Our Mission

To spearhead the advancement of the social work profession and social work practice in health services and health promotion in British Columbia, Canada.

Our Goals

• To represent social workers in the service and delivery of health services.
• To establish and promote the implementation of Social Work standards of practice in health.
• To foster professional development of members through education, research and networking.
• To facilitate consumer access to health services.
  

What is Unique About the Social Workers in Health Society of BC?

Our main focus is social work practice in health care. We provide unique opportunities to network and learn from colleagues and leaders within British Columbia and beyond.

What Goes Around, Comes Around!

In 1969, a medical social workers group was formed in Vancouver, BC, to allow for networking, information sharing and continuing social work education specific to our field of practice. In Victoria, BC, the Committee on Aging was formed and this became a sub-committee of BCASW. The medical social workers had a non-voting membership on the BCASW Board.

In the 70s, the Social Work Director's Society was formed and many Directors put their energy into making this a success. As a result, the first group struggled. The Discharge Planners Association met some of the needs of line social workers while it was in existence.

With the advent of program management and hospital mergers, the number of directors began to dwindle. In 1996, the Director's society was formally dissolved and Social Workers in Health Society was formed to allow for networking, sharing of information and continuing education specific to our field of practice!

Note: The Social Workers in Health Society of BC encourages new members! Please visit our membership page to find out about the benefits of membership.