THE BC ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS IS NOT THE REGULATORY BODY FOR SOCIAL WORKERS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA.
THE BC COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS BC (BCCSW) is the regulatory body for the profession. Their mandate is to protect the public by registering social workers who meet the minimum requirements, encouraging high standards of practice and investigating and resolving complaints about the practice of Registered Social Workers. It is not mandatory to be registered with the BCCSW in order to obtain work in British Columbia. Social workers with the government, health regions, school boards and other public sector agencies are exempt from this requirement. However, some employers do require registration in their hiring policies. Other agencies may employ people with social work qualifications, but if they are not called social workers they are not required to be registered.
The BCCSW may register anyone with a BSW, MSW, DSW or PhD in social work from an approved university. In Canada this means a social work program accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education. An American program must be accredited with the Council on Social Work Education. For further information, check the BCCSW website.
FOREIGN CREDENTIALS
Graduates of social work programs outside of Canada must determine if their credentials will be recognized in British Columbia. To do so, you must have your credentials evaluated by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).
You may also contact the BC College of Social Workers for further information about evaluating your credentials.
THE LABOUR MARKET IN BC
For information about Social Work practice as it relates to the BC labour market, refer to the Work Futures BC website. Here you will find comprehensive information about education and training in BC, working conditions, salary ranges, and employment prospects within the province.
