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Community and Social Service Workers  (NOC 4212)
Windsor-Sarnia Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Community and social service workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and assist clients to deal with personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments.

Aboriginal outreach worker, addictions worker, behavioural aide, child and youth worker, community development worker, community service worker, crisis intervention worker, developmental service worker, drop-in centre worker, family service worker, financial assistance worker, group home worker, income maintenance officer – social services, life skills instructor, mental health worker, rehabilitation worker – social services, social services worker, veteran services officer, welfare and compensation officer, women's shelter supervisor, youth worker.

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Community and social service workers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Interview clients to obtain case history and background information
  • Assess clients' relevant skill strengths and deficits
  • Assist clients to sort out options and develop plans of action while providing necessary support and assistance
  • Assist clients in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical and financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, assistance with moves, day care and other referral services
  • Prepare intake reports
  • Counsel clients living in group homes and half-way houses, supervise their activities and assist in pre-release and release planning
  • Participate in the selection and admission of clients to appropriate programs
  • Assess and investigate eligibility for social benefits
  • Meet with clients to assess their progress, give support and discuss any difficulties or problems
  • Refer clients to other social services
  • Advise and aid recipients of social assistance and pensions
  • Provide crisis intervention and emergency shelter services
  • Implement and organize the delivery of specific services within the community
  • Implement life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, behaviour management programs, youth services programs and other community and social service programs under the supervision of social services or health care professionals
  • Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment programs by tracking clients' behavioural changes and responses to interventions
  • Maintain contact with other social service agencies and health care providers involved with clients to provide information and obtain feedback on clients' overall progress
  • Co-ordinate the volunteer activities of human service agencies, health care facilities and arts and sports organizations
  • Maintain program statistics for purposes of evaluation and research.
  • May supervise social service support workers and volunteers.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Chatham, Windsor, Sarnia, Amherstburg, Belle River, Forest, Kingsville, Lakeshore, Leamington, Petrolia, St. Clair Beach, Tecumseh, Blenheim, Dresden, Ridgetown, Stoney Point, Tilbury, Wallaceburg

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Community and Social Service Workers in Windsor-Sarnia Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Community and Social Service Workers in Windsor-Sarnia Region as well as in the rest of the Ontario.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Windsor-Sarnia Region Good 2012-03-28

In the Windsor-Sarnia region the outlook for community and social service workers is expected to be good in 2012-2013. According to the 2006 census, there were close to 2,200 community and social service workers in this area.

In Ontario, the outlook for community and social service workers is expected to be good for the period 2012-2013. It is a large, young occupation, with many opportunities occurring as workers leave for other jobs or advancement. According to the 2006 census, there were over 39,000 community and social service workers in the Ontario labour force with an average age of 38, compared to 40 for all occupations. Some job openings will be part-time or temporary in nature.

Demand in this occupation is mostly dependent on government funding. Employment growth has been fairly strong over the last several years, as health and social services budgets have increased to meet the changing needs of a growing, aging population. Some opportunities have occurred with a shift in the delivery of services to a more community-based model. Prospects could moderate with tighter government spending expected over the next few years. Positions within voluntary organizations are vulnerable to declines in charitable giving. Growth areas have included mental health services, early childhood services, services to the elderly, and community-based outreach services.

Employment prospects will be better for individuals with post-secondary education, and previous work experience in social service work or as a volunteer.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Ontario and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.