How to Find a Social Work Job in Toronto
Whether you’re a new graduate, an experience practitioner moving to Toronto, or simply seeking a career change, finding a social work job in Toronto can feel daunting. The city’s diverse population and large social services sector provide plenty of opportunities, but also competition. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on navigating Toronto’s social work job market, from where to look for openings to how to network and present your qualifications.
Register with the College
In Ontario, you can’t legally call yourself a “Social Worker” unless you’re registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW). Most employers hiring social workers in Toronto will expect you to be registered, or in the process of registering, when you’re applying for social work roles.
Here’s what to know:
You’ll need to submit your transcripts, pay a fee, and complete the application process through the OCSWSSW website.
As of now, there’s no licensing exam, but one is expected to be introduced in 2027 (see “Ontario Social Workers Will Soon Require a Licensing Exam").
While waiting for your registration to be approved, you can still apply for jobs; just make it clear that you have applied and are awaiting approval.
Search Job Boards and Career Portals
There are lots of places to look for social work jobs, but some are more effective than others.
Your go-to job boards and portals should include:
SocialWorkJobs.ca: Run by the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW), this board posts only social work jobs.
CharityVillage: Especially good for nonprofit and community service roles.
Indeed: Great for volume and ability to filter results (search “MSW” or “social work”).
LinkedIn: Use for finding job postings and networking.
Employer Websites: Bookmark the career portals for government organizations, hospitals, and other employers you’re interested in.
Tips for finding social work jobs in Toronto:
You can set up alerts on some job platforms and career portals to ensure that you’re the first to know when new social work jobs in Toronto are posted. This is great because early applicants sometimes have an advantage.
Expand your search to related titles. Some social work roles may not have “Social Worker” in the job title (e.g., child protection worker, case manager, policy analyst). For more inspiration, check out “97 Jobs You Can Land with a Social Work Degree.”
Social Work Summer Jobs in Toronto
If you’re still in university, 30-years-old or younger, and legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e., have a valid Social Insurance Number), you can also apply to social work and social work-related summer jobs through the Canada Summer Jobs program. This is a great way to make some money through the summer, network, and earn professional experience that you can leverage when searching for a job post-graduation.
Network, Network, Network
You’ve likely heard that many jobs are found through networking, and I must admit this is true. You are much more likely to land a job interview through networking and referrals than you are through applying to job postings. Networking can connect you to unadvertised jobs or create opportunities with employers who weren’t actively hiring but are open to creating a position for a great candidate.
Use Your Practicum as a Launchpad
If you had a good field placement experience, this is your warmest lead.
Tell your supervisor that you are job hunting and ask, “Are there any upcoming roles here or at partner agencies that you’d recommend I apply to?”
You can also ask for introductions to their network: “Is there anyone you think I should talk to who’s hiring or could offer insight?”
Request a reference and/or LinkedIn recommendation while you’re still fresh in their mind.
Send Targeted, Low-Key Outreach Messages
One of the most effective approaches I’ve found is to email professionals who are working in an area you’re passionate about, expressing genuine interest in their work and asking if you can meet for a brief in-person or virtual chat to learn more about their career journey. You’ll be surprised by how many professionals will agree to meet with you.
If they do agree, come prepared with genuine curiosity and appreciation, thoughtful questions about their career, and a brief elevator pitch about yourself. For example:
How did you land your first role in social work?
What do you wish you had known?
Are there any organizations you’d recommend for new grads?
This is my favourite way to network since it doesn’t feel like “networking.” It just feels like you’re asking for advice and insight from someone further along in their social work journey. I’ve made some fantastic long-term connections using this approach.
Lean on Your Existing Network and Professors
Jobs are often filled through relationships before they’re ever posted, so reach out to:
Past practicum supervisors and colleagues
Professors (especially those with community connections)
Peers
Anyone else you know who might have relevant connections
Let them know that you are job hunting and ask if they know of any organizations that hire new social workers or people you should talk to.
Be Clear About What You’re Looking For
Most people want to help, but struggle to unless they know:
That you’re looking for work
What you’re looking for
What kind of populations or issues you care about
Instead of saying, “I’m looking for a job in social work.” Try something more specific, like: “I’m applying for mental health roles in community agencies that support youth or newcomers. I’d love to connect with anyone in that space.”
Clearer asks tend to result in better help, so share your specific job search goals whenever you have the opportunity. You never know who may know someone in that area of practice.
Not sure what you’re looking for yet? I recommend setting up some casual informational chats with professionals in areas of social work you’d like to learn more about.
Leverage Referrals
In some organizations, referrals guarantee an interview; in others, they get your resume to the top of the pile. Either way, they are worth pursuing. Before you apply to an organization, check to see if anyone in your network:
Works there now
Used to work there
Did their placement there
If so, reach out and say:
“Hey! I’m applying for a role at [Organization], and I saw you have experience there. Would you be open to offering some insight or putting in a referral for me?”
