FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Looking for the Clinical social work rosters from ACSW?
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Will there be an Annual General Meeting for members? When?
Our first Annual General Meeting took place on September 21, 2023. The inaugural board was announced at the AGM. Our second Annual General Meeting took place on September 24, 2024, and our third in September 24, 2025.
The next AGM will be on April 21, 2026
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How do I stay connected to SWAA?
Purchase a membership
Subscribe to our mailing list,
Stay connected via social media on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Email us at hello@myswaa.ca
How to’s
Need help navigating the SWAA Member Portal?
Please see our step-by-step instructions for common tasks such as finding your membership ID, accessing receipts and certificates, updating your membership category, and troubleshooting login issues.
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There are a few reasons you could be having difficulty logging into your account. Here is a list items you should review to make sure you can have access the member portal.
Step 1: Go to the SWAA Member Portal login page
Step 2: Make sure you are using the email address associated with your SWAA membership.
Step 3: Have you tried resetting your password by clicking "Forget password"? Please note it can take up to 10 minutes for the reset password email to be delivered to your inbox (if it does not appear in your inbox, please check your spam folder)
If You have reset your password, but cannot login using your new password. Or if you have issues resetting the password:
a: Update Browser
Newer browsers use current versions of the security protocol to keep your personal information safe. If you are using an older browser that is missing those critical security features, you will be unable to access the Member Portal. You might see one of the following messages when attempting to log on:
Page Can’t Be Displayed
Cannot Establish a Secure Connection
Page Not Available
When you upgrade your browser, the issue will automatically be resolved.
Select the appropriate link below for instructions to update your preferred web browser.
Look for the option to “Download” or “Update” your browser:
Chrome: DOWNLOAD/UPDATE HERE!
Firefox: DOWNLOAD/UPDATE HERE!
Mircosoft Edge: DOWNLOAD/UPDATE HERE!
Safari: DOWNLOAD/UPDATE HERE!
Update your operating system to the latest version:
b. Cookies
When you first login you receive the notice below. If you do not have the cookies enabled on your browser, you will not be able to login to the member portal. Please ensure your cookies are enabled in your browser settings.
c. VPN's and Firewalls
If your company uses a VPN, please ensure that it is off to access the member portal. Also, your organization could have high-security firewalls. You may need to whitelist the member portal domain to be able to have access to the site.
No Access?
If your membership has lapsed, your login access may be revoked. Please contact the organization administrator for assistance.
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How do I find my SWAA Membership ID number?
You can find your Membership ID by logging into the SWAA Member Portal.
Step 1: Go to the SWAA Member Portal
Step 2: Log in using your email address and password.
Step 3: Click on My Account in the menu.
Step 4: Select Membership.
Step 5: Your Membership ID number will be displayed on the Membership page.
If you are unable to locate your Membership ID, please send us an inquiry, or email us at hello@myswaa.ca
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You can access your membership receipts through the SWAA Member Portal.
Step 1: Go to the SWAA Member Portal
Step 2: Log in using your email address and password.
Step 3: Click on My Account in the menu.
Step 4: Select Invoices and Receipts.
Step 5: Locate the invoice or receipt you need and click on it to view or download the receipt.
If you are unable to locate your receipt, please contact hello@myswaa.ca for assistance.
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Certificates for SWAA events and professional development sessions can be accessed through the SWAA Member Portal.
Step 1: Go to the SWAA Member Portal
Step 2: Log in using your email address and password.
Step 3: Click on My Account in the menu.
Step 4: Select Certificates.
Step 5: You will see a list of certificates for events you attended. Click on the certificate to view or download it.
If you cannot find your certificate, please contact hello@myswaa.ca for assistance.
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How to Become a Registered Social worker: Canadian/US Educated Social worker visit ACSW Membership.
How to Become a Registered Social worker: Internationally Educated Social Workers Visit Internationally Educated Applicants - ACSW and Assessment of International Credentials | Canadian Association of Social Workers
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