Working in community services is a true calling. The people we meet who are inspired to follow this path are deeply motivated to make a positive difference in their communities.

It's not just about getting a job, or earning a regular paycheck—it's about finding a career where you can advocate for, and truly help, society's most vulnerable populations.

If you're considering becoming a community services worker, you probably feel a strong commitment to social justice, human rights, and equal access to opportunities.

Updated December, 2020

What's drawing you to a career in social work?

Some of our students have experienced the Canadian community services system first-hand—and are inspired to pay forward the help they received.

Others feel a strong sense of social justice, and want a career that focuses on improving the society we live in.

And we often train students who have a particular goal in mind—like working specifically with neglected children, mothers escaping domestic abuse, or new immigrants who need help adjusting to life in Canada.

If you're not totally sure which career path you would choose, or if community services worker training is right for you, take a few minutes to think about your mindset, motivations, and professional goals.

By the end of this post, you'll have a much clearer idea of whether you should pursue training (plus some handy links and steps for what to do next).

Compassion fatigue. It's known as "the cost of caring"—the combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual depletion associated with supporting people in distress. And it affects a growing number of health care providers in Canada, including community services workers (CSWs).

CSWs strive on behalf of others. They dedicate the majority of their energy and empathy to people who are struggling—with addiction, mental health issues, homelessness, domestic abuse, and a host of other challenges.