What is the Social Workers Association of Alberta?

The Social Workers Association of Alberta (SWAA) is a membership-based organization that promotes the profession of social work, engages in social advocacy work, and provides meaningful support and benefits to Alberta Social Workers. SWAA is not a Regulatory body (to practice as a registered Social worker in Alberta, you need to be registered with the Alberta College of Social workers).

How will SWAA membership impact my registration with ACSW?

Joining SWAA will not have any impact on the requirement to register with the Alberta College of Social Workers. You will need to join SWAA to enjoy association benefits, which may have been provided under the previous mandate of ACSW.

Joining SWAA is voluntary.

Why do Alberta social workers require a professional association separate from ACSW?

The government of Alberta passed legislation (Bill 46, 2020) that requires all regulatory colleges, including ACSW, to stop providing association functions and activities.

Regulatory Colleges are designed to protect the public by setting standards, ensuring competence of its members and investigating complaints. Associations work on behalf of their members and on issues that matter to them, such as providing member benefits, professional development opportunities and advocating with government. Until now, the Alberta College of Social Workers has functioned as a regulatory college and a professional association.

ACSW committed to supporting the creation of a new social work association. More information may be found on the ACSW website.

What kind of benefits will you offer?

We are expanding our plan for services and benefits for our members. Some important benefits of joining SWAA include:

Exclusive access to membership with the Canadian Association of Social Workers (and the International Federal of Social Workers) which includes a host of unique benefits including reduced rates for professional liability insurance,

Professional development opportunities;

Opportunities to engage and network with other social workers; and participating in advocacy work

Click here for more information on member benefits.

As SWAA grows, membership benefits will also grow!

Click here to purchase your membership, today.

What about Liability Insurance?

Your membership with SWAA grants you a membership with CASW.

You can access the CASW Liability Insurance Program at casw.bmsgroup.com.

For more info see Liability insurance under membership benefits.

SWAA bylaws

Want to see our bylaws?

SWAA bylaws outlines key aspects of the association, including membership categories, board roles, meeting procedures, and how amendments are made.

Click here for a PDF version.

How do I use your job board?

Our job board is publicly accessible and regularly updated with current social work opportunities across Alberta.

SWAA Members can post job openings for free directly through the member portal , and Non-members can post for $25 per job on the Careers Tab our website.