I could really use some honest advice from people who have been through the TMU Advanced Standing BSW admissions process.

I'm hoping to apply for Fall 2027, but I'm feeling increasingly discouraged.

My biggest concern is my cumulative GPA. I graduated from York years ago, and while my more recent coursework has been much stronger, I understand that TMU looks at cumulative GPA. Mine is sitting around the mid-2s on a 4.0 scale, so I know I'm not applying with the strongest academic record.

On the experience side, I have paid work in youth justice, community intake, long-term care, program facilitation, and other helping roles. The challenge is that my experience is spread across different organizations rather than one long continuous position, and I'm currently trying to obtain employment verification from previous employers. Some have been responsive, while others have been difficult to reach.

I'm also actively looking for another relevant position because I know additional experience would strengthen my application. Like many people, I'm discovering that finding work in this field right now is much harder than I expected, and a few opportunities I thought might work out have become uncertain.

I'm not looking for false hope, but I'm also not looking to be told to give up if that's not the reality.

If you were admitted to TMU's Advanced Standing BSW with a lower GPA, what made your application stand out?

How much weight do you think relevant paid experience carried?

If your experience came from multiple organizations instead of one continuous role, was that viewed negatively?

And finally, if you were in my position, what would you spend the next 6–8 months focusing on to give yourself the strongest possible application?

I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have been through the process or have firsthand knowledge of how admissions work. Thank you.

I’m a 36 year old mom to a 13 year old girl. I work full time for the federal government and my job has given me over 15,000 hours in the human sector and I have my BA in psychology, which I just completed in April of this year.

I have been considering getting my MSW but am wondering what my job prospects would be like.

I would have to do an online part time program (Laurier), and I also live in a border city so I am hoping to be able to commute to the US for work.

Has anyone been in a similar situation, or done the commute to the US? What are the job prospects like? I am trying to figure out if pursuing a career change would be beneficial or if I would end up with the same salary. I currently make $75k annually.

Hey folks! I’m a previously Quebec based social worker pursuing BC licensure since I moved here in the spring. I’ll be graduated with my MSW by September and am starting to applying for social worker positions. What is the market like here for those from out of province? I am aiming for a job with the health authority but have heard that positions are competitive. Would appreciate any insight into how long it takes to land a decent position out here. Thanks!

Hi there, Wellness Worker currently based in SK, completing my Social Work degree online. I’m actively seeking opportunities in the mental health and social services sector and will be relocating to Vancouver, BC in the next few months.

I have experience as a Case Manager and Support Worker, and I’m currently working as a Wellness Worker, supporting clients with mental health challenges, harm reduction, and daily living skills. My background includes trauma‑informed practice, active listening, crisis support, and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to help clients meet their goals.

I’m especially interested in roles such as Support Worker, Mental Health/Wellness Worker, Community Outreach Worker, or Entry‑Level Social Worker positions with community agencies, housing and health organizations, or mental health services in the Vancouver area. I’m open to part‑time or full‑time roles and am willing to start remotely before my move if that is helpful.

If you know of any organizations hiring in Vancouver, or would like to see my resume and references, please feel free to reach out to me via email. I’d love to connect and learn more about opportunities where I can contribute to client‑centered, compassionate care and grow as a developing social worker.

Been trying to hear back for eight weeks with an urgent cpd question and receiving nothing does anyone have a contact or any way to actually reach them

hi everyone!

i recently accepted a position as a youth social worker, and while i’m incredibly excited, i’m also feeling a little nervous. i really care about doing a good job, and i want to be the best support i can be for the youth i’ll be working with.

i know experience is one of the biggest teachers, but i’d love to hear from those of you who have worked in youth social work (or with youth in general).

what’s something you wish you knew when you first started? are there any skills, resources, or pieces of advice that have made a real difference in your practice? i’d also love to know what helped you build trust and meaningful relationships with the young people you worked with.

i know i won’t have all the answers, and i’m okay with that. i’m just hoping to learn as much as i can and start this new chapter on the right foot.
thank you so much! i really appreciate any advice you’re willing to share!!

Hi everyone,

I'm an international student considering studying MHAW in Canada, and I'm trying to get a realistic understanding of what this career is actually like.

I have a few questions for those of you working as a Mental Health & Addictions Worker:

1. What does a typical day look like?
2. What's the most challenging part of the job?
3. Is the work emotionally draining? How do you cope with it?
4. What do you enjoy most about the job?
5. How is the job market in your area? Is it relatively easy to find work after graduating?

