Who is required to register?
In accordance with The Social Work Profession Act which came into force on April 1, 2015, only those who hold a current Certificate of Practice with the Manitoba College of Social Workers are authorized to use the title Social Worker or represent themselves as Social Workers, either expressly or by implication. Any person who uses the title “Social Worker”, “Registered Social Worker” or represents themselves as a Social Worker must be registered with the College regardless of job title, position or designation. Additionally, any person who uses any sign, display or advertisement implying they are a Social Worker must be registered with the College.
What is “title protection”?
In Manitoba, only those individuals who are registered as members of the College can refer to themselves as a “Social Worker”, “Registered Social Worker” or any variation of the designation.
What does the prohibition on “holding out” or “representing” oneself as a Social Worker mean?
Only those who are registered as members of the College can represent themselves, expressly or by implication, so as to lead members of the public to conclude that they are Social Workers, Registered Social Workers or registered members of the College.
In determining the need for practitioners to register, the College will consider:
- the setting in which the individual provides service
- the nature of the clientele served by the individual
- the nature of the services provided or offered
- whether clients believe service is provided by a Social Worker; and
- whether a reasonable member of the public would infer that the individual is a Social Worker
Why are “title protection” and the prohibitions on “holding out” and “representing” necessary for social workers?
Professional regulation provides the public with the reasonable expectation that those individuals representing themselves as Social Workers have the specialized knowledge and skills required for entry to practice. The primary goal of title protection and professional regulation is to protect the public interest and promote public confidence in the profession of Social Work. The public has a right to know that they are receiving services from competent professionals dedicated to professional accountability who abide by recognized standards of practice and ethical conduct.
Adapted from Perspective, Fall/Winter 2003/2004, Volume 2, Number 1 – Use of Title and Holding Out Provisions with the permission of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Who is eligible to become a member of the Manitoba College of Social Workers?
The College will maintain three Registers. These include:
- Social Worker Register
- Student Register
- Corporations Register