A social worker in BC plays a vital role in supporting individuals and communities by providing counseling, advocacy, and resources to address social, emotional, and financial challenges.
Tips & Links
Social workers (SW) provide care and support to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities to develop the skills and resources they need to function well in society.
Learn About
- The BC College of Social Workers regulates the practice of social workers in BC.
- Know that social workers meet with patients and clients to determine their needs. They provide counselling and education to help clients in areas of financial assistance, advocacy, housing, and home care services.
- Social workers are employed in publicly-funded and private practices. Most people meet social workers in the hospital setting. Prior to discharge, it is often a social worker who organizes the services you require to be discharged home.
- It can be a social worker who comes to your home to complete a home care assessment. This assessment determines, based on your safety, assistance required, and income, what amount of care the public system can provide you.
Things You Can Do
- Learn about how to access private social workers who are registered with the BC College of Social Workers. This does not require a referral and they are paid for by the client, not covered by the medical services plan (MSP).
- Learn about the differences between public versus private services from the Government of BC. Eligibility for public services is determined by a case worker and based on your individual care needs as well as your income tax assessments.
- Know how to participate in your health care visits and record your health information or have your health advocate present to do this.
- Know about your patient rights including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and the right to refuse or accept care.
- Develop your self-advocacy skills to ensure your questions are answered and your needs and decisions are heard.
Add your Social Worker to your My Health Care & Business Professionals PDF tool and My Care Partners PDF tool found in My People. Include their contact information and any questions you have for them. Save to digital and print files.