If making a difference is your passion, you will find it here. You’re selfless and committed to improving the lives of others. You’re probably too humble to admit this out loud, so we said it for you. We hope you don’t mind. Now let’s talk about how we can support your career goals.
Pathways
Sault College has partnerships with many universities, to help our students further their studies by completing a diploma right here, and then completing two more years for a degree with a partnering university.
| Program Name | Degree |
|---|---|
| Child and Youth Care | Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) |
| Social Service Worker | Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) |
| Social Service Worker – Indigenous Specialization | Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work |
| Social Service Worker – Indigenous Specialization | Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) |
| Social Service Worker – Indigenous Specialization | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations and Spirituality |
Click here for more information about our pathways
Salary Expectations
| Job Title | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Case Manager | $24.25 - $71.79 |
| Child and Youth Counsellor | $19.61 - $43.75 |
| Community Service/Social Service Worker | $18.00 - $37.91 |
| Early Childhood Educator | $16.55 - $28.00 |
Early Childhood Educator
On November 16, 2023, the Ontario government announced that the starting wage for Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE) within the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system will be raised to $23.86/hour from the planned $20/hour. This 19.3% increase will take effect in January 2024 to support the shortage of workers in this occupation and provide a competitive salary. To support wage progression for RECE program staff and supervisors, those making less than certain hourly wages will be eligible for $1/hour annual increases, with eligibility expanding annually through 2026. This is part of the Child Care Workforce Strategy.
There were over 50 postings for jobs related to Community Services with our Employment Services in 2022 in Sault Ste. Marie, Blind River, the North Shore and surrounding areas.
Labour Market Conditions
Case Manager
The balance between labour supply and demand seen in recent years is expected to continue through the period 2022-2031. Job prospects in Ontario are very good with several new positions becoming available and several positions due to retirements contributing to this positive outlook. There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Child and Youth Counsellor
Labour demand and labour supply are expected to be broadly in line for this occupation group over the 2022-2031 period at the national level, with 24,100 new job openings expected and 22,900 job seekers expected to be able to fill the jobs. In Ontario, job prospects are very good, with employment growth leading to several new positions and a moderate number of positions available from retirements. Main employers for this group are individual and family services, nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, and out-patient care centres. Employment growth will be seen from the growing demand for mental-health related services alongside public awareness of these health and wellness issues. The pandemic has led to even higher demand for these services. The need for services for children and youth, addition treatment and prevention and investments in mental health services will continue the demand, along with the prevalence of separation and divorce.
Community Service/Social Service Worker
Over the period 2022-2031, new job openings are expected to total 59,100 in Canada, while 51,300 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them. In Ontario, job prospects for 2022-2024 are good, with employment growth leading to several new positions. The majority are employed in healthcare and social assistance services, with the leading sectors in individual and family services and nursing and residential care facilities, along with public administration, mainly with municipal governments. Investments in youth and community outreach programs, expansions to shelter spaces, public sector spending for mental health and addiction services all allow for employment growth.
Early Childhood Educator (ECE)
In Canada for 2022-2031, new job openings are expected to total 108,800, while 91,500 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them. In Ontario, job prospects are good with employment growth leading to several new positions and a moderate number of positions becoming available from retirements. The majority in this group are employed in child daycare services with some also in elementary schools. Employment growth will be due to public sector investments in the childcare system to create more daycare spaces and boost the early childhood educator workforce, as well as increasing opportunities with more parents participating in the workforce and infant and toddler population growth.
Due to a shortage of Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECE), the Ontario government has announced the Child Care Workforce Strategy which includes a 19.3% wage increase in January 2024, along with annual increases to support wage progression.