Industry Profile -- by Andrea Prunty

Social work is a profession concerned with helping individuals, families, groups and communities enhance their individual and collective well-being. Social work helps people develop skills necessary to utilize resources in the community in order to solve or prevent problems.

Social work is concerned with individual and personal problems but also deals with broader social issues such as poverty, unemployment and domestic violence. With today's ever-increasing insecurities and social tensions, the role of the social worker has become increasingly important.

This issue looks at the broad definition of "social work" where one does not necessarily need to possess a social work degree or diploma. There are many jobs in the social work field which have different educational requirements than that of those with social work certification.

"Social workers" are employed in a variety of settings including: family service agencies; childrens' aid agencies; general and psychiatric hospitals; school boards; correctional institutions; welfare administration agencies (see the December '99 issue for stories on child welfare social workers); federal and provincial departments; and in private practice.

Social workers spend their time between face-to-face meetings, groups meetings and completing paper work and case notes. Many regularly work evenings, some weekends and often, travel is a regular part of the job. Communication skills, listening abilities, being emotionally stable and having sound judgement are required for this type of work. A four-year degree or two-year diploma, plus provincial registration are required to work as a social worker in Alberta.

• Government research predicts average job growth to 2005
• Government survey shows earnings from $17,400 to $55,700 per year

Addictions counsellors help individuals, families and communities overcome addictions with alcohol, drugs, and gambling using a variety of programs. Addictions counsellors work in residential treatment centres, detoxification centres, group homes, over-night shelters, out-patient centres, schools or community-based agencies. Shift work is common and travel is frequent. A university degree is almost always a requirement although a post-secondary diploma plus related work experience may also be accepted.

• Government research predicts above average job growth to 2005
• Government survey shows earnings from $13,600 to $50,400 per year

Mediators facilitate communication between people involved in disputes to try and come to a decision fair for both parties. An investigation of the disagreement is usually needed in order for the mediator to make an appropriate decision. Strong conflict management skills are required for this position. Mediators must be flexible and adaptable to new environments because they have to be willing to conduct meetings anywhere and anytime to meet the others' needs. Usually mediators have a professional background but there is no specific educational requirement.

• Government research predicts above average growth to 2005
• Government survey shows earnings from $13,000 to $51,000 a year

Correctional services workers evaluate and assess offenders and develop plans to prepare offenders for release into the community. Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to utilize professional judgement is crucial in this occupation. A diploma or degree is usually required.

• Government research predicts below average growth to 2005
• Government survey shows earnings in the $30,000 range

Parole officers work directly with incarcerated offenders and those who have been released into the community. Parole officers, who are federal employees, will also gather information on an offender's past and present behaviors and plan programs for incarcerated offenders. The ability to be flexible, adaptable and a commitment to working long hours are key. Strong communication skills (oral and written) are traits a parole officer should posses. A four-year degree is required for this position.

• Government research predicts below average growth rate to 2005
• Government survey shows earnings from $19,800 to $37,400 a year

Probation officers are often social workers in Calgary. For more on this line of work, visit the January '99 issue of nextSteps.

Employment counsellors, also referred to as career advisors or career practitioners, help people plan their career direction by providing information on job search techniques and labor market trends. Also, employment counsellors are responsible for providing advice on education, training programs, as well as resume writing and interview preparation. Career counsellors work 35 to 40 hours a week but occasionally are required to work longer during heavy caseload periods. A four year bachelor degree in a related discipline is generally required, although a combination of education and work experience will also be considered.

• Government research predicts average growth to 2005
• Government survey shows earnings from $18,800 to $51,700 a year

Family/marriage counsellors provide counselling to help families, couples and individuals with their relationships and related problems which may include suicide, divorce, unemployment and bereavement. Counsellors are required to refer clients to other professionals when appropriate. Most family/marriage counsellors have at least a masters degree in social work, which is almost always a requirement. Many individuals in this field work out of their homes, although the majority work in an office environment.

• Government research predicts a high growth to 2005
• Government survey shows earnings from $13,600 to $50,400 per year or more

Child/youth care workers work as part of a team to help children and youth overcome problems with issues such as physical, emotional, intellectual or social development. Shift work is often required and the job can be physical at times if children/youth need to be restrained. Many work in residential or treatment facilities. A minimum of a two-year diploma or social science degree is required.

• Government research predicts an above average growth rate to 2005
  
• Government survey shows earnings from $13,500 to $48,800 per year