NOC 42201: Social and community service workers

The employment outlook will be Good for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Social and community service workers in Prince Edward Island remain in demand, with employment opportunities supported by the province’s continued focus on mental health, addictions, and community wellness programs. Most workers are employed in health care and social assistance, including nursing and residential care facilities, family service agencies, hospitals, and schools. Candidates typically require postsecondary education in social sciences or human services, and flexibility is essential, as jobs often involve shift work, multiple clinical locations, and home visits. For new graduates or career changers, this occupation offers valuable experience, diverse career pathways, and steady demand tied to government funding, though competition and funding limits mean that persistence and adaptability are key to securing stable roles.

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 1,050 people work in this occupation.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 32%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 18%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 15%

Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 10%

Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 86% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 14% compared to 16% for all occupations

68% of social and community service workers work all year, while 32% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 31% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 69% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 40% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 27% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

A continued focus on general wellness and mental health is a positive factor for those seeking work in this field. Opportunities are also influenced by government funding and population demographics. This is a fairly large occupational group, with a wide range of potential employers, so positions are often created through replacement and normal turnover. While vacancies are plentiful, work environments vary quite a bit and competition tends to be stronger for some positions. Entry into the occupation is often through casual or relief employment.

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 4,200 people work in this occupation.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 38%

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 26%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 8%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 83% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 17% compared to 18% for all occupations

71% of social and community service workers work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 23% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 77% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 33% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Positions in this occupation can vary significantly in terms of roles and responsibilities, workplace, clientele, compensation, and educational requirements. The demand for this type of work is influenced by demographics and government funding. A growing emphasis on wellness and mental health is expected to increase demand for workers in this occupation. Certain positions have highly irregular hours and may be physically demanding.

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 2,250 people work in this occupation.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 49%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 16%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 9%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 87% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations

72% of social and community service workers work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 23% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 77% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 33% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 27% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 6% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Increasing demand for child and family supports, homeless shelters, and indigenous community supports should sustain demand for social and community service workers, going forward.

Most candidates have completed a college or university program in social work, child and youth care, psychology or other social science or health-related discipline. Previous related work or volunteer experience may replace formal education requirements for some jobs.

Candidates should have good communication skills, as social and community service workers generally work directly with clients during the process of accessing needs and developing plans of action. Experience with documenting and reporting would be an asset as well.

A criminal background and a vulnerable sector check are typically required to work in this field.

Opportunities will also be greater for those who are fluent in both official languages of New Brunswick.

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in New Brunswick:

Approximately 3,200 people work in this occupation.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 51%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 18%

Elementary and secondary schools (NAICS 6111): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 87% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 13% compared to 16% for all occupations

61% of social and community service workers work all year, while 39% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 28% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 72% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 24% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 6% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 38% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 24% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The demand for this occupation is explained by the increase and diversification of social service needs. To meet these needs, the government has announced its intention to expand and improve the provision of services through additional investments, particularly in the areas of youth protection, homelessness, and addiction.

Community organizations employ many of these workers. Recognizing their important role in providing social support in Quebec, the government increases funding for these organizations each year. However, the subsidies remain insufficient to meet their rising operating costs, thus limiting their ability to create new positions and expand their services.

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in Quebec:

Approximately 43,000 people work in this occupation.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 45%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 12%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 10%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 9%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 5%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 78% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 22% compared to 18% for all occupations

65% of social and community service workers work all year, while 35% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 24% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 76% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 42% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 24% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

The majority are employed in health care and social assistance services, with the leading share in individual and family services, and nursing and residential care facilities

Public administration, mainly with municipal governments

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

Investments in youth and community outreach programs

Expansions to shelter spaces

Public sector spending for mental health and addiction services

Funding commitments to support individuals with developmental disabilities

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Child and Youth Worker, and Developmental Services Worker are the names of two voluntary skilled trades available for this occupational group

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers regulates social service workers;

only members of this College can use the titles “social service worker” or “registered social service worker”

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

This occupation, ‘social and community service workers,’ is distinct from the occupation title ‘social workers’ (NOC 41300).

