Frequently Asked Questions

I work in a practice context where access to supervision is difficult (funding, lack of RSWs, privacy constraints etc.). What advice does ACSW have for me in meeting supervisory requirements?

Where supervision is required but access is limited, ACSW expects social workers to:

Make reasonable efforts to secure appropriate supervision and document those attempts

Implement alternative safeguards to support competence and public protection, such as structured peer consultation, external case review, targeted continuing education, professional engagement, and careful scope-of-practice management

Adjust practice to reduce risk where adequate supervision cannot be secured (especially for complex/higher-risk work)

I work in a setting where teaching social workers new to practice is expected. How do I inform clients?

Clients should be informed that supervision/consultation is part of professional practice and that confidential information may be shared for those purposes. If clients will be observed or recorded for supervision, written informed consent is required.

Practical options include intake/orientation scripts, service brochures, consent forms, and signage – tailored to the setting. The core is transparency about supervision as part of quality and safety.

If I withdraw my registration while I’m on leave, do I have to go through the whole application process again?

Yes. You will be required to complete the reinstatement application pathway to re-establish your registration following a period of lapse or withdrawal. Depending on the purpose of your leave and the length of your leave, you will be asked to participate in a return to practice assessment to determine your competence requirements. See the Applicants tab on the ACSW website for more details.

If my application is approved, what is the next step?

Porting and post-supervision streams: Once all the requirements have been met, you will be approved to write the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam.

Pre-supervision stream: Once your application is approved, you are now a candidate to the clinical registry. (Candidate is an administrative term, not a protected title.) You will begin a minimum of two years of direct clinical practice, including 1600 hours of direct clinical practice as set out in the supervision plan, overseen by the identified clinical supervisor of record. Interim evaluations must be submitted for review every six months and are subject to feedback and approval. Once this has been satisfied, you will be approved to write the exam.

Is “peer supervision” considered practice supervision?

The term “peer” describes the relationship between participants rather than the type of professional support being provided. In some contexts, “peer supervision” is used informally to describe structured peer discussion or reflective practice between colleagues at a similar level of experience. While these activities may support competence, learning, and professional reflection, they do not constitute practice supervision unless one individual holds formal authority and accountability for overseeing professional practice.

Depending on the structure and purpose, these activities are more accurately described as peer consultation, peer support, or reflective practice.

Leaving a Private Practice: Can a private practice charge me a fee to take my clients to my new practice?

Review the terms and conditions of any contract you signed. Some contracts include client transfer fees where the practice owner may require payment if you continue seeing clients who originally came through their business. Consulting a lawyer with these types of contractual questions is always advised.

Leaving a Private Practice: If I leave a private practice, can I ask clients to follow me to my new practice?

Deciding to leave a private practice and how to manage existing clients can be a complex decision. Consider the following:

• Any existing contractual obligations including a non-solicitation or non-compete clause.
• Autonomy and self-determination. Clients should have the right to choose their provider and asking them to follow you may create a situation where they feel unduly influenced and unable to exercise autonomy.

Consulting a lawyer with these types of contractual questions is always advised.

More information for employers of registered social workers can be found in the Health Professions Handbook.

Record Keeping: Can I use artificial intelligence (AI) to create a session summary?

Using AI in professional social work practice can offer powerful tools, but also raises important ethical, practical and relational considerations.

Consider the following:

• Does the AI tool protect client data in accordance with privacy laws (e.g., Health Information Act, Protection of Privacy Act, Access to Information Act, Personal Information Protection Act)?
• Are clients aware of how AI is being used and what it means for their data or decisions?
• Could the AI reinforce systemic biases or exclude marginalized populations?
• What is the AI being used for?
– Administrative support such as scheduling or documentation?
– Clinical decision support?
– Risk assessment or predictive analytics?
• Is it replacing or augmenting human judgement?
• Can you explain how the AI works to clients or colleagues?
• Who is responsible if the AI makes an error or influences a poor decision?
• Is there a human review process in place?
• Do you understand the tool well enough to use it responsibly?
• Have you received training or guidance on ethical AI use?
• Can you critically evaluate its outputs?

If you choose to use AI in delivering a professional service, you are still accountable for the substance of the note or document. If AI is used, you must still review and finalize the document.

If a client does not provide consent, you may not use AI.

Should I tell my clients that I am registered?

Yes. Being a registered social worker (RSW) shows that you are a trusted professional and are accountable to the public and the profession. You are encouraged to use your RSW designation and show your educational qualifications on all professional documents. Being transparent to provide your registration status to your employer and the public is required under the ACSW Standards of Practice.

Educational credentials will be cited only when they have been received from an approved education institution and verified by ACSW.

A social worker with inactive registration status will identify with “inactive” before or after the use of the protected title, or not use the protected title.

This information can also be found on the public register.

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