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Throughout my 20 years in the counselling field, I’ve had countless conversations with people who ask me, “What exactly does a Registered Social Worker do?” It’s a question I’m always happy to answer because understanding what we do can help you make informed decisions about your mental health journey.
My name is Ayen Mabor, and I’m a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work, licensed in both Alberta and Ontario. My path to social work wasn’t traditional—as a Black refugee from South Sudan, my life experiences shaped my understanding of individuals and social systems in profound ways. Today, I want to share with you what it means to be a Registered Social Worker and how we can support you through life’s challenges.
Understanding the Registered Social Worker Designation
A Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a licensed professional who has met specific educational and practice requirements set by provincial regulatory bodies. When you see “R.S.W.” after someone’s name, it means they’ve completed rigorous training and are held to strict ethical standards by their governing body.
In Canada, social work is a regulated profession in all provinces and in the Northwest Territories. This regulation protects you as a client. It ensures that when you work with a Registered Social Worker, you’re receiving care from someone who maintains professional standards and is accountable to a regulatory body. Unlike unregulated counsellors, we have clear guidelines we must follow to protect your wellbeing and rights.
The Educational Journey to Becoming a Registered Social Worker
The path to becoming a Registered Social Worker requires substantial education and dedication. In most provinces, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is the minimum requirement, though many positions and specializations require advanced qualifications.
The educational journey typically includes:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): This four-year undergraduate program combines classroom learning with hands-on field experience. Students learn about human behavior, social systems, ethics, and intervention strategies while completing supervised placements in community settings.
- Master of Social Work (MSW): Many of us pursue a master’s degree for advanced practice. This additional education allows for specialization in areas such as clinical counselling, mental health, or community development.
Note: Those with a BSW can complete their MSW in one year, while those coming from other disciplines typically need two years of postgraduate study.
Beyond formal education, most provinces require supervised practical experience and successful completion of examinations before granting registration. This comprehensive preparation ensures that Registered Social Workers are equipped to provide high-quality, ethical care.
What Does a Social Worker Do? Understanding Our Core Responsibilities
When people ask me what a social worker does, I explain that our work is both diverse and deeply personal. At AM Counselling, I bring compassion, empathy, and genuine curiosity without judgment to every therapeutic relationship.
- Assessment and Understanding: Every client’s journey begins with truly getting to know them—their needs, beliefs, values, and goals for counselling services. I take time to understand your unique situation before developing a personalized approach to support you.
- Counselling and Therapy: Many Registered Social Workers, including myself, provide individual, couples, and family therapy. My approach is influenced by solution-focused and strength-based theories, which means I help you identify your strengths and build practical solutions. My clients describe me as non-judgmental, transparent, and caring—qualities that create a safe space for healing.
- Connecting You with Resources: Social workers act as bridges between clients and community supports. Whether you need housing assistance, healthcare services, financial programs, or other resources, we help you navigate these systems and access what you need.
- Advocacy and Support: We advocate for your rights and needs within various systems—healthcare, legal, educational, and social services. This advocacy ensures your voice is heard and your needs are met.
- Crisis Intervention: When emergencies arise, Registered Social Workers provide immediate support, develop safety plans, and ensure you have the resources needed to move through difficult moments.
Specialized Areas Where Registered Social Workers Make a Difference
Registered Social Workers specialize in addressing different life challenges and focus on several key areas:
Mental Health Support: We help individuals navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health challenges. Through addressing what is Emotional Therapy and other evidence-based approaches are, we support you in developing healthier coping strategies and improving your overall wellbeing.
Relationship and Marriage Counseling: Marriage Relationship Counseling is a form of psychotherapy that helps couples resolve conflicts and strengthen their connection. Whether you’re facing communication challenges or major relationship transitions, we provide guidance and support.
Parenting Support: Mental health service providers with expertise in this area help parents cope with the stresses of raising children, offering strategies and support through challenging times.
Fertility and Reproductive Challenges: The objective of infertility counselling is to help couples develop coping strategies, prepare for procedures, facilitate decision-making, and explore the emotional impact of fertility struggles on their lives and relationships.
Trauma Counseling: Using therapeutic modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), we help individuals process traumatic experiences in a safe, supportive environment.
Grief and Loss Support: Grief counselling, also known as bereavement therapy, helps you cope with loss—whether it’s the death of a partner, family member, friend, or pet. We help you navigate the aftermath of loss and make practical decisions during difficult times.
Life Transitions: Life transitions counselling gives you an opportunity to clarify your strengths and create a plan for the future. With an outside perspective, you can better navigate career changes, relationship shifts, or other major life changes.
Chronic Illness Support: Our specialized therapy services provide support and strategies to help individuals navigate the emotional complexities of managing chronic health conditions.
Social Work Employment Opportunities and Career Paths
The field of social work offers diverse and meaningful career opportunities. Social work employment opportunities exist in hospitals, schools, government agencies, community organizations, mental health clinics, and private practices like AM Counselling.
For those interested in social work jobs Calgary specifically, the region has a strong demand for qualified Registered Social Workers across various specializations. Social worker jobs in Calgary range from child welfare positions to clinical mental health roles, community development, and specialized addiction services. The city’s growing and diverse population creates an ongoing need for culturally sensitive, qualified professionals.
What does a social worker do in these different settings?
- In hospitals, we support patients through illness and recovery.
- In schools, we help students overcome behavioral and academic challenges.
- In private practice, we provide specialized counselling services tailored to individual needs.
The career paths are as diverse as the communities we serve.
My Approach: Bringing Humanity to Social Work
Being a Black refugee from South Sudan has provided me with a unique lens through which I view individuals and social systems. This perspective, combined with my professional training, shapes how I practice social work.
At AM Counselling, my mission is to provide counselling services to adolescents, adults, couples, families, and seniors from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity. People have the right to mental health services where they feel safe and heard, where they are commended for their courage to seek counselling.
I bring humanity, compassion, empathy, and genuine curiosity without judgment to every client and therapeutic relationship. My sessions focus on exploring and truly getting to know you—your needs, beliefs, values, and goals. This collaborative approach means we work together to create meaningful change in your life.
When to Reach Out to a Registered Social Worker
You might consider connecting with a Registered Social Worker like me if you’re experiencing:
- Difficulty managing stress, anxiety, or depression
- Relationship challenges or need support with your marriage
- Major life transitions such as job changes, divorce, or relocation
- Coping with grief and pain after losing a loved one
- Concerns about fertility or reproductive health
- The emotional impact of chronic illness
- Parenting challenges or family conflict
- Trauma that continues to affect your daily life
Remember, seeking support shows inner strength, not weakness. As someone who discovered my love for counselling through my own life journey, I understand how transforming it can be to have support during difficult times.
Finding Support at AM Counselling
If you’ve seen yourself in any part of this journey, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At AM Counselling, I am dedicated to walking alongside you as you navigate life’s complexities, offering a safe, culturally sensitive space where your story is heard and your dignity is upheld.
Ready to prioritize your mental wellbeing? Book your confidential consultation with AM Counselling and give yourself the support you deserve.
