BC College of Social Workers

03/04/2026

Celebrating BC Social Work Month!

This month, the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) proudly celebrates the dedication, compassion, and expertise of social workers across British Columbia.

Social workers play a vital role in supporting individuals, families, and communities through life’s challenges; whether advocating for systemic change, promoting mental health, or helping people navigate complex social systems.

From rural communities to urban centers, social workers bring evidence-informed practice, cultural humility, and ethical leadership to every interaction. Their work strengthens social well-being, empowers individuals, and contributes to a more just and inclusive society.

During Social Work Month, we recognize and thank all our social worker registrants for their unwavering commitment to practicing in the best interests of those they serve. Your professionalism, resilience, and dedication truly make a difference!

Let’s celebrate the impact of social work; because every action counts, every voice matters, and every life touched makes our province stronger !

02/12/2026

On this provincial day of mourning, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the community of Tumbler Ridge and to everyone impacted by this tragic loss. Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and loved ones who are grieving, and with all those who are holding one another through this incredibly difficult time.
We honour the lives lost and recognize the deep and lasting impact this tragedy has on individuals, families, and the broader community. We also express our sincere gratitude to the first responders, social workers, and helping professionals who are present with care, compassion, and steadiness in the face of heartbreak. Your work matters, and your humanity makes a difference.
We hold Tumbler Ridge close in our hearts. We create space for grief, remembrance, and healing, and we join many across British Columbia in surrounding this community with care and compassion.
For those who may be seeking support during this time, our Public Registry can help you locate registered social workers by geographical area, should connecting with someone closer feel helpful. The registry is available on our website and offers current information to support gentle access to care, at your own pace.
https://bccsw.alinityapp.com/Client/PublicDirectory/

09/12/2025

Public Statement from the BC College of Social Workers

Re: Public References to an Individual as a “Social Worker”

The BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) is aware that an individual named Devon Cassidy is being publicly referred to as a “social worker.”

The following information is provided to clarify the individual’s registration status and outline BCCSW’s role.

Our records do not show that an individual named Devon Cassidy is or has been a registrant of the BCCSW.

In British Columbia, the title “social worker” is protected under the Social Workers Act and may only be used by:
a) individuals who are registered with the BCCSW, or
b) individuals employed by organizations specifically exempt under the Social Workers Regulation.

Regulation ensures public accountability.
Individuals who are registered with BCCSW are required to meet professional and ethical standards and are subject to regulatory oversight, including a formal complaints and discipline process. This framework exists to protect the public. When someone is not registered with BCCSW, they are not accountable to BCCSW, and any concerns about their conduct fall outside BCCSW’s jurisdiction.

The public is encouraged to verify the registration status of any social worker using the BCCSW public registry at https://bccsw.alinityapp.com/Client/PublicDirectory/

For more information, please contact us at [email protected]

In British Columbia, only individuals registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (the "College") or employed by an exempt employer under the Social Workers Regulation may call themselves social workers. Only registrants of the College may use the title “RSW". It is an offence t...

07/24/2025

Attention BCCSW Registrants!

Need guidance on navigating the Continuing Professional Development form online?

BCCSW will be hosting an online learning session on 28 July 2025, Monday at 12 Noon, to take you on a live walkthrough of the CPD portal. Register for the session via the link emailed to you at your email address on file with the College.

Learning Outcomes: You’ll learn how to:

✅ Enter SMART goals and activities
✅ Meet required categories (including the 3 hours of Indigenous-specific learning)
✅ Avoid common submission errors

07/16/2025

How do you know you can trust the social worker you’re working with?

If you’re working with a Registered Social Worker (RSW) or Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) in BC, you can be confident they’re held to high professional and ethical standards.

All registered social workers follow our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which are designed to protect the public and guide safe, accountable care.

The Code of Ethics is clear:
“A social worker shall maintain the best interest of the client as the primary professional obligation.”

When someone registers with BCCSW, they agree to uphold these standards. It’s our role to make sure they do.

Learn more: https://bccsw.ca/faq-items/?_sft_faq_category=faq-for-the-public

07/08/2025

Protecting the public. Regulating BC’s social work profession.

That’s our role.

While we’re sometimes confused with the BC Association of Social Workers, our responsibilities are different.

The association’s role is to promote and support the profession. It’s our role to regulate the profession of social work in BC, which means we serve and protect the public.

As the regulator, we license and register social workers, set standards for safe, ethical practice, and hold our registrants accountable to protect the public.

Learn more about our role at bccsw.ca

07/02/2025

Some social workers in the province aren’t registered with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) because they work for an employer that’s exempt.

This includes individuals employed by government departments, Indigenous bands or treaty first nations, school boards, child welfare agencies with delegated authority under provincial law, and teaches or conducts research under an academic appointment at post-secondary institutions. Review all exemptions here: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/10_323_2008

While these individuals may legally use the title social worker, they cannot use the titles of Registered Social Worker (RSW) or Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) if they are not registered with the College, and are not subject to our Code of Ethics, practice standards, or public complaints process.

Learn more and search the public registry at bccsw.ca.

06/26/2025

Before you trust. Verify.

You don’t need to be a client of a social worker to use our public registry. Anyone can use the accessible search tool to check if someone is registered to practise social work and whether there are any restrictions, conditions, or limitations on their registration.

Remember: In BC, only individuals registered with the College or employed by an exempt employer listed in the Social Workers Regulation can call themselves social workers. Only those registered by the BCCSW can use the title Registered Social Worker (RSW). It’s an offence to use these titles without proper registration or exemption.

The registry is here to help you make informed choices. Search now: https://bccsw.alinityapp.com/Client/PublicDirectory/

06/24/2025

Think anyone can call themselves a social worker in BC?

Think again.

In BC, anyone using the title social worker must be registered with us, the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) unless they’re employed by an exempt employer.

If someone isn’t registered with us or working for an exempt employer, they can’t legally use the title of ‘social worker.’

What about the titles Registered Social Worker (RSW) or Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW)?

Only individuals registered with BCCSW can use them.

We make sure RSWs and RCSWs meet our standards required to practise safely and ethically.

So how do you know if you’re working with a social worker regulated by BCCSW? Check our public registry to verify: https://bccsw.alinityapp.com/Client/PublicDirectory/

06/20/2025

Did you know that social workers registered by the BC College of Social Workers are now required to complete Indigenous-specific cultural learning every year?

As part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), this learning deepens their understanding of the Indigenous communities they serve and helps address anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination in practice.

When you work with a Registered Social Worker, you’re working with someone who is committed to safe, ethical, and culturally respectful care.

Want to confirm if your social worker is registered with the BCCSW? Check our public registry to verify: https://buff.ly/bDFELOP