Who is Required to Register?
According to The Social Work Profession Act in Manitoba, only people who are registered with the Manitoba College of Social Workers and hold a current Certificate of Practice can use the title or represent themselves as a “Social Worker” or “Registered Social Worker.”
Representing oneself as a Social Worker includes leading members of the public to conclude that you are a Social Worker.
To decide if practitioners need to register, the College will look at:
- where the person works
- who their clients are
- what kind of services they provide
- if clients think they are being served by a Social Worker
- if a reasonable person would think the individual is a Social Worker
Membership Benefits
Registration with the Manitoba College of Social Workers is a professional and legal responsibility for Social Workers as outlined in The Social Work Profession Act. Only those individuals registered with the Manitoba College of Social Workers have the legal right to use the title “Social Worker”, “Registered Social Worker” and/or represent themselves as Social Workers in Manitoba. Registered Social Workers are recognized as ethical and competent professionals who practice within recognized practice standards and who value public accountability.
Additional benefits to registration include:
- Access to training and development opportunities designed especially for Social Workers.
- Membership in provincial, national and international social work organizations that:
- support professional regulation
- promote the profession of social work
- advocate for social justice
- Professional Networking
- Registered Social Workers can build their professional networks by joining the organization. Membership in MCSW provides many opportunities to develop leadership skills and connect with other Social Workers.
- Opportunities to honour excellence in Social Work
- Every March, Social Workers across Manitoba celebrate National Social Work Week to honor their contributions to society. The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) also celebrates Social Work Month during this time.
- The CASW Distinguished Service Award (MB) is given to a member or group of members of MCSW who have made a significant contribution to Social Work. The award is usually presented during Social Work Month in March.
- Access to Professional Liability Insurance Program
- MCSW members can apply for professional liability insurance through a group plan available via their membership with the Canadian Association of Social Workers.
Use of Legal Name
Social Workers value openness and transparency in professional practice [Code of Ethics, Value 4]. With any regulated profession, if a member of the public wants to confirm that they are receiving services from a Social Worker in good standing, it is important that the name under which the member practices is the same as on the public Registry. For these reasons, members must be registered in their legal name.
In the event of safety concerns or other extenuating circumstances related to the use of a legal name, a member may contact the College for exceptional accommodation, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Updating Education Credentials
If you are a member of the College and have recently graduated from an accredited social work program, you must update your education with the College by submitting an original transcript showing your degree awarded. The transcript must be sent to the College directly from the academic institution in its unopened, sealed and stamped envelope. The College will also accept an electronic version emailed directly to admin@mcsw.ca. This transcript is available after your convocation.
Have your transcript sent here: Manitoba College of Social Workers, 101-2033 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg Manitoba, R3J 0K6.