I am a member of the public and would like to connect with a social worker for assistance.

We are an association that supports our members (social workers in BC) and promotes the profession of social work; we do not offer direct support services to the public. However, some of our members do work in private practice (there is a fee for service) and may be able to help you.  Please contact the BCASW office 604-730-9111 Mon. to Thurs. AM for more information. 

Alternatively, you could call 211, to reach a service navigator who can direct you to services and programs in BC that support specific requests.

I would like to advertise a job/event with BCASW.

Information here on how to purchase a job posting or continuing education listing.

As a social worker in BC, why join the BCASW?

Joining the BCASW means joining an association that advances the profession of social work; celebrates social workers; defends social work values; and supports members, providing access to affordable liability insurance, mentorship, communications, and professional development.  You will support important work of the Staff, Board and Committees to peruse social justice issues for all BC residents. By joining the BCASW you also become a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) and can access all their services.  

What is the regulatory body for BC social workers?

As a professional member services association, BCASW is distinct from the regulatory body for social workers in British Columbia, the BC College of Social Workers, whose role is to protect the public. Though sharing common interests and working collaboratively, BCASW and BCCSW are separate and distinct organizations with different yet complementary mandates.

How does the BCASW’s Mentorship Program work?

The BCASW Mentoring Program is a network of experienced BCASW members, willing to contribute their time to assist other BCASW members. As a mentor, depending on what your interests/skills are, you might assist with requests as varied as helping to prepare a résumé, consulting on a practice issue, exploring an ethical dilemma, assisting with career or relocation decisions, or guiding and supporting a new graduate through the job-seeking process and adjusting to the demands of their new role. 

Mentoring provides an opportunity for decades of collective wisdom and experience to be shared with others who will tangibly benefit. Mentoring supports social workers in their delivery of competent and ethical services – and by doing so helps to enhance the overall image of our profession.

Most mentorship communication is by telephone, online, and email as mentors and mentees may live a fair distance apart.  They are matched by skills requested rather than proximity.  Mutual expectations are part of the negotiation process at the beginning between mentor and mentee to see if the relationship is a good fit.  Some people need only one or two conversations while others may contract for a year of support on their request. Frequency of contact also varies from several conversations per month to once every couple of months as needed.  It is left to the mentor and the mentee to agree on arrangements that work for them.  If, at any time, either of the parties feels it is not a good fit, or it does not work out for some reason, please contact the BCASW to request another match.

This type of mentorship is not consultation or supervision where the focus is on specific casework, nor on counselling for the mentee, but is a focus on the social work practitioner in relationship to their work and profession.  It is an informal peer program for members.  You may consider using the mentoring hours for your CPD requirements.

BCASW also facilitates peer mentoring support groups on interest such as starting a private practice, seeking RCSW designation, and support for workplace mental health injury. Please see the website page Professional Support for Members.

Does the BCASW provide recorded webinars for viewing on demand?

Collegial webinars hosted by BCASW are not recorded. Members receive a discount to attend.

Membership with the BCASW automatically entitles you to access the services of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). The CASW provides free webinars throughout the year, posted on their site for later viewing. You will need to set up an account on the CASW site as a member to access these webinars.

How do I renew my BCASW membership?

Login as a member using the green login button at the top right.

1. Mouse over the Applications menu item on the left side of the page. When the submenu appears, click on Membership Renewal. The Renewal Application will then open.
2. First section, Profile Details: If everything is correct and up to date in that section, click the Complete button.
3. Second section, Social Work Education: If everything is correct and up to date in that section, click the Complete button.
4. Third section, Employment: If everything is correct and up to date in that section, click the Complete button. If you do not have any social work-related employment, leave this section empty and click the Complete button.
5. Fourth section, Communication Preferences: If everything is correct and up to date in that section, click the Complete button.
6. Self-Declaration: Place a checkmark in the Self Declaration section.
7. Select your Category.
8. Click the Submit button.
9. After submitting your renewal application, you will then be re-directed to the Payment page where you can select your method of payment and enter your payment details.
10. When the Make a Payment page opens, select your method of Payment: Credit Card or Cheque/Money Order.
12. If you select Credit Card, enter your credit card (VISA or MasterCard - no debit versions) and then click the Submit button.
13. If you select Cheque/Money Order, you will be presented with information on how to remit payment.

You can download your receipt from your account.