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Social work overview Social worker education & certification Social work services

Social Work

Learn about different social work services available and how to access them. Discover how social workers provide culturally safe and inclusive services.

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Social work overview

Social work is a person-centered profession dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. Social workers help people in every stage of life, from newborn to seniors, to realize their potential, and enjoy full, active and creative lives.

Social workers align their practices with our strategic direction to provide culturally safe and inclusive services. Together, we support a culturally safe work environment and deliver culturally competent care.

Social worker education & certification

Social workers have a minimum of a Bachelors Degree from an accredited university, and the knowledge, training and skills to help you manage life’s most difficult demands by conducting assessments, and offering support, counselling, resources and referrals.

In addition to their education, all social workers within any B.C. health authority must register with the B.C. College of Social Workers (BCCSW), which protects the public interest by establishing and supporting high standards for qualified registered social workers.

Social work services

Social workers are members of your health-care team and are available in all sectors of care. They conduct assessments to identify any practical, emotional, social or economic needs that you or your family may be experiencing. Social workers understand that not all individuals have the same access to health care. They advocate for equity of care and resources, and can assist with the complex care needs of individuals.

Social work’s primary goal is to develop trusting relationships with those in our care and their families. A social worker’s job is to work with you to identify strengths, provide advocacy to navigate the health-care system, assist you in building a support network, and, ultimately, help you achieve a positive quality of life.

Types of services

Social work services may vary in urban and rural settings. Please view a list of available social work services or speak with your social worker about services specific to your area.

  • Care coordination for complex client/family needs
    • Conduct clinical assessments to determine needs
  • Caregiver support
  • Cultural competency
    • Acknowledge cultural care within the health care setting
    • Liaise with local First Nations Bands
    • Offer translation services when needed
    • Refer to appropriate cultural and spiritual agencies/services
  • Disability supports
    • Referrals and advocacy related to a new or existing disability
  • Child & Youth Mental Health
  • Mental Health Crisis Supports (Children, Youth & Adults)
  • Mental health & substance use support
    • Support for a Mental Health diagnosis
    • Support when impacted by substance use and addictions
    • Facilitate access to treatment
    • Offer harm reduction education and services
    • Advocacy
  • Financial Supports
    • Health care coverage in British Columbia
    • Disability pensions
    • Employment support
    • Medical injury requiring time off work
    • Caregiver benefits
    • Income assistance
    • Cost of medications
  • Grief and loss/bereavement support
  • Injury in motor vehicle accident
  • Housing
    • Subsidized housing
    • Supportive housing
    • Seniors housing
  • Immigrant services
  • Palliative care/end-of-life support
  • Planning for your future
  • Advance care Planning
  • Patient & Family Support
    • Chronic Disease Management/Diagnosis Adjustment support
      • Fears related to your illness or treatment
      • Loss of Independence
      • Lifestyle changes related to health & wellness
    • Referral to community supports and agencies
    • Safety Concerns for Children, Adults and Seniors
      • Child Safety Concerns
      • Child Safety Concerns for Indigenous individuals in BC
      • Vulnerable Adult & Seniors Reporting Line for neglect or abuse, neglect or self-neglect of vulnerable adults
    • Transportation/Accessibility to services
    • Workplace Injury
Arranging to meet with a social worker

You can arrange to meet with a social worker through your health-care provider, long-term care supervisor or community care case manager, or by asking any member of your health-care team when admitted to a hospital. You can also complete a self-referral or community intake process.

Cost to meet with a social worker

There is no charge to you if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Are covered under BC Medical Services Plan
  • Have provincial medical coverage in Canada
  • Purchased travel insurance if you live outside of Canada

If you don’t have coverage, please call the central intake office at 1-800-707-8550 to discuss.

Resources

Below are additional resources regarding social work services:

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