Frequently Asked Questions

Obtaining collateral information and reviewing available records may be an important part of a thorough assessment. Social workers should not disclose information without an appropriate legal basis, consent, or other authority. Where a client refuses consent, the social worker should clarify the limits this may place on assessment or service planning and follow applicable privacy, documentation, and workplace requirements.

An employer is free to set any job requirements for hiring. The employer cannot, however, decide that a person with a social work credential, working within the scope of social work, does not have to be registered. This may mean that a registered social worker and another person who does not qualify as a registered social worker are both doing work that falls within the social work scope of practice. The person with a social work credential, working within the scope of social work, must be registered. 

Where social workers are supporting MAID-related care and are asked to discuss the role of family or friends, they should explore the client’s preferences, explain potential benefits and risks of disclosure or non-disclosure, and document relevant discussions. Social workers must respect the client’s expressed wishes, privacy, and confidentiality, subject to applicable legal and professional requirements.

If the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act is proclaimed as proposed, social workers should also be aware that the legislation would require the presence of a family member during the provision of MAID unless the practitioner providing MAID determines that a family member is not reasonably available. In some circumstances, a client’s wish not to involve family members may therefore raise practical, ethical, and legal considerations that fall within the responsibilities of the MAID provider.

Social workers should avoid making determinations regarding the application of this requirement. Instead, they may support clients in understanding the potential implications of their choices, facilitate communication where appropriate and desired by the client, and assist clients in accessing further information from the assessing or providing practitioner. Where tensions arise between a client’s wishes, family involvement, and legal requirements, social workers should seek consultation and document relevant discussions and decisions.

All registered social workers, including students, must complete competency requirements. If you are in an accredited education program that relates to your learning plan, taking a minimum of two courses per year will fulfill your competence requirements. If your studies are in an unrelated field, you must still complete 40 hours of activity toward your competency as a social worker. 

You may become inactive temporarily while you determine if you will continue to practice in the scope of social work in a paid or voluntary capacity or you may withdraw your registration.  ACSW does not offer a retired status.

You will be required to participate in the Competence Program if you have an inactive status.

A criminal record does not necessarily stop you from registering as a social worker. You must disclose your criminal history in the declarations section of the application to be individually assessed for the potential to be a trusted professional. A fingerprint report may be necessary when a criminal record check cannot confirm your identity or criminal history.  

If the supervisor is not eligible, the supervision may not be accepted for the purpose it was intended (especially in formal ACSW pathways like provisional supervised practice). Immediate steps:

• Stop relying on that supervision arrangement for meeting requirements

• Contact ACSW/credentialing guidance channels (or review the relevant ACSW policy) to determine what can be credited, if anything

• Secure an eligible supervisor and ensure a written plan and documentation going forward
• Keep records of dates, supervision provided, and how eligibility concerns were discovered

Registration is mandatory even when:

• your job title is not social worker

• your employer does not require proof of registration

An employer can set any job requirements for hiring. You may be doing the same job as another person who is not required to be a registered social worker, because that person does not qualify for registration.

ACSW determines if the services you are performing falls within the scope of practice of social work as defined in the Health Professions Act. Please contact practice.consultation@acsw.ab.ca if you are unsure if you require registration.

If you have a social work credential and your practice fits within the scope of practice, you must be registered, whatever title you use.  

The title of social worker may only be used by registered social workers, but registration is required even when you do not use the title. 

Any time you have a change in status, please contact competency@acsw.ab.ca.