March is National Social Work Month

National Social Work Month is a time to recognize social workers and their efforts to help improve individuals’ lives and the collective well-being of society. This year, the Canadian Association of Social Workers celebrates their newly revised Code of Ethics, Values and Guiding Principles, which includes the Seven Points of Unity.

The Seven Points of Unity are seven core professional values that social workers uphold in their work:
1.    Respecting the dignity and worth of all people
2.    Promoting social justice
3.    Pursuing truth and reconciliation
4.    Valuing human relationships
5.    Preserving integrity in professional practice
6.    Maintaining privacy and confidentiality
7.    Providing competent professional services

These values embody the fundamentals of social work and emphasize the responsibilities social workers have in incorporating truth and reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion into their daily work.

The theme for this year’s National Social Work Month is Social Work Offers Possibilities, highlighting the possibilities a career as a social worker can offer. Social workers provide counselling, therapy and other supportive social services. They help individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities develop the skills and resources they need to function well in society. They also respond to societal issues such as unemployment, racism and poverty.

The 2023 edition of B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook report identified social work as a high opportunity occupation, meaning that it is a career that is expected to experience higher demand and offer higher pay compared to other occupations.

See what a career in social work looks like by checking out a Career Profile. Learn how social workers make a difference in peoples’ lives and in their communities by watching a Career Trek video which provides a glimpse into the daily life of a social development manager in Williams Lake, B.C.

Interested in a career as a social worker in B.C.? Use the Find Your Path tool to explore educational pathways to becoming a social worker.

Already trained as a social worker outside of B.C.? Contact the British Columbia College of Social Workers for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

Connect with your local WorkBC Centre to learn how they can support you on your employment journey.