Skills, Education and Experience

• respect for diversity
• emotional maturity
• interest in helping others
• good with people
• problem-solving skills and decision making
• strong written and oral communication skills

A university degree in social work from a school accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education is mandatory in to work in this profession in British Columbia. Increasingly, a master's degree is required for many social work positions. Additional training may be required to work in specialized areas of social work. Qualified applicants with degrees from related fields such as Youth and Child Care may also be considered for employment in this area but will not have the ‘Social Worker’ designation.

There are eight schools of social work in British Columbia. There are also distance education programs available. A complete listing of accredited Schools of Social Work in Canada can be found on the website of The Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work.

Sources: WorkBC & BC Association of Social Workers

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This occupation is regulated in British Columbia

It is mandatory to be registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) in order to work as a Social Worker in British Columbia, unless you are employed by one of the exempt employers listed in the Social Workers Regulation (see below).

All applicants to the College are required to successfully complete a licensure exam to become registered.

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Graduates of social work programs outside of Canada or the US must have your educational credentials assessed through the International Credential Evaluation Service.

For more details see: