Just as there are many different areas in which you can practice social work, there are many different avenues that folks take to obtain social work education and begin working as a social worker.
We hope to outline the basics here to help provide information to help you navigate your social work journey.
Social Work Education
To work as a social worker in PEI, you must first hold at minimum a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and be registered with the PEI Social Work Registration Board (more on the latter later).
At present, there are no social work programs located on PEI. However, there are 47 accredited social work programs at the BSW and MSW level across Canada. The Canadian Association of Social Work Education completes accreditation on social work programs in Canada and you can find a list of all accredited programs here.
Bachelor of Social Work degrees are typically four-year university programs, although there may be variations in this depending on the program and university. BSW degrees are primarily course-based and have a practicum component. BSW degrees provide foundational theoretcial knowledge and education.
Master of Social Work degrees can be anywhere from 1 to 3 years. This can depend on if you hold a previous BSW dgree, are completing studies part-time or full-time status, and length of program. MSW programs are generally either thesis-based or course-based, with the latter often including a practicum.
Doctorate degrees in Social Work (PhD or DSW) are research-intensive and help prepare social workers for careers in academia, policy analysis, and advanced clinical practice. Length of Ph.D programs can be from 3-4 years (full-time) or even longer if completing part-time.
Social Work Registration
Before you can use the title ‘RSW’ or ‘Registered Social Worker’, or even start working in a position that is designated as a social work position, you need to register with the PEI Social Work Registration Board.
The PEI Social Work Registration Board outlines the Registration Process below:
In order to practice Social Work in Prince Edward Island, you are required to become registered with the PEI Social Work Registration Board.
Only an individual who is registered with the Prince Edward Island Registration Board as defined under section 9 of the Social Workers Act may represent himself or herself as a social worker in Prince Edward Island. Otherwise, it is an offence, subject to a fine not exceeding $500.00, to represent yourself as a social worker.
If you become registered you may use the designation “Registered Social Worker” and the initials “R.S.W.”
The registration is good for 1 year from April 1 to March 31.
Social Work Positions
Social workers are employed by a variety of organizations in PEI, including both Health PEI and the Government of PEI. Some of the locations where you will find social workers include:
- Schools and Universities
- All hospitals (including Hillsborough Hospital)
- Patient Medical Homes across the province
- Private practice* (must receive additional approval for private practice from PEISWRB)
- Non-profit organizations
- Community Mental Health and Addictions
- Child and Family Services
- Adult Protection (Home Care)