Occupational Profiles

The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:

• Social policy researchers develop social programs and policies, social legislation, or proposals based on demographic, social and economic research, analysis and the evaluation of pilot projects.
• Home economists advise and assist consumers on the selection and proper use of food products, textiles and other consumer goods and teach household management skills. They may also provide consultative services in the areas of development and promotion of new food products, retail buying, social program administration and small business endeavours.
• Housing policy analysts identify and assess economic, demographic, and social developments and report on their implications for housing policy.
• International aid and development project officers plan, organize and administer foreign aid and international development policies and programs.
• Social survey researchers develop questionnaires, co-ordinate and conduct surveys, analyse data, and compile and interpret statistics on social issues and policy areas.
• Social services planners conduct research, develop social programs, assess, co-ordinate and develop awareness of existing social services, and ensure that duplication of services is avoided. They may also work with land use planners to determine the impact of major land use plans for transportation, housing and recreational facilities projects.

• A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a social science or related discipline, or in business administration is usually required.
• A master's degree in a social science or related discipline or in business administration may be required.
• Home economists require a bachelor's degree in home economics, home economics education, human ecology, nutrition and food sciences or family and consumer studies.
• Registration is available, but voluntary, for home economists but the use of the designation "Professional Home Economist" is regulated in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, and "Registered Professional Home Economist" in British Columbia.
• Registration with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council is required for Regulated Canadian immigration consultants.