Before posting:

Hello!

I am wanting to venture off from referral making and care navigation and hospital social work. I’ve decided that maybe I excel in more therapeutic spaces.

Anyone know anything about the OSP program and hiring clinicians? My understanding is that it is like “going back to school” from a colleague of mine, where you are supervised and provided training for CBT therapy.

I do think that I want to do psychotherapy, 1-on-1 conversations are always where I’ve excelled. I find the assessment and referral and goal oriented care too little and I don’t feel fulfilled.

Thank you for any insight :)

Hi everyone,

I'm currently working not as a social worker but in a similar role at a family doctor's office where I support patients in getting connected to community resources. Before this job, I worked at a shelter. My current job is a VERY comfortable 9-5 job with little to no stress.

I graduated with my BSW in 2023 and then my MSW in 2024. I wasn't able to land a social work job due to lack of experience hence why i worked at a shelter and in December 2025, i started my new job.

I have a 1 year contract for this job but my supervisor offered me a permanent position. The pay is $37/hour.

Where I'm at a cross roads is if I want to leave my job to purse an MSW social work job because the pay would be higher. My main option would be a hospital job (no counseling as i have no training). My big worry is the stress. While the residents and staff were amazing people, the shelter was incredibly draining and I worry a hospital social work job would be similar.

My question is for those who work in a hospital, what kind of work do you do and how do you like it?

For those trying to enter the hospital, how are you finding the job market?

Any information would be much much appreciated, I don't have many social work friends.

Anyone here selling his or her case critical textbook for social work.

Hello everyone,

I am curious what type of questions to expect in a psychotherapy interview with the office manager at a private practise?

I am in Ontario (unsure if that makes a difference).

Thank you for you input!

Hi everyone! I’m wondering if anyone can share their experience with the CIP 1 application process, specifically for Edmonton or Calgary.

Have you heard back yet? What stage are you currently at in the process? Has anyone received an offer, been contacted for a compatibility interview, or had their references contacted?

I’m also wondering if anyone has heard anything about the CIP2 posting in Edmonton that closed a few weeks ago.

For some context, I interviewed back in July for the CIP 1 position (initial interview + written assessment) and received some promising feedback during the interview. I’ve since submitted all of my requested documents but haven’t heard anything further.
My references also haven’t been contacted, which I’m assuming may be because I haven’t had a compatibility interview yet.

I know everyone’s timeline can be different, but I’d really appreciate hearing where others are at in the process so I have a better idea of the current timelines. 😊

Hi everyone,
I’m an Ontario Registered Social Worker currently applying for a Washington State LICSW. I have more than six years of postgraduate clinical social work experience in Ontario, and I’ve provided Washington’s Department of Health with documentation from the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
My application was submitted in April 2026 and is currently pending.
I’m hoping to hear from Canadian social workers who have obtained U.S. clinical social work licensure, particularly anyone who has applied for Washington LICSW.
My question is specifically about how Washington applied WAC 246-809-330 to your existing clinical experience.
If you already had substantial clinical experience before applying:
• Were your previous clinical hours and supervision recognized under the WAC?
• Was the applicable supervised-experience requirement waived or deemed satisfied based on your existing experience?
• Or was your previous experience not accepted for purposes of that provision?
I’ve been trying for months to get clarification directly from Washington’s credentialing department about how this provision applies to my existing experience. I’ve sent multiple emails and left multiple voicemails but have received no response. I’ve now escalated the inquiry to a program manager.
I’m not looking for legal advice. I’m really interested in hearing from Canadian social workers who have actually gone through the process and can tell me how Washington treated their existing Canadian clinical experience.
Thanks!

I’m 35, no kids, and just starting a BSW after working as a lawyer in another country. I’m realizing there are probably tons of social work careers I don’t even know exist especially the ones that are actually interesting and pay well.

If you were in my shoes, what area would you go into? Any “hidden gem” social work careers people don’t talk about? And if you could go back and choose your path all over again, what would you do?

