Psychologist working as Social Worker? Or no?

[SophieBug]

Hello there, i am new,

and i am confused and hoping, some senior members might know more or where i could find more information on the following:
I am finishing my Bachelors of Science in Psychology at a german University this semester and have been working as what would be called a "Guardian Social Worker" in Canada here in Germany for the past 6 years in part time along with my studies. Originally i was planning to go on with the Masters Degree in Psychology. Then i had a canadian accident (long story, it has a beard and a weird sense of humor) and find myself in need to figure out if and how i would be able to continue my career-path in Canada.

As for me BC would be the relevant framing, i understand that i can not work there as a Social Worker without a degree in Social Work? Over here in Germany it´s very common for Psychologists working in Social Work but it does not seem to be the case in Canada? On the other hand, the Psychology Masters does not seem to do anything for me at all, given that in BC i wouldn´t even be allowed to call myself a Psychologist without a PhD.

So to me now the main question is: might it be the better option to do a Masters in Social Work instead of Psychology? On the other hand long term i was planning on doing psychological assesments for courts... which again i´d need the Psychology Masters for but in Canada the PhD as well, which i really never planned to go for.

Any suggestions, links, ideas would be much appreciated. It´s not a real immigration topic though, but i´d hope for some advice anyways.

warm greetings from other end of huge pond
Sophie

 

[canuck78]

You need to do a lot of research. Things vary by provinces. I know that social workers operate counselling practices. You would need to speak to people in the field to find out if a degree in social work will allow you to do psychological assessments.

 

[Islander216]

I think you need to submit your profile to the relevant social work association in BC, let them tell you whether you can practise or not as a social worker. Given your combination of qualifications and experience, they might be flexible in terms of assessing your credentials.

If not, then the Master's in Social Work would seem like the better bet.

 

[SophieBug]

I think you need to submit your profile to the relevant social work association in BC, let them tell you whether you can practise or not as a social worker.

That is one of my big concerns - can i even get registered as a Social Worker if i am a Psychologist? On the other hand i did look through some Vacancies from CPS BC itself and they do list Masters in Psychology as an alternative Qualification for such jobs. If that was the Case, the Masters in Psychology would probably serve me better cause i could - if i ever decided to - add the PhD and work as an actual psychologist.

It just seems so difficult to find explanatory information about the whole issue - or i am looking in the wrong places.

 

[canuck78]

That is one of my big concerns - can i even get registered as a Social Worker if i am a Psychologist? On the other hand i did look through some Vacancies from CPS BC itself and they do list Masters in Psychology as an alternative Qualification for such jobs. If that was the Case, the Masters in Psychology would probably serve me better cause i could - if i ever decided to - add the PhD and work as an actual psychologist.

It just seems so difficult to find explanatory information about the whole issue - or i am looking in the wrong places.

Without a degree in social work I don’t think you’ll get licensed aa social worker but you can certainly try.