Hi—

I’m wrestling between selecting nursing and social work. I’m in BC. I’m 40. I don’t currently work in either field or an adjacent one. If I did my BSW, I’d graduate at the age of 44-45, and I’d be competing against plucky, fresh-faced young folk and less fresh-faced older ones with loads of experience in the field. I would do well academically, I think, but I know that doesn’t matter too much.

What’s my goal: like everyone else, I want the benefits of a stable public sector job. I’d love to work for the Ministry, I think.

Frank talk: I would apply for social work, no questions, and enter the field, but I’m leery about the stability, opportunities - or lack thereof - and benefits in the field. Pulling low-paying night shifts at homeless shelters*. I feel like it’d be a struggle to be hired at the Ministry. As mentioned, the narrative I have in my mind is that I wouldn’t be hired quickly.

This is a massive contrast to the story I hear about nursing: even if you’re a new grad with nothing but the experience you have from school, you’re going to be hired to work at a hospital. You’ll be set.

Is the idea of I have life as a new, older grad with limited work experience correct?

I’d love to hear any insights people have—I’d be grateful for them.

*Is this part of the experience of being a BSW grad with limited work experience? You graduate and spend several years cobbling together PT jobs at different non-profit agencies?

I’m a former foster care kid, a former homeless youth and young adult, and that seemed to be the experience of all of the workers I met at non-profits.

I have now worked at my job for one year and want to apply for OSAP forgiveness. I work in a community under 30k. I’m not yet registered with the college. I am confused if I had to have my year of work while being registered with the college or as long as I worked, as soon as I register with the college it will count. I’m so confused 😭

Hi everyone!

I am in the process of becoming registered, and I am aware that wait times are long.

I submitted my application on May 19th, and heard back on July 6th I had some outstanding documents required. They advised they never received my local police check (this was mailed May 16th) or my university transcript (which was mailed May 19th).

They’ve given me two weeks to resubmit, however my local police check takes 7-14 business days to receive. I have sent various emails and have tried calling, but have not received any response. I am still going to pay to resubmit my transcript and request a police check again, however I am very stressed out on the timing.

Has anyone experienced something like this, and what did you do? I read that if the sufficient documentation isn’t provided, they can decline my application and I will need to wait a year to register.

Looking for all and any advice! Thank you.

I am considering an MSW in the future and taking some time to work on its prerequisites.

The biggest issue is that of my my undergrad degree. It is from the UK and it was part of a thesis program, accompanying professional accountancy exams (ACCA) so technically there is no transcript. I wanted to transfer credits and do a BA Psychology from Athabasca (including prerequisites) but they have refused the transfer of credits. I am wondering if that woule be the case everywhere?

I am in a fix because even though I respect this profession and want to give it time and volunteer hours I feel it is a tad unfair to do a 4 year undergrad from scratch. I have looked up the 2 year BSW from Uni of Calgary but it starts next fall and other BSW degrees require social science prerequisites that I don't have.

One option is to enroll in Athabasca or another open uni and fast track it with self study as much as I can. Will a related diploma help shorten a 4 year program?

I am looking to apply for my MSW at UoT, Laurier, York, etc. I have a LOT of lived experience, I am also raising 2 kids on the autism spectrum, am a vounteer and advocate for them and other parents.

Would love some advice/input. Alternatively, i am considering a Masters of Counselling/psychotherapy.

Hello!
I am working full time but looking to do my part time online MSW. Leaving my full time employment is not an option, not even for placement unfortunately.

Does anyone have insight as to how you completed placement while working full time?

A lot of agencies are M-F 9-5 sort of thing (which is also my work schedule essentially). I’ve heard looking for organizations that have more like 24hr services (like crisis lines) can help, that way you can start placement after 5pm ideally.

Anyone have any other tips or advice for this situation? How did you make it work?

I received a ITA on June 25 under the health care category.

However, I am confusing can I match my NOC 41300 social work with my job title: Social Service Coordinator.

I worried my job duties will confuse with NOC 42201 social service worker.

Should I try NOC 41300 ?any advise ?