Volunteer Strategically
If you have the capacity, volunteering at an organization you’d love to work for can be a great move. This can help you get a realistic preview of what working in the organization is like, while also providing you with an opportunity to gain more experience and demonstrate that you’re a capable, professional contributor. The best roles are ones where you work alongside staff (ideally full-time staff), rather than alone or only with other volunteers. This will give you a better chance to network and show off your skills. And don’t be shy about letting them know that you are job hunting; many people have gotten in the door this way.
Advisory committees and advocacy groups can be great places to volunteer as well, allowing you to engage in an area you’re passionate about while also networking.
Attend Networking Events and Join Groups
Truthfully, this is my least favourite way to network as an introvert, but some people love them and make great connections.
Some places to consider:
Join the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). They have local engagement networks that host local events, which can be great for networking!
Professional Facebook Groups. If you are on Facebook, there are many local professional social work groups you can join. There are even groups dedicated to community and social worker jobs in Toronto and the GTA.
Build a Strong Social Work Résumé and Cover Letter
Hiring managers and recruiters often skim applications, so you need to make sure your resume and cover letter highlight your most important qualifications up front.
Make it Easy for Them to See:
Your BSW/MSW degree and whether you’re registered (or in the process of registering) with OCSWSSW.
The populations you’ve worked with (e.g., youth, newcomers, people experiencing addiction or homelessness) and what you did.
Your practicum experience and any other professional social work experience you have (paid or unpaid).
Any languages you speak or relevant qualifications you have.
That your skills and experiences match what is needed in the role.
For Additional Resume Support:
Check out “How To Write Your Social Work Resume" and "119 Social Work Skills You Can Add To Your Resume (A Comprehensive List)."
Consider our social work resume package, which includes instant access to three resume templates tailored to social work, a customizable cover letter, practical tools and training to help you get started, and professional resume editing.
Struggling to Find Entry-Level Roles?
Noticing that nearly every job says they want at least 2 years of experience? This is very common and frustrating for new graduates, leaving many job seekers wondering, “How can I get hired when I don’t technically meet that requirement?”
Understand What “2 Years of Experience” Really Means
Many job ads ask for 1-2 years of experience as a default, not because it’s strictly necessary, but because they want someone who can work semi-independently. Arguably, those years of experience could include:
Your practicum experience
Relevant paid or volunteer experience
Professional certifications, continuing education, or relevant lived experience
If you can show that you’ve done the core tasks of the role, even if it was during your practicum, volunteering, training, or otherwise, you still have a chance.
Tip: For these kinds of roles, instead of saying, “I’m a new grad,” say something like, “I have clinical training with X population and gained experience in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive practice through my MSW practicum and work with [Organization].”
Apply Anyway
If you meet most of the listed requirements (70% is a good rule of thumb), apply anyway. Organizations rarely expect applicants to have every single qualification listed. Just be sure to explain how your experience matches what they are looking for.
In your application, clearly show:
Your MSW and registration status (or eligibility)
What populations you’ve worked with and how
How your practicum and/or experience mirror what the job requires
A genuine passion for the organization’s mission
That you’re coachable, eager to learn, and familiar with relevant systems/topics
Target Employers Known to Hire New Grads
Some organizations are more open to early-career social workers than others.
Check Job Posting for Specific Wordings. While I recommend applying to any job posting that you meet most of the requirements for, if you have limited capacity, you can search strategically for job postings that say things like: “supervision provided,” “training provided,” “must be eligible for registration with OCSWSSW” (rather than “must be registered”), or other cues that they are open to new grads.
Look at practicum site listings from MSW programs. Some universities publish (or at least summarize) where their students do field placements. This can be a great lead source since agencies that regularly accept MSW students are often more open to hiring new grads, familiar with early-career needs, and already set up to provide supervision. Organizations that advertise offering student placements on their website are also good leads; you can even Google “Toronto Social Work Student Placements.”
Ask your network. When networking, ask questions like: “Do you know of any organizations open to hiring new grads and early-career social workers?” or “Where do new MSWs typically land their first jobs in your sector?”
Engage in Outreach
Email professionals in areas and organizations you’d like to work in to have those casual informational career chats I mentioned earlier. Many are happy to briefly chat with students and recent graduates curious about their careers. This is an effective way to build your network and potentially discover unadvertised job opportunities or gain referrals that increase your odds of landing an interview.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or like everyone else is getting hired faster than you, know that you’re not alone. Job hunting can be stressful and emotionally exhausting, especially in a helping profession like social work, where so much of our identity can be tied to making a difference. It’s totally normal to get frustrated, second-guess yourself, wonder if you’re doing enough, or feel like you’re behind. You’re not.
Here are a few reminders to carry with you through this process:
Rejection isn’t a reflection of your worth. It often has more to do with internal candidates, timing, or behind-the-scenes decisions that have nothing to do with you.
Imposter syndrome shows up most when you’re doing something brave. That discomfort doesn’t mean you’re not ready or not good enough; it simply means you care and are pursuing something meaningful.
Rest is part of the process. Job hunting is hard. Remember to build in breaks, have fun, and spend time with people who remind you who you are outside of your résumé.
And most importantly, don’t forget that you are needed. Your perspective, your lived experience, your training, and your compassion. There is a place for you in this field, even if you haven’t found it yet.
Related: Social Work in Canada
