts of the province.
To thrive in this career, a child welfare worker needs to have active listening, social perceptiveness, and critical thinking. As per earning potential, they can expect figures similar to those of a family social worker.
Interested in these careers? Apply to our Social Services Support Worker Diploma program today!
Sources:
Work BC. (2022, May 25). Social workers. WorkBC – Jobs, education and career https://www.workbc.ca/careers/4152
WorkBC. (2022, May 25). Family, marriage and other related counselors . WorkBC – Jobs, education and career information. https://www.workbc.ca/careers/4153