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in Ontario:

Approximately 47,050 people work in this occupation.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 35%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 25%

Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 7%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 6%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 81% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 19% compared to 19% for all occupations

68% of social and community service workers work all year, while 32% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 21% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 79% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 45% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 27% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 9% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

Demand for this occupation is driven by the province's growing and aging population who need social assistance services, and an increasing array of complex social, health and livability issues which require support, advocacy and resources. Funding for positions is generally through provincial and federal budget allocations.

This occupation differs from social workers in its focus on administering programs, providing support and connecting clients with services.

Key trends for this occupation are the use of telehealth and virtual platforms for therapy and counseling in underserved areas, digital case management tools for scheduling, documentation, and tracking progress, cultural competence to service diverse client populations, and collaboration with businesses, schools and government agencies for comprehensive services.

Jobs are concentrated in the Winnipeg, Parklands, North and Interlake regions.

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in Manitoba:

Approximately 7,450 people work in this occupation.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 46%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 20%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 6%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 6%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 82% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 18% compared to 19% for all occupations

68% of social and community service workers work all year, while 32% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 30% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 70% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 8% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 28% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 7% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

Employment in social assistance occupations is expected to continue to increase to meet the needs of the aging population and to alleviate existing social inequities.

Increased provincial funding for third-party providers of emergency shelter and support services for persons with disabilities, at-risk children, youth, and families is expected to sustain existing jobs and create new ones.

The need for services for children and youth, addiction treatment and prevention remain in high demand.

Funding commitments to support individuals with developmental disabilities.

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 6,150 people work in this occupation.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 45%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 20%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 9%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 6%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 84% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 16% compared to 19% for all occupations

67% of social and community service workers work all year, while 33% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 24% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 76% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 32% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 11% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 23% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The growing demand for child and family support services, homeless shelters, addiction treatment services, and Indigenous community programs is expected to ensure a continued need for social and community service workers.

In addition, increased provincial funding for third-party providers of emergency shelter and support services aimed at individuals with disabilities, at-risk children, youth, and families is projected to maintain existing positions while also generating new job opportunities.

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in British Columbia:

Approximately 28,250 people work in this occupation.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 45%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 17%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 8%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 7%

Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 75% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 25% compared to 22% for all occupations

64% of social and community service workers work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 25% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 75% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 12% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 28% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 26% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The territorial government forecasts this occupation will be among those having the largest number of job openings over the 2023 to 2032 period (

NWT Bureau of Statistics, 2023

).

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 49%

Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 43%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 86% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 14% compared to 12% for all occupations

70% of social and community service workers work all year, while 30% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 32% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 68% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 18% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 37% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 20% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 14% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The 2025-2026 territorial budget for Family Services includes a $33.5M funding increase for a total of $228.5M (

Nunatsiaq News, February 24, 2025

). The Nunavut government also committed $3.3M in 2025 to fund suicide and substance abuse prevention programs (

CBC News, January 10, 2025

).

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in Nunavut:

Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 49%

Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 43%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 90% compared to 87% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 10% compared to 13% for all occupations

77% of social and community service workers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 72% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 25% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 75% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 33% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 10% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 27% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 10% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 6% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Limited for social and community service workers (NOC 42201) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Not many positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment opportunities for this occupation depends mainly on government funding and population demographics.

The Alberta government’s Budget 2025 added $3.03 billion for increases to disability services, employment supports, affordable housing, homelessness programs and support for vulnerable people.

Demand for community integration services may affect the outlook for this occupation.

Here are some key facts about social and community service workers in Alberta:

Approximately 19,250 people work in this occupation.

Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 48%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 21%

Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 81% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 19% compared to 20% for all occupations

63% of social and community service workers work all year, while 37% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 24% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 76% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 7% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 30% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 9% compared to 9% for all occupations