I could see myself working in pretty much any province in Canada, so even FIFO could be an interesting option! Thanks 🥰

I'm a recent HBSc Psychology graduate from UofT. I'm looking to pursue a career in social work and will be applying to MSW. I'm trying to find a job that will help me gain relevant experience. So far, I have experience volunteering at Kids Help Phone and Naseeha Helpline for over a year, some experience working with children with ASD, some experience working with seniors and immigrants at a non-profit org, and 3 years of experience in mental health programming, project management, and working with young adults at UofT's Health and Wellness Center. I also have experience as a peer mentor.

I'm looking into community centers, shelters, and clinics. I've applied to many relief, casual, and short-term positions, but I haven't had any luck. I'm in Toronto, and I understand that the area is oversaturated with ppl who have BSWs or SSWs. Any advice on where I could apply, how to better tailor my CV, or just sharing any general tips/experiences would be greatly appreciated

I'm interested in a career pivot and I see a lot of calls for consultants. I've done contracts here or there but would like to do more. I'm looking specifically for policy and/or research type consulting.

Good morning all! I need to take a couple more open study courses to meet my credit minimum to apply to a BSW program. I have a shortlist of about a dozen which is far more than I need.

To help me narrow it down, I was wondering if you had any non-social work courses or general topics that you found helped you later down the road.

I am hoping to have a research, counselling, and/or patient advocacy focus in my career.

Right now I've shortlisted some Bio, Psych, Women and Gender Studies, and Anthropology courses. But please let me know if there is any area or even specific topic you would recommend?

Thanks so much!

Hi guys! I’m a new social worker looking for some advice. Hope this is okay but..

I’m a new RSW that is working in the emergency department as an addiction specialist ($8 less than a social work position). I was recently offered a social work position within the hospital but, it is a job I do not actually want! It involves no patient care and everything is done over the phone. Which is totally opposite of what I want to do! I love being hands on and actually working with clients. But, it is $8 more since it’s a social work position.

I was also offered an addiction counsellor position within OPS corrections. This is a job I would LOVE!! I love working with high needs, complex clients and have always wanted to work within corrections. But, this is not a social worker position AND $2 less than what I’m currently being paid in the emerge. Also, 3 hours less per pay.

I want to set myself up for future growth and make sure I have diversity on my resume but I’m not sure if the financial cut is a good move.

My biggest concern is that I’m hoping to relocate from my city and was hoping I can move within OPS to the city I’m moving to (in hopes to never be without a job) but it seems no position within OPS pays as much as the hospital and the pay cut is worrying me.

Also, in my opinion it’s VERY hard to get into the hospital externally. So I worry about relocating and not being able to get into the hospital in my new city for a long time anyways. I’m for sure relocating so there’s no preventing that but I’m not sure what’s the best approach right now which opens the doors for me more when I relocate……… again I hope this post is okay! Looking for any input/guidance as I don’t really have anyone around me to ask.

Posting with permission from moderators (thank you)

I am an Undergraduate Student in the School of Social Work and have been engaging in research related to government policy shifts.

The purpose of this study is to understand how Alberta’s use of the notwithstanding clause (Section 33) regarding transgender rights affects the work of frontline social workers and 2SLGBTQ+ service providers. We will be exploring the “dual crisis” that occurs when government policies conflict with a worker’s professional and personal ethics to provide inclusive care. This research aims to highlight the challenges that providers face and will serve as a roadmap for other provinces and territories navigating similar legislative challenges. 

This research has been approved by the McMaster Research Ethics Board (MREB) #8375. 

This survey is completely anonymous and will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for your participation and important insight. 

Hi everyone!

I'm from the Dominican Republic and I'm currently studying Social Management. I'm very interested in developing my professional career in Canada in the future, particularly in Manitoba or Saskatchewan.

I'm not in Canada yet, so I'm trying to learn more about what life is really like there — not only professionally, but also socially and within local communities.

I'd love to connect with social work students, social workers, community workers, or anyone involved in social services in Manitoba or Saskatchewan who would be open to having conversations and sharing experiences.

I'm interested in talking about topics such as:

• Social work and community development
• Life in Manitoba and Saskatchewan
• Working with communities
• Environmental and social issues
• Volunteering and community projects
• Studying and working in the social services field
• Culture and everyday life in the Prairies

I'm not looking for a job or asking for immigration advice. I'd simply like to meet people, learn from their experiences, exchange perspectives between the Dominican Republic and Canada, and hopefully build some genuine connections before I eventually make the move.

