Social work is a profession that focuses on helping people, families, and communities overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. I am interested in social work because I would like to help others and make a positive difference in their lives. In the future, I would probably like to work with immigrants or elderly people because I would like to support them and help them through different challenges in their lives. In this glossary, I will present important words and concepts related to social work. These terms will help me better understand the profession I hope to pursue in the future.
Advocacy
noun
The act of publicly supporting, recommending, or pleading for a cause, policy, or person.
Example: This new law is a direct result of the tireless advocacy of local community groups.
en: Plaidoyer
Asylum seeker
Noun
A person who has fled their home country, crossed an international border, and formally applied for government protection and refugee status, but is still waiting for a final legal decision on their claim.
Example: The asylum seeker waited patiently at the office while officials reviewed her application for protection.
en: Demandeur d'asile
Bereavement support
Noun
A structured service designed to help individuals cope with the emotional, physical, and practical challenges that follow the loss of a loved one.
Example: The local community center offers free bereavement support groups for families dealing with the loss of a loved one.
en: Soutien au deuil
Caregiver support
Noun
A system of resources, services, and tools designed to help unpaid family members or friends manage the physical, emotional, and financial demands of caring for a loved one with an incapacity or illness.
Example: She joined a local caregiver support group to help manage the stress of looking after her aging mother.
en: Soutien aux aidants
Case notes
Noun
A case note is a written record or legal paper that summarizes and evaluates a specific situation or court ruling. Its meaning depends on whether you are working in law or social services.
Example: The social worker reviewed the updated case notes before the morning client meeting.
en: Notes de dossier
Caseworker
Noun
a professional employed by a government agency, healthcare facility, or non-profit organization to assess client needs, coordinate support services, and advocate for individuals or families facing personal, financial, or social difficulties
Example: A caseworker can help you determine if you qualify for social assistance programs.
en: Travailleur social
Client confidentiality
Noun
Client confidentiality is the ethical and legal duty of a professional or institution to keep a client's information secret and not share it with anyone else unless the client gives permission or the law requires it.
Example: The lawyer stressed that maintaining strict client confidentiality is essential for building trust.
en: Confidentialité des clients
Client intake
Noun
The structured process a business or professional uses to welcome a prospective customer, gather their information, and convert them into a paying client.
Example: The law firm updated its software to streamline the client intake process and reduce paperwork for new appointments.
en: Accueil des clients
Community resources
Noun
The people, places, organizations, and services within a local area that support residents and enhance their quality of life.
Example: A local library serves as a vital community resource for residents of all ages.
en: Ressources communautaires
Cultural integration
Noun
The process where people adopt elements of a new culture while keeping the core practices, values, and traditions of their original culture.
Example: Her help has been invaluable to our team.
en: Intégration culturelle
Direct practice
Noun
A professional approach—most commonly used in social work, counseling, and human services—that involves face-to-face, personal contact with individuals, families, or small groups to bring about positive change.
Example: The social work student completed her direct practice hours by counseling clients one-on-one.
en: Pratique directe
Home care
noun
Support or health services provided in a person's private residence to help them live safely and independently.
Example: Home care services allow patients to receive care in the comfort of their home, enhancing quality of life and health.
en: Soins à domicile
Intervention plan
Noun
An intervention plan is a structured, written strategy designed to help an individual overcome specific academic, behavioral, or clinical challenges by setting clear goals and measurable steps.
Example: The school team developed a customized intervention plan to help the student improve their reading skills.
en: Plan d'intervention
Migration trauma
Noun
Psychological and emotional distress caused by the multifaceted challenges, dangers, and life disruptions experienced before, during, and after relocating from one region or country to another.
Example: Many refugees and displaced individuals face profound migration trauma stemming from both the perils of their journey and the challenges of settling in a new country.
en: Traumatisme lié à la migration
Newcomer support
noun
The range of specialized services, resources, and community programs designed to help recently arrived immigrants, refugees, and temporary residents transition, settle, and integrate into a new society.
Example: The local community center offers free language classes and job training as part of its Newcomer support program.
en: Soutien aux nouveaux arrivants
Refugee services
Noun
Comprehensive support programs and assistance provided to individuals forced to flee their home countries due to war, violence, conflict, or persecution.
Example: Local community organizations provide refugee services to help newcomers settle, find housing, and access language training.
en: Services aux réfugiés
Risk assessment
Noun
A systematic process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing potential hazards or threats that could negatively impact people, operations, or assets.
Example: The company conducted a thorough risk assessment before launching the new project.
en: L'évaluation des risques
Settlement services
noun
Government-funded support programs that help newcomers integrate into Canada, or the legal and financial procedures required to finalize real estate and banking transactions.
Example: Newcomers to Canada can visit local community organizations to access free Settlement Services that help them find housing, language classes, and jobs
en: Services d'établissement
Social assistance
noun
A government-funded program that provides financial support and basic necessities to low-income individuals and families whose personal resources are not enough to cover essential needs.
Example: She applied for social assistance to help pay her rent.
en: Aide sociale
Social isolation
Noun
the complete or near-complete lack of regular contact, relationships, and support systems with other people and society.
Example: In adult life, deafness can be a cause of social isolation.