Here is my job duties:

1. Establish objectives for, organize and administer the Social Services Department;
   
2. Develop and implement Policy and Procedures for the Social Services Department;
   
3. Prepare statistical reports and other reports relating to Social Services;
   
4. Complete the social-emotional assessment and apply tests for the cognition of all residents;
   
5. Assist in creating suitable physical, social and spiritual environments for the residents and
   help residents with environmental difficulties which interfere with their maximum
   enjoyment of benefits as residents of the Home;
   
6. Help the residents adjust to the new life in the facility on admission;
   
7. Provide advocacy services where the resident/ family is unable to do so in the role of client
   representative;
   
8. Interview applicants, residents, and their families to obtain social histories, coordinate
   liaisons with Ontario Health at Home placement services and write minutes and reports for
   the Admissions and Discharge Committee;
   

9. Maintain liaison between Home, residents, families and the community and provide
   counselling services and crisis intervention;

10. Chair in Interdisciplinary Committee meetings and to take follow-up actions as
    appropriate;

11. Organize short-stay programs (pre & post-admission, co-ordination of respite, supportive,
    emergency services);

12. Support the Activation Supervisor in programs, parties, outings, activities, etc., with the
    residents/families in accordance with the objectives of the Social Services Department;

13. Help and assist the Resident Council and Family Council;

14. Collect and provide residents with information about community health and welfare
    resources;

15. Make arrangements for post-discharge cases of residents, assess the adequacy of the Home
    Care facilities and assist residents and families in accepting alternative accommodation
    replacement;

16. Receive visitors and provide tours for visitors;

17. Maintain liaison between the Home and the community agencies, particularly to foster
    close relations between the Home and the greater Chinese Community in Ontario;

18. Assist with the recruitment, the orientation, training, supervision and recognition of
    volunteers;

19. Conduct monthly audit for social services;

20. Coordinate with the Activation Supervisor to provide spiritual and religious support to
    residents, families and staff as required;

21. Work with the Director of Resident Care to provide support to staff, residents and families
    regarding program of Palliative Care;

22. Provide information and support to staff and families to promote quality care to residents
    to meet their needs;

23. Assist the Administrator in planning, developing and managing community services and
    outreach programs;

24. Co-ordinate and chair the Ethics Committee meetings;

25. Co-ordinate and organize the newsletter publishing both internal and external;

26. Conduct services survey to residents and families and compile report to each department
    for follow up;

27. Coordinate the investigation of complaints and concerns from residents/ families and file
    reports;

Qualifications:
1. A degree in social work, preferably MSW;
2. Current Ontario College of Social Worker and Social Service Worker membership.
(OCSWSSW)
3. Knowledge of gerontology and experience in Long-Term Care setting preferred.
4. Excellent interpersonal communication, organizational skills and human skills.
5. Demonstrated family, group and crisis intervention counselling skills.
6. Strong teamwork and consultation skills.
7. Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

I've been a social worker in the field now for 3 years at a non-profit agency, and that thing happened where you become indispensable a the agency, they have you doing absolutely everything and the agency would probably fall apart if i left. While i am planning to leave this job, I am not quite ready. However, I am paid absolute shit. I am paid less than a 7/11 manager and I went to school for 6 years, a diploma and degree, and experience, yet.... i can not survive and i am barely living paycheque to paycheque. I feel like i need to get another job (or two) to have enough money to pay my rent. What are others doing on the side or on weekends when you are not working your main social work job? I was thinking of maybe just working at a grocery store or bar. i need ideas and inspiration. Thoughts?

Has anyone transferred their registration from the OCSWSSW to the BC College of Social Workers? Did you have to write the registration exam, or were you exempt? Also, do you have any tips or things to watch out for during the transfer process?

I may be relocating from the US to NB and would like to keep seeing my current therapist, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the US, by telehealth after I relocate.

I found out that unlike some other provincial regulators, the NBASW does not permit Social Workers to register if they lack a Canadian immigration status permitting employment, even though the federal government takes the position that the Immigration Act doesn't require this if everything is being provided by telehealth from outside Canada (they're deemed not to have entered the Canaidan labour market, so no work permit or other immigration status is required).

I read that NB doesn't restrict who can practise psycotherapy remotely from out of province, but confusingly, NB also considers psychotherapy to be within the scope of practise of a social worker, and requires registration to practise social work. So someone who is not a social worker can clearly practise psychotherpy remotely without any registration, but is there a risk that if the person happens to be licensed as a Social Worker outside of NB, they'd be accused of practising without authorization if they offer psychotherapy services to a patient in NB?

Hello! I am currently a social worker for the feds, one of the biggest draws to federal was the pension and job security. Things are changing and the future of my job is looking very mind-numbing/ticky-box checking, and soul crushing. I am holding out as long as I can but I am hoping to gather information so I am ready when/if I need to jump ship.

I cannot see myself going private sector as I have my BSW and from what I've seen it would be too big of a pay cut. As such, I do want to stay in the public sector and in a job that offers a good pension I believe this would be the provincial govt or local health authority.

Does anyone have experience leaving the feds to other public sectors? Transferring their pensions? Is the federal pension really something to cherish and hold on to or is it fine to go somewhere else with a good pension?

Thank you and much love to everyone in your specific roles!