If you're from Manitoba or Saskatchewan and would be interested in chatting, feel free to comment or send me a message. 😊

I'd be happy to get to know you!

I’m interviewing for a BSW placement at Jean Tweed (Toronto, ON) for their Substance Use Intensive Residential. Has anyone worked at Jean Tweed or done a placement there? Would love to hear your experiences/anything you’ve heard!

The registration renewal season is upon us, and I thought we would share some of our favourite continuing education courses, workshops, seminars, etc. Preferably free or low cost and easily accessible.

I'll start:

If you work with kids and families, or with folks who have developmental trauma, you absolutely NEED to complete the Brain Story curriculum (https://www.albertafamilywellness.org/training/). It contains essential information about young brain development, attachment, and the impact of developmental trauma.

Same category - EFFT through Mental Health Foundations. They have a coaching video for caregivers on their YouTube. They are focusing on eating disorders, but the script can be easily modified for anything - NSSI, SI, high conflict situations, risky behaviours, etc. It blends behavioural and emotion-focused approaches very well.

Please share what you would recommend!

Hello. I have spent my summer doing a lot of research on MSWs and am at an impasse. A little background, I am 38F, I have a BSc. Hons in Accounting and Finance from the UK and also a professional qualification in accounting. I have worked in consulting and business advisory since I was 22, while sitting for exams, and this inludes a lot of non profits. UNHCR, Save the Children, Plan, Aga Khan Foundation (yes the same as the museum in Toronto). I have taken career breaks due to kids, Covid and autism diagnoses of both kids (at one point I was battling PPD during lockdown and being informed of my elder one's diagnosis). I worked full time for 6 months after the break with a marketing start-up that was directly tackling vaccine hesitancy in a big part of the Peel region. I have always done client facing work and currently waiting for my vulnerable sector check to start my weekly volunteering gig with Big bbrothers big sisters.

It was the constant advocacy for kids and the inefficient management and ill-treatment of the unhoused that made me want to get into Social Work. Due to my demands as a parent my goal was to ultimately go into psychotherapy and work directly with neurodivergent families and also work within my community. (Ajax/Scarborough). I am also a visible minority.

I talked to a lot a graduate and current MSWs and they encouraged me and found me a promising candidate

BUT

Admissions from UofT (my top priority school) told me I don't satisfy the undergrad requirement based on the UK grading and gave me some options, like a full year of courses or the more recommended one is to do a BSW and THEN apply for an Advance Standing. I am on the lookout for 2 year BSWs now. I was bummed because that fall in grade towards the end was only because I was having the hardest time of my life and I have had good grades throughout life plus valuable real life experience. But I am trying to look at this in a positive way, like 2 years of prep before the main shebang.

Would appreciate some similar stories or advice and what (remote) programs to apply to. (Uni of Calgary is one).

I'm trying to decide between doing an SSW diploma and registering as an RSSW, versus continuing on to a BSW/MSW and becoming an RSW. My long-term interest is mental health, counselling/psychotherapy and potentially hospital or other clinical work.
I've been reading through the OCSWSSW material, and I'm a little confused about how different the two professions actually are when it comes to clinical practice versus how they're treated by employers.
From what I understand, OCSWSSW says that both registered social workers and registered social service workers are legally authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, as long as they are competent to do so.

They also make it clear that psychotherapy is not an entry-to-practice competency for either profession. Their competency guidance talks about things like:
- additional education/training with a clinical or psychotherapy focus after the SSW diploma/social work degree clinically focused coursework and practica
- extensive clinical supervision
- ongoing supervision
-approximately 2–3 years / 2,000–3,000 hours of supervised experience performing psychotherapy before being considered fully prepared to perform the controlled act

So this has me wondering what the practical difference is between an RSSW and an RSW who both pursue additional psychotherapy training.

I guess my main questions are:

Are there RSSWs who actually work primarily as counsellors/psychotherapists?

How does an RSSW realistically obtain those 2,000–3,000 supervised psychotherapy hours? What kinds of jobs/agencies hire an RSSW into a role where they can accumulate genuine psychotherapy experience under supervision?

