Social work license requirements to change

As of Sept 1, 2013 all Health Authority employees who work in positions that have the terms “Social Worker”, “Registered Social Worker” or “Registered Clinical Social Worker” in their job titles or who use these titles to identify themselves to the public, will need to be registered with the BC College of Social Workers.

Social Workers in Positions with “Social Worker” in Job Title:

If you are a VCH employee working in a position that has “Social Worker” in your job title you should have received a letter outlining the change, expectations regarding your registration, and timelines. This was emailed to regular staff and mailed to people working casually or who are on leave. If you have not received this letter, please contact Bonnie Wilson (info below).

Social Workers in Positions without “Social Worker” in Job Title:  If you are a Social Worker working for VCH in a job that doesn’t have “Social Worker” in the title, this change in licensure requirement does not apply to you at this time. However, if you:

–          support staff who are Social Workers and who will be required to register, or

–          are a designated responder with Adult Guardianship issues in your area, or

–          are responsible for obtaining substitute consent, determining incapability, or a variety of other activities involving consent…

you should meet with your manager and/or Social Work Practice Lead to discuss your situation and explore options.

Information Sessions:

If you have questions, you are welcome to attend one of the scheduled information sessions:

Bonnie Wilson, Acting Director, Allied Health Professional Practice, VCH Bonnie.wilson2@vch.ca

Lynda Lougheed, Social Work Practice Leader, Vancouver Acute, lynda.lougheed@vch.ca