• Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, to assess their situation and problems and determine the types of services required
• Provide counsel and therapy to assist clients in developing skills to deal with and resolve their social and personal problems
• Plan programs of assistance for clients including referral to agencies that provide financial assistance, legal aid, housing, medical treatment and other services
• Investigate cases of child abuse or neglect and take authorized protective action when necessary
• Serve as members on interdisciplinary teams of professionals working with client groups
• Act as advocates for client groups in the community, lobby for solutions to problems directly affecting client groups and develop prevention and intervention programs to meet community needs
• Develop or advise on social policy legislation, conduct social research and assist in community development
• Provide mediation services and psychosocial assessments
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling and social programs
• May provide public education and consultation to professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods
• May supervise other social workers.
• Social workers may specialize in fields of practice such as child welfare, family services, corrections, gerontology or addictions.