Social Worker, Client Services

Social Worker, Client Services

National Service Dogs (NSD)

Full-Time Permanent | 37.5 hours per week

About National Service Dogs

National Service Dogs (NSD) is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to changing lives through service. For nearly 30 years, NSD has partnered with individuals, families, and communities to provide highly trained service dogs supporting children with autism, veterans and first responders with PTSD, and community mental health and wellness initiatives.

At NSD, we are grounded in trauma-informed, person-centred, and ethical practice, and we believe in the power of the human–canine bond to foster safety, independence, and belonging.

The Opportunity

NSD is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and collaborative
Social Worker, Client Services
to join our Client Services team. Reporting to the Director of People and Programs, this role plays a critical part in ensuring safe, ethical, and effective service dog placements through comprehensive assessment, onboarding, and long-term client support.

This position is ideal for a social worker who values relationship-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful, long-term impact with clients and their families.

Key ResponsibilitiesClient Assessment & Intake

• Conduct comprehensive interviews and psychosocial assessments with prospective clients and families
• Assess client needs, strengths, risks, and readiness for service dog placement
• Determine eligibility and appropriateness of placement in alignment with NSD policies, ethical standards, and program criteria
• Support informed decision-making with clients through clear, compassionate communication

Placement Readiness & Onboarding

• Collaborate with internal teams to support client onboarding and placement preparation
• Contribute to and support delivery of placement training and education for clients and caregivers
• Ensure clients understand responsibilities, expectations, and ongoing care requirements related to service dog partnerships

Ongoing Client & Graduate Support

• Provide post-placement follow-up, support, and coaching to clients and families
• Conduct regular check-ins, evaluations, and recertifications to ensure successful, ethical, and safe placements
• Respond to emerging concerns using strong assessment, problem-solving, and crisis intervention skills
• Facilitate referrals and connections to community, healthcare, and educational supports as needed

Collaboration & Systems Navigation

• Work collaboratively with healthcare providers, educators, therapists, and other professionals supporting NSD clients
• Participate in interdisciplinary planning and case discussions
• Contribute to continuous program improvement through feedback, evaluation, and shared learning

Documentation, Evaluation & Outreach

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential
  clinical documentation
  , reports, and referrals
• Participate in program evaluation and outcome measurement activities
• Support outreach, public education, and awareness activities that promote understanding of service dogs and NSD programs

Qualifications & ExperienceRequired

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution
• Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience supporting individuals with autism, PTSD, and/or mental health diagnoses
• Demonstrated experience with psychosocial assessment, case management, and crisis intervention
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centred practice
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to support clients and program needs
• Ability to travel throughout Canada

Preferred / Assets

• Experience working alongside healthcare, education, or community-based service systems
• Comfort working in both structured and dynamic environments
• Dog handling experience or comfort working with dogs is considered an asset

Why Join NSD

• Be part of a mission-driven organization with nearly 30 years of national impact
• Work in a collaborative, values-based environment that prioritizes ethical practice and wellbeing
• Engage in meaningful, long-term relationships with clients and families
• Opportunity to contribute to innovative service dog programs that change lives every day

Interested candidates please submit a resume and cover letter to