Social Work Brochure 2023 - Lakehead University

lakeheadu.ca/socialwork

Field education guaranteed — complete 110 days of on-the-job training

FULLY ACCREDITATED BY

The Canadian Association for Social Work Education

WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF

SOCIAL WORK

Are you interested in a dynamic people-oriented career? Would you like to work with individuals, families, groups or even entire communities? Do the broader societal issues of poverty and human rights intrigue you?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then a challenging career in Social Work may be just what you are looking for!

Social work is an exciting, dynamic and diverse people-oriented profession. Whether providing counselling to individuals, families or groups, working with whole communities, or developing innovative social policy to promote change, Social Workers are committed to social justice and the wellbeing of all members of society. Our program provides you with an opportunity to learn the foundational skills you require to help people make positive change and begin your career as a Social Worker. Our programs are fully accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.

Our professors are fully committed to you through the use of small class sizes, interactive teaching methods and outstanding field placement opportunities.

110 DAYS

EXCEPTIONAL ALUMNI, UNCONVENTIONAL CAREERS

Quentin Evans HBSW ’14 Community Impact Project Liaison, Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation

“The wonderful knowledge being shared makes Lakehead a great university. The wonderful people who share it make Lakehead unforgettable”

A PROFESSION FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

Lakehead University’s School of Social Work:

• Fully accredited Honours Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work Programs in Thunder Bay and Orillia

• Up to 700 hours of supervised field experience

• Dynamic courses in communications, counselling and research

• Opportunities in advocacy, social justice and human rights

• A recognized Registered Social Worker professional designation upon graduation

EXPLORE YOUR PATH

IN SOCIAL WORK AT LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY

PRACTICAL, HANDS-ON LEARNING

Crafted specifically to help guide you with your academic & career goals.

We make research in your undergraduate years a reality.

You will be introduced to the exciting world of the context, design and analysis of social work research, learn how to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research and how to analyze outcomes. Students will become well versed in community development, current community initiatives and research projects and gain an

in depth understanding of evidence based practice. Our faculty have expertise and ongoing research projects in the areas of child welfare, trauma, mental health, social policy, addictions, community development, rural social work, palliative care and much more!

YOUR DEGREE TIMELINE

A QUICK GUIDE TO HELP PLAN YOUR FUTURE

GAIN EXPERIENCE

CONCENTRATE YOUR DEGREE

(THUNDER BAY ONLY)

Complete your Social Work degree while taking a concentration in one of the following areas:

• Indigenous Studies

• Gender & Women’s Studies

FOUNDATIONS

In first year you will take Introduction to Social Welfare. The remaining courses will be electives of your choice, with a wide array of options.

If you decide to combine your Social Work degree with a concentration in another discipline (left), your additional courses will reflect the requirements of your chosen specialization.

“Out-of-classroom” education is very important to your overall development. It allows you to develop skills and experience that are crucial in the post-university world. These experiences are great ways to build your application for your professional years. Some Volunteer Opportunities:

• Hospice Northwest - Thunder Bay

• Community Clothing Assistance (CCA) - Thunder Bay

• Children’s Aid Society - Ontario

• Volunteer Eco Students Abroad (VESA)

• Lighthouse Shelter - Orillia

• Sharing Place Food Bank - Orillia

• Uplift Black - Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion - Barrie

• Catulpa Community Support Services - Barrie

YEAR 1 YEAR 2

JOIN A CLUB

Our Social Work Student Association (SWSA) is an active student group with representation from each year level in the School of Social Work. The purpose of this non-profit organization is to provide assistance for social work students.

It is intended to become the avenue for students to obtain the following:

• Volunteer jobs

• Access to Social Activities

• Opportunities to become familiar with Community Services

• Peer Support Groups

• Peer Study Groups

APPLICATION TO PROFESSIONAL YEARS

During year two, students apply for admission to the professional years. Guidance is provided to help you prepare for a successful application.

PROFESSIONAL YEARS

The final two professional years will continue to focus on developing your social work counselling skills, theory and research knowledge, as well as two field placement opportunities.

Students can choose from many exciting electives during the professional years that focus on Child Welfare, Addictions, Palliative Care, Children and Family Counselling, and more!

YEAR 3 & 4

SEE THE WORLD

Want to gain international experience?

In year 3 or 4 you may choose to participate in an international field placement. Having the chance to study overseas will give you a global social work perspective while living and learning in another part of the world.

FIELD PLACEMENT

Put your newly developed skills and knowledge to practical application in supervised learning environments. Our Field Education Coordinators will work with you to facilitate meaningful field placement experiences that will prepare you for employment.

You will participate in two field placements, under the direction of a qualified social work supervisor, completing 110 days of on-the-job training in a social service agency or community organization.

A BRIGHT FUTURE

MASTERS IN SOCIAL WORK

Lakehead has an innovative MSW program that offers a unique learning experience. Within the required courses and electives, faculty with diverse skills and expertise provide a strong, broad foundation of knowledge and skill for advanced generalist social work practice.

At the same time, students have the opportunity to specialize in an area of interest that is compatible with Faculty expertise and research interests and to shape their educational experience through their course work, research and practicum.

Upon graduation from the HBSW program, you are eligible to apply for RSW status (Registered Social Worker) in Ontario. The Honours Bachelor of Social Work Program is one of the few undergraduate programs at Lakehead that leads to a professional recognized designation upon graduation.

This designation contributes to the very high rate of success that our students have in securing employment right after graduation.

Graduates from our program have also had success in using the HBSW degree as a stepping stone into medicine, law and education.

Don’t let them be typical. Your university years will define the rest of your life.

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

Why did you choose Lakehead University?

The Social Work program stood out as an efficient way to get the education that I needed in an affordable and friendly way. The One-Year Honours Bachelor of Social Work is the only one in Canada! I wanted to go to a school where I could be myself, connect with my fellow students and get extra support from professors.

CHOOSE YOUR CAREER

• Family Counselling

• Youth Advocacy

• Medical Social Work

• Addictions

• Crisis Intervention

• Probation & Parole

• School Social Work

• Child Welfare

• Corrections

• Case Management

• Mental Health

• Trauma

• 2SLGBTQI+ Advocacy

• Gerontology

• Community Development

• Human Rights

• Palliative Care

• International Social Work

WHERE SOCIAL WORKERS WORK

Social workers deal with all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds, including the most vulnerable populations

Social workers practice in a wide range of settings, including:

• Family Agencies

• Children’s Aid Societies

• Hospitals

• Mental Health Settings

• Addiction Treatment Facilities

• Correctional Facilities

• Schools

• Seniors’ Services

• Government Offices

• Social Planning Councils

• Employee Assistance Programs

• Grassroots Social Action Organizations

Laura Wood Student - 1st year, HBSW, (2023)