June 25, 2025 | British Columbia

If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion for helping others into a career, you may have wondered: what does a social service worker do? The title might sound broad, and it is, but the work is deeply focused, compassionate, and essential to the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. In this blog, we’ll explore the day-to-day responsibilities of a social service worker, the populations they serve, the settings they work in, and how you can prepare for this career through CDI College’s Social Services Worker – Professional Diploma program in British Columbia. 

Understanding the Role 

Social service workers are frontline professionals who support people through life’s most challenging circumstances. They don’t just provide services they build relationships, offer resources, create action plans, and advocate for meaningful change. Whether working with a homeless youth, a recovering addict, a struggling family, or a newcomer navigating the Canadian system, a social service worker’s primary goal is to empower clients and facilitate access to support. 

What Does a Social Service Worker Do? 

Social service workers wear many hats. Some of the most common duties include: 
 

• Conducting client interviews and intakes to assess needs, risks, and backgrounds 
• Creating personalized support plans for clients dealing with issues like poverty, addiction, or mental health 
• Coordinating referrals to housing programs, food banks, medical care, addiction recovery, legal aid, and more 
• Providing crisis intervention, especially in domestic violence, suicidal ideation, or youth homelessness cases 
• Facilitating group sessions focused on life skills, recovery, self-esteem, or parenting 
• Documenting and maintaining case files, reports, and client updates 
• Monitoring client progress and adjusting action plans accordingly 
• Advocating for access to services or benefits, especially for marginalized communities 
• Collaborating with other professionals (e.g., counsellors, teachers, healthcare providers) 
   

CDI College prepares students for all of these through hands-on practicum placements and real-world skill-building. 

Who Do They Help? 

Social service workers support a broad spectrum of clients. Some of the key populations include: 
 

• Youth at risk: Dealing with abuse, neglect, homelessness, or legal issues 
• People in recovery: Managing substance use disorders or coming out of treatment 
• Indigenous communities: Navigating complex cultural and systemic barriers 
• Families in crisis: Facing domestic violence, separation, or poverty 
• Newcomers and refugees: Adjusting to life in Canada and seeking services 
• People with mental health issues: Accessing diagnosis, care, and community integration 
• Elderly individuals: Coping with isolation, illness, or housing challenges 
   

Each client group requires a unique approach—which is why CDI’s Social Services Worker – Professional Diploma includes training in cultural sensitivity, ethics, psychology, and mental health. 

Where Do They Work? 

The versatility of this role means social service workers can be found in a variety of settings: 
 

• Community Mental Health Centres 
• Family and Youth Agencies 
• Addiction Rehabilitation Programs 
• Group Homes and Shelters 
• Indigenous Support Organizations 
• Correctional Facilities 
• Schools and After-School Programs 
• Non-profit and Government Agencies 
   

The Social Services Worker – Professional program at CDI College ensures students gain practicum experience in these real-world environments before graduation. 

Skills That Make a Difference 

While technical knowledge is important, social service work is deeply human. The most effective professionals are: 
 

• Empathetic: Able to understand and feel for what clients are experiencing 
• Patient: Willing to meet people where they are, without judgment 
• Organized: Managing multiple cases and maintaining thorough documentation 
• Assertive: Advocating for clients who may not be heard otherwise 
• Adaptable: Thriving in dynamic, high-pressure, and sometimes emotional environments 
   

The Social Services Worker – Professional program at CDI College supports students in developing these core competencies through simulation, case-based learning, and group discussions. 

Certifications That Set You Apart 

Social service workers are expected to be prepared for real-life emergencies. That’s why CDI College includes a suite of certifications within the program:  
 

• Standard First Aid & CPR  
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)  
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)  
• WHMIS for Employees  
• FoodSafe Level I 
   

These additional credentials demonstrate your readiness to handle a variety of situations safely and professionally. 

Practicum Experience: Learning by Doing 

CDI College stands out for its commitment to real-world training. The Social Services Worker – Professional Diploma includes two practicum placements: 
 

1. Recovery Worker Practicum (130 hours) 

• Work with individuals in addiction recovery or transitional housing 
• Apply techniques learned in courses on pharmacology, relapse prevention, and intake 
   

2. Youth Worker Practicum (130 hours) 

• Support youth facing homelessness, legal challenges, or social exclusion 
• Apply advocacy and youth justice knowledge in a field setting 
   

These experiences give students a competitive edge in the job market by the time they graduate. 

The Bigger Picture: Why Their Work Matters 

Social service workers are an invisible lifeline for many people. Their efforts:  
 

• Reduce homelessness and addiction  
• Prevent youth from entering the justice system  
• Help families stay together  
• Provide emotional and practical support during crises  
• Create stronger, healthier communities 

 
If you want a job that feels purposeful, this career offers you the opportunity to be the person who changes someone’s life. 

Ready to Make an Impact? 

So, what does a social service worker do? They listen. They act. They empower. They advocate for. They make the kind of difference that ripples across families, generations, and entire communities. If that speaks to you, CDI College’s Social Services Worker – Professional Diploma is the perfect way to get started. With hands-on training, real practicum experience, multiple industry certifications, and expert instructors, it prepares you for success from day one.