Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) Student Orientation Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW Professional Affairs Coordinator Suite 550, – 100 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 3M1 Toll free ;

Hallmarks of a Profession Specific body of knowledge that can be taught Ongoing research that further develops the knowledge base of the profession Code of Ethics Mandatory Registration Organization that represents the profession

Benefits to Professional Status Our credibility with other professions is enhanced Employers have confidence in hiring social workers as our education and ongoing training must meet a specified standard and we are accountable for our practice Our clients know that we are educated, trained and accountable for our practice

Primary Purpose of ACSW The primary purpose of ACSW is protection of the public. Our main responsibility is to ensure social workers in Alberta are ethical practitioners who adhere to the Code of Ethics (CASW, 2005) and Standards of Practice (AB, 2008). The Code and Standards are legislated under the Health Professions Act (HPA) in Alberta

Legal Authority Protection of Title Mandatory Registration granted in 1999 with exemptions and 2003 without exemptions Entry level to Profession: Diploma

Membership Support Advocate E-Newsletter Continuing Competence Workshops Social/Networking Events Annual Conference Social Work Week

Student Support 5 - $1000 Bursaries awarded each year Special Interest Committees: Gerontological Social Workers in Health Children’s Issues Social Action Social Justice

Advocacy ACSW has formal partnerships with other progressive agencies: Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Edmonton Social Planning Council Friends of Medicare Public Interest Alberta Parkland Institute Greater Edmonton Alliance

Initiatives… Poverty No More (Who Cares Alberta?) Closing the Disparity Gap Campaign Media

Student Membership Reduced rates at continuing competence workshops and annual conferences Support for Student activities Significantly reduced rate for first year of registration Access to Members Only website Advocate E-Newsletter Eligibility for membership on special interest committees