4/6/22, 11:39 AM Social Service Worker vs. Social Worker: What’s the Difference? | Indeed.com Canada https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/social-service-worker-vs-social-worker 1/7 Career Guide Finding a Job Social Service Worker vs. Social Worker: What's the Di erence? Social Service Worker vs. Social Worker: What's the Di erence? By Indeed Editorial Team September 29, 2021 Pursuing a career as a social service worker or social worker can be a tasking but rewarding way to help your community. While both professions strive to make a good in uence in the lives of others, there are some signi cant di erences in their job responsibilities. If you want to work in community and social service, it's best to understand the di erence between social service workers and social workers. In this article, we discuss responsibilities of a social service worker and a social worker, state how to become one, explore their work environments, and share the average salary for these jobs. Related: 40 Jobs With a Sociology Degree Social service worker vs. social worker To fully grasp social service worker versus social worker, it's vital to understand what distinguishes these positions. Here are some signi cant distinctions between a social service worker and a social worker: Upload your resume to Indeed Let employers nd you by creating an Indeed Resume Sign in What do you want to read about? 4/6/22, 11:39 AM Social Service Worker vs. Social Worker: What’s the Difference? | Indeed.com Canada https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/social-service-worker-vs-social-worker 2/7 Education Because both social service professionals and social workers assist individuals in vulnerable situations, the education requirements for these professions are similar. Employers generally require a bachelor's degree in social work for social workers. A bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, or a similar subject may also be appropriate. Social service workers also require a bachelor's degree. Many social service employees, though, prefer to obtain a master's degree in social work to expand their job prospects and develop in their professions. Read more: Jobs You Can Do With a Psychology Degree Training Both social workers and social service workers typically require eld experience under the supervision of a manager, with social workers needing supervision by another licensed social worker for a minimum of two years. Internships and eld practicums are frequently available as part of both bachelor's and master's degrees. These opportunities can give you the hands-on experience you need to start your career. The training requirements for social service employees di er provinces. Some provinces require social service employees to continue their education throughout their careers to keep their jobs. As a social services worker, you may seek further training in the following areas: family support adoption rehabilitation out-of-home care child abuse prevention child welfare training Entry to practice requirements Registered social workers hold a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW), a master's degree in social work (MSW), or both. It's necessary to hold a two-year college diploma in social service work from the applied arts and technology institution (CAAT) to register as a social 4/6/22, 11:39 AM Social Service Worker vs. Social Worker: What’s the Difference? | Indeed.com Canada https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/social-service-worker-vs-social-worker 3/7 service worker. Alternative registration methods are available for people who can establish equivalence through a combination of academic credentials and experience. Work environment Social workers often work full-time hours, although they may have work in the evenings or on weekends to meet the requirements of their clients. They may also work overtime hours to help in emergency circumstances. Social workers may also provide on-call services depending on the organization for which they work. The following are some of the most common places of employment for social workers: clinics children and family service agencies prisons schools hospitals and healthcare facilities halfway houses private practices community development organizations Social service employees work full-time hours, though their schedule may need more exibility than that of a social worker, depending on the sort of services they provide. Social service personnel who provide mental health and drug addiction therapy, for example, frequently work in the evenings and on weekends to care for patients. While they may operate in an o ce to conduct meetings and complete paperwork, they frequently spend most of their time outside of the o ce on house visits. Workers in social services can work in a wide range of contexts, including: shelters for the homeless assisted living facilities senior centers non-pro t organizations inpatient facilities crisis centers government agencies 4/6/22, 11:39 AM Social Service Worker vs. Social Worker: What’s the Difference? | Indeed.com Canada https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/social-service-worker-vs-social-worker 4/7 health care facilities private clinics Salary The average yearly income for a social worker is $64,591 per year. A social services worker earns an average yearly income of $53,822 per year. Your salary in either role may vary depending on your skill set, education, and job experience. The number of hours you work each week, as well as the cost of living in your location, may have an impact on your pay. What is a social worker? A social worker assists individuals in overcoming di cult situations and challenges in their life by giving them the resources they require to improve their situation. They may work with survivors of domestic violence, assist families dealing with trauma or terminal illness, ght societal inequalities, or give addiction and mental health therapy. While a