March is an exciting month for social workers, where our profession is recognized on a global scale! From March 3 to March 9, Ontario celebrated Social Work Week, and across Canada, the entire month is known as National Social Work Month. March even hosts World Social Work Day on March 18th. Wow!
With so many inspiring events, features, and professional development opportunities, social workers are kept on our toes throughout March! I suppose that’s a good representation of the day-to-day demands of the profession. That brings me to a discussion about the role of social work in society.
Hello! If we haven’t yet met, my name is Ariel (she/her) and I am a registered social worker (RSW) in London, Ontario. While I won’t claim to know every corner of such a vast field of expertise, I would like to give you, reader, a peek into the wonderful world of social work! The theme of this year’s Social Work Week in Ontario is: “Wherever You Are, #SoAreWe.” As shared by the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) on their website, “This speaks to the availability and versatility of the social work profession”. There is no better time than Social Work Month to explore and celebrate what this means.
What is Social Work
According to the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), social work began from a movement to address financial inequities and evolved into a regulated health profession supporting individuals, groups, and communities with a variety of social issues. Since it is a regulated profession, not just anyone can call themselves a social worker.
In Ontario, to become a registered social worker, you must first complete a social work degree within an accredited university program. Here, social workers learn about the history and development of the profession. We learn what has worked, and what hasn’t, for addressing social issues.
In Canada, future social workers are challenged to interrogate the historical and current harms inflicted by colonialism, as well as to reflect critically on our own biases and values. In addition to a variety of course topics – for example, mental health and addictions, political and social contexts, ethics and the law, direct practice with individuals and families, and research methods, to name just a few – we also learn through hands-on experiences in practicum (like an internship) settings.
So, to say social work is versatile may even be an understatement. Did you know that there are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of different roles that social workers can occupy?
While it is well known in public and media that social workers can provide therapeutic services, case management, housing support, or child protection, these are just a few of the many career opportunities.
Social workers across the globe also occupy roles in research, non-profit leadership, policymaking, community work, academia, government, and more. There are also plenty of different practice settings where you will encounter social workers, such as hospitals, community health organizations, school boards, family services, private practice, adoption agencies, military settings, and correctional facilities. As a social worker myself, I have held job titles such as shift coordinator, intake worker, research coordinator, and clinical therapist.
You may be thinking, but something must connect all of these roles together, right? Right! Social workers in Canada are driven by a unique set of professional values and standards of practice. In addition to the standard competence and integrity values, also at the centre of our work is a commitment to promoting social justice, respecting the dignity and worth of all people, and pursuing truth and reconciliation.
I hope this gives you a better sense of the vast scope of social work practice. While it is a challenging profession, I will admit, it is even more rewarding! I am so proud to be a part of a field that makes profound impacts on the well-being of individuals and communities.
For social work month, I will leave you with the following message: To my fellow social work colleagues, know that you make a difference every day, and I see you! To those considering a career in this meaningful work, welcome! And to any other interested readers, consider thanking a social worker this month!
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