Social work is the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of individual, interpersonal, and societal issues through the use of social work knowledge, skills, interventions, and strategies. Social workers assist individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities to achieve optimal psychological and social functioning.
Registered social workers practice in a variety of roles across governmental and non-governmental settings, including child welfare agencies, family service organizations, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health services, community care facilities, addiction programs, treatment centres, employee assistance programs, community living organizations, adoption services, and similar agencies.
Community development registered social workers often work within community centres or grassroots social action organizations, supporting systemic change and collective well-being.
Some registered social workers are also self-employed in private practice, providing counselling, psychotherapy, consultation, and other services directly to the public or to workplaces. These services may be offered on a fee-for-service basis or through contracts with organizations.