Social Work

Overview

A degree in Social Work from Vancouver Island University  gives you the professional skills to develop interventions to solve social and personal problems. Social workers create social change by working with people as the individual, family, group, community, organization and societal levels to enhance health and overall well-being. 

Social workers can find fulfilling careers in child welfare agencies, departments of health and human services, hospitals, community mental health agencies, substance abuse and medical clinics and elder care facilities.

The purpose of the Bachelor of Social Work degree program at Vancouver Island University is to provide education in generalist anti-oppressive social work practice. 

The learning outcomes of the program include the capacity to do the following:  

• demonstrate effective social work communication skills within an empowerment approach at the individual, group, and community level.

• demonstrate professional ethical standards and values at the individual, team, and organizational level.

• critically reflect on own ideas, behaviours, and practices. 

• identify and address mechanisms of oppression, privilege, resistance, and social change. 

Career Opportunities

Social workers obtain employment in social, educational and health organizations as well as private practice. Social workers assist individuals, families, groups and communities through their work in hospitals, community-based organizations, child welfare agencies, school districts, agencies serving Aboriginal people and human rights agencies that promote the interests of those experiencing inequality in our communities.