Learning is a continuous process and we encourage all of you to become actively engaged in professional development. There are many public internet sites, podcasts, and blogs that you will find as you develop your professional resources. Although it is impossible to provide an accurate and current list of all resources, we wanted to provide some of the links that you will find helpful and to encourage you to share these with your supervisor and others at your agency.
Professional Association Requirement Resources
Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
We encourage you to understand the registration requirements for your profession. Visit the ACSW website at www.acsw.ab.ca/students for information on the application process, the benefits of joining and information on available scholarships through the ACSW.
The Bachelor of Social Work Program prepares you for entrance into the profession of Social Work. Accordingly, our program adheres to the standards set out by our provincial regulatory body, the Alberta College of Social Workers. Upon completion of the 700 hours in the practicum and related coursework, graduates are eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers. Eligibility of practice hours are determined by application to the ACSW. All of you will be asked to sign a document confirming the understanding that the decision regarding the eligibility of hours rests with the ACSW.
Here you will also find links to the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics, Guidelines for Ethical Practice and the Standards of Practice.
Alberta College of Social Workers fundamental competencies
- Social workers must have an understanding of the nature of human systems and their major interactions including individual, family, group, organization, community, and society. All social workers must have an understanding of human development; group dynamics; organizational structure; community structure; municipal, provincial, national, and international policy (as the latter impact Social Work practice); and the interaction of social systems and their influence on human problems. This understanding is acquired through the integration of liberal arts and Social Work courses.
- Social workers must have an understanding of the conditions that serve to promote and/or limit optimal functioning in both people and social systems. Social workers must have knowledge of the factors that become barriers to full participation in society.
- Social workers must promote anti-oppressive and culturally competent frameworks and practices. This includes human rights and social justice as fundamental concepts. Social workers must be able to work with individuals/groups/communities to facilitate full participation in society and respect diversity in all of its forms.
- Social workers must be skilled in planning, implementing, and evaluating interventions within the limits of Social Work practice.
- Social workers must behave in a manner consistent with ethical standards of practice and in the best interests of the client.
- Social workers must be prepared to practice within the Code of Ethics (Appendix A).
- Social workers must have an awareness of their own values orientation.
Other Professional Development Resources
Professional Social Work links
- The Alberta College of Registered Social Workers: www.acsw.com
- The Canadian Association of Social Workers: www.casw-acts.ca
- The National Association of Social Workers: www.socialworkers.org
- The New Social Worker: www.socialworker.com
The Social Work Podcast
The Social Work Podcast is a free resource offering podcasts related to a range of social work practice issues. It is likely that your instructors will refer to this site for materials you can review in addition to what you are learning in class.
Other resources
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