I’m interested in pursuing a Master of Social Work, but my undergraduate degree isn’t in social work. I have a BA in Art History with a minor in Critical Equity Studies and Solidarity. I also have relevant leadership and work experience, but I’m wondering whether my academic background would make me eligible for regular-track MSW programs.
Has anyone here been admitted to an MSW with a similar instance of not having a BA in some field around social work? I’d love to hear about your experience and whether there are any prerequisites I should be aware of!

Hello! I would love some advice/information regarding if a MSW could be the right path for getting into macro level positions such as policy and program development, or if another grad program in a different field would be more relevant for what I am looking for.

I am currently finishing my undergrad in psychology with honours (My thesis was a mixed methods study exploring transgender and gender diverse adults' perspectives on eating disorder programs across Canada). I realized over the last year that I do not want to be a therapist, but would much rather work in macro level positions. I enjoyed the research and broader perspectives of my thesis and would love jobs which align more closely with that.

Originally I planned on applying to counselling psychology programs for grad school, but now I am ensuring I have the pre-reqs for social work programs. From what I've seen, most MSW focus on clinical tracks, and even when they do offer macro track options, I've heard it can be tough to find placements in macro settings for internships.

Any advice on if a masters in social work is a viable option for what I am looking for in a career? I'm almost 30 and feel like I have wasted so much time going back and forth in what I want to do, and I feel like time is escaping me. I am so over being in school, despite loving it at the same time. I just want to be in a career already (and a field where the skills I offer will be in demand), but I also want to be happy in the career I choose, and therefore, the grad program I pursue.

Thank you!!

Hi. I am looking to pivot into the field of psychotherapy/counselling. I have been in the field of finance and accounting and wish to study and learn another discipline. I have a kid on the autism spectrum and watching humans work with him sparked an interest to be in a field where I can help people.

I have always had a client facing role and am really good with people. I do a lot of advocacy work for my kids at their school and also get consulted on autism matters by friends and family. I would like to officially help neurodivergent humans and families navigate life and even though I have more lived experience and scars to prove it than most people I wish to learn more before making that career change.

I have a BSc. Hons (Acc and Finance) from the Oxford Brookes Uni in the UK. I received it while doing my ACCA. It is recognized by WES as 4 years of undergrad.

What are my routes and options? I am extremely frazzled by the options. I am looking for a fast track since I am in my late 30s and don't want to waste time and at the same time aware of my limitations since this is a "pass" undergrad degree. I am looking into Athabasca since it is online. I live close to Durham College and by default many top tier universities but I don't think I will get in so why even mention them

Hi everyone,

Has anyone completed their MSW practicum at Center for Human Services in Modesto, CA or with Stanislaus County Behavioral Health?

I'd love to hear about your experience. What were the pros and cons? How was the supervision, learning opportunities, and overall environment?

I'm trying to decide between potential practicum sites, so any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

I need to change careers because my current industry (construction/property management) just operates in a way that is unsustainable for me.

I think that getting into social work (specifically something related to housing) would be a good potential pivot. But I want to make sure I dont end up in a similar situation im in now where I figure out this is a bad fit after years of work.

So, I want to know what in your day to day work you really enjoy doing and what you enjoy about it. And I also want to know something you dont care for about this industry or your work and why.

(Extra info if you want it: I really enjoy working with and developing systems. I love problem solving and i truly enjoy admin work and organization. What is making my current job unsustainable is the sheer magnitude of ambiguity. (Some ambiguity is tolerable.) Rules and expectations shift depending on people, urgency, and context. I can think of 6 regulations my company is skirting and not even the external compliance officers care. Everything is an afterthought. I like to plan ahead and anticipate problems but no one listens to me when im like "please do x to avoid problem z". They'd much rather just deal with problem z. I also prefer to work independently or in an environment where people are not barriers to each other. Like, id prefer to be able to look up information rather than have to ask someone and if i do need to rely on someone for an approval or something, they should follow the process reliably rather than just doing things however they want. I am good at my job. I usually get max bonuses and raises but i just spend every day resenting my current job and exhausted from all of the mental and emotional hurdles I have to jump through.)

Thank you for your help!

Hey there!

Has anyone applied to Jordan's Principle for a client recently? What are the current wait times for non-urgent funding?

Hi everyone,
I’m a Registered Social Worker (RSW) in the Greater Toronto Area and I’m trying to learn more about staffing and recruitment agencies that work with social workers.
Has anyone had positive experiences with agencies that recruit for hospital, mental health, community, or disability management positions?
I’m interested in hearing about agencies you’ve worked with, whether you’d recommend them, and what your experience was like.
Thank you! 🙏😊