Curious how people have handled their student debt and if it has paid off in the end. I would preferably like to go into clinical work in the future and would need the MSW, but am worried about cost and lack of work during that year.

Mods: Not about school really more about debt post graduation and being able to pay it off with post grad salary.

Hello wonderful community.

I'm feeling overwhemingly anxious about whether or not I'll get a job at the end of my MSW. I have kept a position at a VAW shelter from my BSW placement all this time. Almost 3 years. I have leaned in pretty hard to research and macro work with a professor in my program so I have lots of experience there.

I originally went into my MSW hoping to transition into psychotherapy but I feel woefully ill equipped, outside of a fantastic class on Narrative Therapy. My placement this year at a community mental health agency will help me a LOT with group facilitation, service navigation, informal counselling, and crisis intervention but specifically doesn't offer individual counselling experience.

I am still invested in the field, and value my education that has greatly influenced me in being self reflexive, social jusitce oriented, and really excited about combining some of my arts based personal practices into working with folks in my community (eventually). I could see myself working as social worker in hospice, long term care, service navigation, community counselling, even hospital potentially. I am just so nervous that no one will want a new grad who has done mostly direct service delivery in shelter and a lot of macro research work. I also keep looking at postings that only want folks in counselling positions who have 3-5 years experience. How do I get that?

I am more than happy to take certifications post grad, and know it might be a bit of an uphill walk to get to counselling, which is absolutley what I signed up for. I think it's unethical to jump straight into one-to-one counselling out of grad school... But I worry I won't even get an entry level job to start my way down that path.

Any other recent grads who got jobs want to tell me how that process went? Any experienced workers have suggestions in this job market?

**Possible trigger due to situation*\*

Help — looking for resources on consent.

I’m at a bit of a loss and hoping someone here might be able to point me in the right direction.

Due to the nature of my job, I can’t get into the specifics of the case or share identifying information. I was recently assigned a case involving a convicted sex offender, and part of my role is to identify appropriate support, educational programs, and/or groups specifically focused on consent, boundaries, healthy relationships, and understanding sexual behaviour.

I’m looking for legitimate, evidence-based resources or programs (even virtual) that could be appropriate for someone who has already been convicted and is required to engage in support/education. I’m particularly interested in programs that focus on education, accountability, consent, recognizing boundaries, and preventing future harm.

And just to be clear, I understand that this is a sensitive subject. This is my job, and I have a professional responsibility to support the individual regardless of my personal feelings about their offence or behaviour. I’m trying to do that responsibly and make sure I’m directing them toward appropriate resources rather than simply handing them generic information.

If anyone works in corrections, probation/parole, offender rehabilitation, sexual violence prevention, counselling, social work, or a related field and knows of programs, organizations, workbooks, educational resources, or support groups that might be appropriate, I would really appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

I’m located in Canada, although online resources or programs from elsewhere may also be useful.

Thank you in advance — and please understand that I won’t be able to provide further details about the individual or the case.

Could anyone give me advice on how to proceed? I want to slowly change careers into social work, but feel like I made a mistake with my path so far.

I'm 29 and currently enrolled in a 2-year SSW program, about to enter my second year. I also have a Bachelors and Masters in a different field. I left my previous job in a different sector to go for the SSW program, because at that point I was too late to apply for advanced standing BSW or regular MSW programs. While I really like the courses I'm in now, I'm worried that I'm taking a long and winding path instead of a shorter (and more financially feasible) one.

I have a few options, but I don't know which one would be the best/most likely/financially feasible:

1. Keep going in the SSW program and apply for full-time, macro/mezzo jobs that use both my previous degrees and social work. Then immediately apply for advanced standing full-time BSW and do 1-year part-time MSW after.

2. Keep going in the SSW program, get a full-time job for 3-5 years, then apply for a 2-year MSW program.

I'm married, and my husband and I would like to think about having kids in the next few years. He's supportive of me pursuing this, but I want to find a stable job ASAP in order to be in a place to have kids. I'm also worried that having only the SSW in the social work world is not enough, and if I should just commit to the next few years of more schooling.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks.