41403 – Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers

Lead statement

Social policy researchers conduct research, develop policy and implement and administer programs in areas such as employment, immigration, law enforcement, corrections, human rights, housing, labour and family services.

Main duties

• Develop social programs and policies, social legislation, or proposals based on demographic, social and economic research, analysis and the evaluation of pilot projects.
• 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.
• Identify and assess economic, demographic, and social developments and report on their implications for housing policy.
• Conduct research, advise clients and prepare immigration, citizenship and visas applications. They may also represent clients at tribunals and before administrative bodies.
• Plan, organize and administer foreign aid and international development policies and programs.
• Develop questionnaires, coordinate and conduct surveys, analyse data, and compile and interpret statistics on social issues and policy areas.
• Conduct research, develop social programs, assess, coordinate 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.

Employment requirements

• 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.
• Registration with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council is required for regulated Canadian immigration consultants.
• 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.

Example job titles

child welfare policy analyst · immigration policy analyst · immigration and demographic analysis officer · social policy analyst · labour mobility policy consultant · labour policy officer · social issues researcher · social policy researcher · social welfare advisor · social assistance advisor · women's status policy consultant · Aboriginal employment policy officer · affirmative action advisor · psychology assistant (except university) · labour policy analyst · home economist · research home economist · home economics consultant · public housing officer · housing policy analyst · immigration consultant · immigration and citizenship consultant · international aid and development project officer · international aid and development researcher · social survey researcher (except statistician) · social services consultant · social services planning consultant · child-care services liaison officer · social services planner

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.