This write-up provides an insight in the field of Social Work and what kind of services social service workers offer to the public. It also mentions the necessary education needed to enter the field.

1. Social Service Workers – A Ray of Hope for the Community
Compassionate, caring, selfless, patient and helpful. These are some of the
words that come to mind when describing a social service worker. These
professionals, with a strong desire to improve people’s lives, do so by
helping them cope with and solve everyday issues. The problems social
workers help people to tackle range from family and personal disputes to
issues stemming from romantic relationships. No matter the situation, the
social services worker remains professional, yet understanding.
In the U.S., the employment of social service workers is expected to
increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. These
statistics indicate an increasing need for trained professionals. That
education needed to become a social worker must be acquired through a
college, as organizations that hire these professionals require them to
possess a post-secondary diploma. Centennial College’s two-year Social
Service Worker program prepares students for entry-level positions with
organizations ranging from shelters and community centres to group homes
and advocacy coalitions. During the program, students learn a variety of
skills that are needed to successfully help people in need. First and foremost,
the development and maintenance of professional relationships with clients
is taught. It is okay for a social service worker to be compassionate, but
lines must be drawn that both parties adhere by based on legal and ethical
standards. The skill of keeping relationships professional also helps social
workers as they recognize diverse needs of community members, advocate
for appropriate access to resources, develop relationships with colleagues to
ensure a healthy environment for clients, and support the growth of
individuals. Students also learn to: identify strengths and challenges faced
by those whom they help; recognize current social policy, relevant legislation
and political, social and economic systems; develop strategies for clients’
self-care and improved job performance; work to advocate for change that
promotes social and economic justice.
Before considering the Social Worker diploma program at school of social
work, students must first present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School
Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Possession of
minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the
program. Students must also possess compulsory English 12C or U or skills
assessment, or equivalent. Non-academic requirements such as a program
admission session and English proficiency are also considered. As the Social
Service Worker program has a field placement component during which
students obtain “real-life” experiences, a criminal reference check might be

2. required. Certain criminal convictions may disallow placement in an agency
and program completion may not be possible.
Upon graduation, students of Centennial College work with varying
populations that include youth, seniors, people with mental illness or
developmental disabilities, assaulted women and children, the homeless and
under housed. Specific examples of tasks that professionals in this field
undertake include: offering guidance and counseling to people in crisis,
arranging foster homes for children, obtaining government funds for clients
and beginning legal action in cases of child abuse. During the execution of
these tasks, the social worker takes certain steps. First, he or she contacts
each client after being assigned a number of cases to determine the scopes
of the situation. Clients are then counseled and provided with resources to
meet their needs. During this process, the social worker maintains
meticulous notes for documentation purposes. He or she also works with
other agencies to provide the best services. Although tasks vary by where
the social service worker is employed, there are some things that remain the
same. The most important of which is confidentiality. Social workers are
seen as confidants who look out for their clients’ best interest and only share
information with other professionals who are also there to help.
With the proper education, right attitude and a level head, a social worker is
successful in helping those in needs. This, for someone who is so selfless, is
the best reward for entering this field.