Additional Areas of Practice and Definitions

Metro Centre

Edmonton and Calgary

Metro Influenced Area

Commuter communities surrounding Calgary and Edmonton

Urban

Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat

Large Rural Centres

Brooks, Canmore, Wetaskiwin, Camrose, Lloydminster, Cold Lake

Rural

Populations less than 10,000 and up to 200 kms from a metro or urban centre

Remote

Greater than 200 kms from a metro or urban centre

The setting where the social worker is directly engaged in work associated with their profession. Social workers who work in multiple settings can select up to three that account for the majority of worked  hours in order of most to fewest.

This helps to monitor changes in setting of employment activity over time.

Academic Institution	A post-secondary institution, typically recognized and accredited by government, or regulatory bodies that offers degrees, diplomas or certificates.
For Profit Organizations	A corporation or private business that employs social workers for the purpose of providing a service and creating a profit. Examples include EAP companies, private assisted living and care homes, private addiction treatment centres, primary care networks
Educational Institution	A primary, elementary, or secondary school or equivalent institution or the associated school board or equivalent entity that has responsibility for the governance and management of education
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Organizations	Organizations or agencies established by Indigenous peoples (first nations, Inuit and Métis) to provide a range of health, social, educational, and/or cultural services.
Government/Public	A national, provincial, territorial, regional or municipal organization operated or funded by the government. (e.g. children’s services, Covenant Health, Capital Care, Care West, Alberta Health Services, Recovery Alberta, Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, Children’s Advocate Office etc.)
Non-Profit	An organization that provides services, support, or resources to meet the needs of individuals and groups within a specific community. Agencies are typically funded by grants and donations.  Examples include (newcomer immigrant serving agencies, native counselling services, women’s shelters, Radius health etc.
Private Practice	Social workers who are self-employed, own and operate their own business, or are acting as contractors or subcontractors. Private practice is not limited to direct practice and may include teaching, supervision, program development and evaluation, research etc.
Other	Place of work not otherwise identified

The major focus of activities at the employment. Providers who have multiple areas of practice at the employment will select up to three that account for the majority of work hours, in order from most to fewest hours.

This identifies the major activities of a provider in an employment setting. It allows users to distinguish between providers who primarily provide services directly to clients/patients and those who have other roles, such as educators for example.

Addiction service	Care, services and/or treatment provided to individuals, groups or communities whose primary concern is substance use.
Administration	The efficient organization of people, information and other resources to achieve organizational objectives.
Child Welfare	Child welfare refers to a broad system of services and practices/interventions designed to promote the well-being, safety, and healthy development of children, particularly those who are vulnerable or at risk of harm. This includes child protection, foster and kinship care, adoptions provided by government, contracted agencies, and first nations.
Cognitive disorders	Care, services and/or treatment focusing on any disorder that significantly impairs the cognitive function of an individual, including learning, memory, perception and problem-solving (e.g., dementia care).
Community Development	Services and activities with a primary focus on helping communities become more resilient, equitable, and connected. Examples include community gardens, collective kitchens, affordable housing initiatives etc.
Criminal Justice/Law	Services or activities focused primarily on person’s interactions with the legal system (native counselling services, diversion program, court liaison, legal aid etc)
Developmental habilitation/disabilities	Care, services and/or treatment provided to clients or patients with a developmental disability (mental and/or physical).
Family Support	Services or activities primarily focused on strengthening and empowering families to improve their functioning and well-being. Examples include parenting education, mediation support, access to basic needs (like housing or food assistance), respite or caregiver support services etc.
Family violence	Services, activities and interventions with a primary focus on assisting individuals affected by domestic or intimate partner violence. Examples include emergency shelters, support lines, outreach and education services, elder abuse response teams etc.
Forensics	a specialized field that combines the intersection of personality, behavioural and mental illness and the legal system.  Examples include providing expert testimony regarding risk and recidivism, conducting assessments, and providing psychotherapy
General practice	Care, services and/or treatment in the general practice of the health profession.
Geriatrics	“Care, services and/or treatment focusing on the health care of older adults.”
Health & social policy	Policy research, planning and development for  health and social systems and health care professions.
Health promotion	Services provided with the purpose of improving the health of clients or patients through functions of health promotion, health protection, health surveillance and population health assessment.
Institutional education	Post-secondary teaching for individuals registered in formal education programs.
Maternity/newborn	Care, services and/or treatment provided to clients or patients throughout pregnancy and childbirth and to their newborn children.
Mental health care	Care, and services and/or treatment provided to clients with a variety of mental health issues that require interventions focusing on maintaining/optimizing the performance of the life of an individual.
Oncology	Clinical services provided to clients or patients with cancer-related health problems.
Palliative care	Care, services and/or treatment provided with the aim of relieving suffering and improving the quality of life for persons who are living with or dying from advanced illness or who are bereaved.
Pediatrics	Care, services and/or treatment provided in a facility or in the community to infants, children and adolescents.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation	Care, services and/or treatment provided to enable clients or patients to maintain or promote their physical, mental, psychosocial, vocational and/or economic abilities. Includes physical rehab, vocational rehab and restorative care.
Primary care	Care, services and/or treatment provided to clients or patients focusing on their overall health and well-being. First point of care
Psychiatry	Care, services and/or treatment devoted to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of mental disorders.
Public health and prevention	Care, services and/or treatment provided to clients or patients in the 5 primary functions of public health: population health assessment, health surveillance, health promotion, disease and injury prevention, and health protection.
Regulation	Regulating health professions in the public interest.
Research	Knowledge development and dissemination of research.
Supervision	Supervising staff and/or the delivery of direct care services.
Other areas of practice	Area of practice not otherwise identified.