social worker's employment tasks vary based on their specialty and the daily requirements of their patients, some of their major responsibilities are as follows: providing resources and counselling to their patients evaluating an individual's requirements based on their existing circumstances working with other physical and occupational therapists to care for patients creating and executing care plans inspiring patients to make good life changes addressing concerns and holding patients responsible for reaching their goals investigating government restrictions and aid programs Social workers work with clients from various educational levels, socioeconomic positions, cultural backgrounds, faiths, and impairments. They understand how di erent backgrounds impact a client's mental and emotional well-being and may help guide their response to treatment techniques. Social workers understand the speci c requirements of the lifestyle sectors in their region and connect with their clients in a culturally appropriate manner. Related: Skills of a Successful Social Worker What is a social service worker? 4/6/22, 11:39 AM Social Service Worker vs. Social Worker: What’s the Difference? | Indeed.com Canada https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/social-service-worker-vs-social-worker 5/7 What is a social service worker? A social services worker is a specialist who counsels and assists clients in vulnerable groups. They frequently address a larger variety of social justice and community concerns than social workers. Instead of working one-on-one with individuals, they may engage with groups or entire communities to inspire positive change. Social services workers may administer community outreach initiatives, direct clinical practices, or promote policy formulation. Many human services caseworkers also o er mental health and addiction therapy. While the tasks of a social service worker may change depending on the needs of the persons, groups, and communities they assist, some of their major roles include: visiting clients in their homes to assess their living circumstances documenting and reporting abuse, neglect, and unlawful activity counselling clients to help them achieve a better, safer, and more productive living environment performing routine psychosocial assessments giving customers referrals and public resources to assist them in bettering their present position attending case summary review Related: What Are Social Workers? (With FAQs and Job Descriptions) How to become a social worker Before they can nd work and begin assisting clients, social workers complete extensive education, get practical experience, and become licensed. Here are some of the steps to follow to become a social worker: 1. Earn a bachelor's degree The rst step is to earn a suitable bachelor's degree, such as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an established university. Other elds of study include psychology and sociology. During your bachelor's degree program, you can learn about social work, its principles, and how to do research. Coursework examples for your bachelor's degree include: human behaviour 4/6/22, 11:39 AM Social Service Worker vs. Social Worker: What’s the Difference? | Indeed.com Canada https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/social-service-worker-vs-social-worker 6/7 cultural diversity case management in social work policy on Social Welfare social work ethics oppression and diversity methods of investigation human rights 2. Get relevant training Many undergraduate social work programs allow students to observe professional social workers and work with clients under supervision. These programs provide signi cant practical experience for aspiring social workers, allowing them to apply concepts, strategies, and theories they acquire in class while also developing important social work abilities, such as communication and research. An internship, which you may complete during or after your education, is another way to get practical experience. Internships allow you to learn from a mentor and obtain feedback from your superiors. 3. Obtain a license A license is required to work as a social worker. Providence licensing standards di er, so be sure to verify your providence's education, training, and test requirements. Almost all providences require candidates for social work licenses to complete a knowledge exam on social work ethics, practice, theory, and local laws. How to become a social service worker Social service workers have more in-depth training compared to social workers. Here are steps to take to become a social service worker: 1. Earn a master's degree A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree combines classroom instruction with clinical experience. A certi ed professional with a bachelor's degree in any subject can pursue a master's in social work but rst completes one year of foundational courses before beginning master's degree coursework. Those with a BSW are likely to have these abilities already and may be able to spend less time in a master's program. 4/6/22, 11:39 AM Social Service Worker vs. Social Worker: What’s the Difference? | Indeed.com Canada https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/social-service-worker-vs-social-worker 7/7 2. Get relevant licenses and certi cations Getting registered under the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) equips you to practice in Canada. Also, social service workers work in speci c elds that may require them to undergo training and obtain certi cations to perform their work e ectively. These licenses and certi cates may also help you qualify for more jobs. Salary gures re ect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organization and a candidate's experience, academic background, and location. © 2022 Indeed Indeed Canada Corp. | 2 Bloor St. W, 12th Floor | Toronto | ON M4W3E2 | Canada Cookies Privacy Security Terms Accessibility at Indeed Privacy Centre Contact us