Settlement Worker

Settlement workers help newcomers to Canada understand their rights and responsibilities and find the programs and services they need.

NOC Code: 4212

Job Duties

Settlement workers help newcomers to Canada understand their rights and responsibilities and find the programs and services they need. You meet with clients, assess their needs and give them support and information. You may help clients make plans for employment, education, housing, health care and more. You may work for a government agency, school board, library or other community organization. You may also be called a settlement counsellor or community service worker.

Another related job is "social service worker" but to use this title in Ontario, you must be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. This profile does not have information about becoming a social service worker.

Generally, settlement workers:

  • Provide information about the citizenship and sponsorship process.
  • Help clients identify the services they need.
  • Refer clients to education and training programs.
  • Help clients find the community services they need, such as legal help, medical services, financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, and more.

Source: HRSDC

Job Requirements

Education

This job requires: College or University

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobLevel of Education Required
Employment CounsellorCollege or University
Community WorkerCollege or University
Early Childhood Educator AssistantCollege or University
Program CoordinatorCollege or University
Settlement WorkerCollege or University

Experience

This job requires 0 - 2 years of work experience.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobYears of Work Experience Required
Employment Counsellor0 - 2
Community Worker0 - 2
Early Childhood Educator Assistant0 - 2
Program Coordinator0 - 2
Settlement Worker0 - 2

Source: HRSDC

Essential Skills

As a settlement worker, you need to:

  • Speak, read and write English.
  • May need to speak, read and write a language other than English.
  • Understand the needs of and challenges facing newcomers.
  • Be well-organized.
  • Use word processing, database and email software.
  • Be culturally sensitive and communicate well with people from different backgrounds.
  • Work well with other people and on your own.

Source: Ontario Skills Passport

Language Skills

You need to communicate in person, on the phone and in writing with clients and colleagues. You also need to take notes and write reports about your clients. You may need to read to your clients. For some positions you need to know 2 or more languages.

Labour Market Information

Trends

The number of jobs in the settlement sector is increasing. However, most of the funding for settlement work comes from the provincial and federal governments, so job opportunities depend on funding.

Prospects

The work prospects for this job are: GOOD

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobWork Prospects
Employment CounsellorFair
Community WorkerGood
Early Childhood Educator AssistantGood
Program CoordinatorGood
Settlement WorkerGood

Wages

The average hourly wage for this job is: C$21.75/hour.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobAverage Wage/Hour
Employment Counsellor$25.00
Community Worker$21.75
Early Childhood Educator Assistant$16.41
Program Coordinator$21.75
Settlement Worker$21.75

Source: HRSDC

Retraining

Educational Programs

These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.

Bridging Programs

Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.

Language Training

Here is an example of a language training program:

Work Experience Programs

Some college programs and bridging programs in this field include co-operative (co-op) work experience.

Voluntary Membership Opportunities

Helpful Links

The data in this profile is provided for informational purposes only. Some of the information may have changed since this profile was written. Please check the source for the most up-to-date information.