Be supported. Be connected. Be appreciated.
BCASW, your professional association, is an important resource throughout your career. BCASW promotes and strengthens the profession of social work, advances social work’s interests, and advocates for social justice. Through BCASW, members receive information, continuing education, leadership and networking opportunities, mentoring, and support that can help them grow in practice.
BCASW does not provide registration or a licence to practise. Registration as a social worker in British Columbia is handled by the BC College of Social Workers.
Visit the BC College of Social WorkersBCASW and the BC College of Social Workers have different but complementary mandates. BCASW is a professional member services association. BCCSW is the regulatory body for social workers in British Columbia.
As a member of BCASW, you have access to support for practice issues, ethical questions, career decisions, job search questions, relocation questions, and mentoring for recent graduates. Members also receive email bulletins, Perspectives newsmagazine, access to BCASW and CASW resources, continuing education opportunities, insurance options, discounts, and other services such as job postings.
Who can join
Residents of British Columbia who meet the membership qualifications are welcome to join. Eligibility for membership is based on having obtained a Baccalaureate Degree, Master Degree, or Doctoral Degree from a program of social work education recognized by the BC College of Social Workers, having achieved a non-Canadian academic qualification equivalent determined by BCCSW, being a Registered Social Worker in British Columbia, or being a student enrolled in a recognized social work degree program.
Individuals who are not eligible for professional membership but choose to affiliate with the Association may join as Associates. This category allows attendance at functions, association communications, and participation in branch activities.
Membership year and fees
The membership year begins the day membership is activated. BCASW sends an invoice on the renewal anniversary. Annual membership fees fund BCASW programs, scholarships, member benefits, promotion of the profession, and social justice advocacy.
Please select the fee matching your status and submit the form and payment. The unemployed or reduced hours category is by self-report and is meant to make membership affordable for those with part-time or reduced income for the membership year.
If you have questions or difficulty completing the application, call the BCASW office and staff can help complete your application with you.