Joining the BCASW provides multiple benefits to you and your profession.
BE SUPPORTED. BE CONNECTED. BE APPRECIATED.
BCASW, your professional association, will be an important resource for you throughout your career. BCASW’s mission is to promote and strengthen the profession of social work, to advance social work’s interests, and to be a strong and visible advocate for social justice. Through BCASW, you will receive the information, continuing education, leadership and networking opportunities, mentoring, and support that will assist you to grow and flourish in your practice.
BCASW does NOT provide registration or license to practice.
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 (BCCSW), whose sole role is to protect the public. Registration as a social worker in BC is through the BCCSW. Although they share common interests, BCASW and BCCSW are separate and distinct organizations with different yet complementary mandates.
As a member of BCASW, you will have access to the support you need - whether a consultation on a practice or ethical issue; guidance in career, job search, or relocation decisions; or longer-term mentoring program for recent graduates.
We keep you current with email bulletins, Perspectives newsmagazine, and access to resources in the BCASW and CASW websites. We also provide continuing education opportunities and benefits, a variety of insurance choices, membership discounts, and other services such as job postings. Browse the many benefits of membership here.
As an association of members serving members, our success and vitality is built on the active involvement of members who share a commitment to good social work practice and a thriving profession.
Residents of British Columbia who meet the following qualifications are welcome to join. Eligibility for membership in the Association is based on the applicant 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; or having achieved a non-Canadian academic qualification equivalent determined by BCCSW; or being a Registered Social Worker in the province of British Columbia; or being a student enrolled in a recognized social work degree program.
Individuals not eligible for professional membership but who choose to affiliate with the Association may join as Associates. Although not be eligible to hold office at the Branch or Provincial level, this category allows for attendance at functions, all communications from the Association, and participation in Branch activities.
The membership year begins the day your membership is activated. BCASW will send an invoice on your renewal anniversary. Your annual membership fees fund the work of the BCASW, allowing us to provide programs, scholarships, and benefits to members; promote our profession; and advocate for social justice.
Please select the fee matching your status and submit the form and payment. The unemployed/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 any questions or difficulties, please call the BCASW office and we will complete your application with you.