nashe_31 said:
Dear Hariaali,
Welcome to the thread,
There are different opinion about applying as a SW without having a SW degree,
Some say Degree in SW is necessary for Applying as a SW.
Some say Degree in Social Sciences will do, for applying as SW.
Others say, one should have at least 01 year experience as a Social worker, to qualify under this category.
As far as I am concerned, I think u have a solid background coz u are working in an NGO supporting people affected by Cancer, and u also have a degree in biological Sciences that supports ur job and ur job justifies ur education. Other members are welcome for their comments.
Doctors, physiologists & psychologists also don't have the back ground in SW studies, yet they can work as Social workers.
I also request u to send a personal message to our forum member “Darwaish”, he did his masters in International affairs and got his application in process. He is now waiting for the Medical Request.
SW is a regulated occupation in Canada, even in Ontario, and all other provinces, except, Yukon & Nunavut. You will have to get ur credentials evaluated to work as a SW in these provinces... U can do it, once u are very near getting ur PR.
Right now what u are supposed to do is, to make ur mind, and if u r sure to apply, apply atonce,
U are welcome for any further query!
Cheers,
Nashe
To add to what Nashe has said, whether a social work degree is a prerequisite for FSW under NOC 4152 is a contentious issue. I have made some observations:
1. Bearing in mind that they are going to scrutinize your job duties, should be a plus for you as you seem to have a sound background in the human services.
2. I have come across social work posts (especially those in mental health) which do also ask for degree in psychology and other social sciences. Take eg the ad from one of my job alerts:
http://www.charityvillage.com/cvnet/viewlisting.aspx?id=233056&eng=True&fs=True&fa=False
‘ Social Worker
St. Leonard's Community Services is currently seeking a Social Worker for the Reintegration Program. You will report directly to the Director, Mental Health and play an integral part of the case management and reintegration for all of the crisis clients and community referred clients in the criminal justice sector with mental health issues. As a team member in the Reintegration Program, you will be responsible to develop individualized support plans for clients that you work to implement while supporting their reintegration into the community. You will be responsible to network and develop partners to promote the program service delivery. You will be responsible for assessing risk and clinical suitability for clients that are at EMDC, Adult Therapeutic Court and other community locations. Your role will include community based care management in the Reintegration Program for very complex, and challenging clients. You will liaise with other community partners and team members to provide consultation for challenging clients with an expertise in high risk mental health clients. You will be expected to represent SLCS in the community and liaise with ministry, court and police officials.
You will be able to work with staff and clients from diverse populations; contribute to program development; provide education support and supervision to other staff. You will support a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all the applicable and regulatory requirements. This position is located at Head Office and you will be expected to travel between the residential facilities and to community locations.
Required Qualifications:
• Minimum university or college 2- 5 yrs relevant experience in Corrections and Mental Health
• CPR/First Aid/AED – current
• Crisis Intervention and Prevention
• Mediation/Conflict Resolution
• Security Clearance
• Valid Driver's License
• must own a safe and reliable vehicle
Please forward your resume in confidence by email to dlegg @ slcs.ca or mail to Donna Legg, Director Corporate Services, St. Leonard's Community Services, London & Region 405 Dundas Street, London, Ontario N6B 1V9. The closing date for this posting is June 8th, 2011'.
I think it is 50:50 and only CIO can determine whether qualification in social work is a prerequisite for application under this NOC. You can give it shot by adding a letter indicating that even though you have no social work degree, you have qualification and experience in human service, which is enough to make you economically establish yourself and integrate you into the Canadian community (something to that effect). So really, you've had it both ways: either you go with what u already have or tally in doubt. Hope this long narrative has helped somehow
!
