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FAQ
Navigate the application process using NLCSW’s FAQ for New Applicants Module. This module addresses many of the common inquiries received from new applicants
THE ONLINE APPLICATION
New applicants can email registration@nlcsw.ca to request access to MyNLCSW.ca. You will receive an email containing a temporary registration number and a computer- generated password.
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The ‘next’ button at the end of each step of the application process acts as a save button. When you log back in, the information you inputted prior to clicking the ‘next’ button should be saved.
Once you click ‘save & submit’ on the payment step, a ‘submission complete’ message will appear on your screen. You will also receive an email indicating your application has been received.
Once you have completed the application, you can no longer log back in using the temporary registration number that was provided. Any changes to the application can be forwarded by email to registration@nlcsw.ca.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
A personal email is recommended as it will likely remain consistent from year to year. NLCSW regularly communicates with registrants via email. Once registered, email addresses provided as part of the registration process are used to distribute NLCSW’s monthly Update, continuing education opportunities, annual registration renewal details, etc.
Detailed information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found under the following link – NLCSW_English_Language_Proficiency_Fact_Sheet.pdf.
REFERENCES
The main stipulation is that references supplied be professional as opposed to personal. A professional reference is someone who can speak to your work and/or volunteer experience in the social work field.
EDUCATION
Social work in Newfoundland and Labrador is regulated under provincial legislation titled An Act Respecting the Practice of Social Work (Social Workers Act). As per the Act, a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in social work from an accredited educational institution is required for registration. Additional information regarding educational requirements for applicants educated in Canada, the United States, or outside Canada/US, can be found under the applicant menu.
We understand that in some circumstances, individuals may need to register with NLCSW prior to convocation. For this reason, NLCSW can accept confirmation directly from the university, either by email or mail, that all academic requirements for the social work degree have been met. With this confirmation and provided that all other paperwork/fees have been submitted, registration can be issued pending receipt of official transcripts. To continue registration as a social worker, official transcripts would need to be ordered within one month following the date of convocation.
The Social Workers Regulations which accompany the Social Workers Act require applicants who have graduated from an accredited social work program more than 3 years ago and have never been registered to successfully complete the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam as a condition of active registration. Details regarding the exam process are available under ASWB exam sub-menu
CERTIFICATE OF CONDUCT/POLICE CHECK WITH VULNERABLE SECTOR INQUIRY
Prior to moving, contact the police force in the municipality of your current place of residence. They can advise regarding any residency requirements related to the issuing of such documentation.
FEES
Yes. An official receipt that can be used for tax purposes will be forwarded to the email address at the time of application processing.
APPLICATION PROCESSING
Once your application has been processed, you will receive an official receipt via email. The official receipt will include your permanent 4-digit registration number. This number, along with the previously issued password, will be used to log into MyNLCSW.ca going forward. The Social Worker Registry feature on NLCSW’s website will also be updated automatically upon processing.
NLCSW has a retention policy in place which dictates when documents submitted by new applicants who do not complete the process of registration are destroyed or deleted. The following retention timelines apply:
- Criminal records checks are valid for three months from the date the document was issued.
- University transcripts are kept on file for one year.
- Verification of registration documents are kept on file for one year.
- Language testing results will remain on file with NLCSW for two years from the date of testing.
- CASW international equivalency assessments will remain on file with NLCSW for two years from date of issue.
- Proof of identity will be destroyed when the last of any of the above listed documents are deleted or shredded.
Registrants can create a password directly on the MyNLCSW.ca login page by clicking on ‘forgot my password’. If you can input the email address which matches the one in the NLCSW database, you will receive an email with a password reset option. If you are unable to provide an email which matches, you will be asked to supply your date of birth and your password reset request will be redirected to NLCSW staff.
In addition to the application and annual online renewal which is completed through MyNLCSW.ca., the system also offers registrants the ability to update changes in contact, education, and work information throughout the registration year.
ANNUAL ONLINE RENEWAL
Registrants will automatically receive details regarding renewal by email in mid-January each year. The deadline to complete online renewal is February 15 (midnight Island time).
Detailed information is available under the CPE section of the Social Workers Menu. This submenu contains a link to the CPE policy as well as a CPE self assessment tool, examples of CPE and much more.
Courses completed as part of the BSW degree cannot be claimed as CPE as completion of the BSW degree is required as the baseline for registration.
Over the course of a given registration year, NLCSW offers a range of CPE opportunities, covering topics that are applicable across practice settings. Details regarding upcoming CPE are available under the CPE section of the Social Workers menu. All CPE offered by NLCSW via webinar are recorded and available for viewing on NLCSW’s YouTube channel.
Information regarding external sources of CPE can be found under the CPE section of the Social Workers Menu. This page is continually updated, and registrants are encouraged to visit it regularly.
GENERAL
Since 1992, provincial legislation has required registration with NLCSW to practice social work in NL. Registration with NLCSW grants the Registered Social Worker (RSW) designation which is required to use the title ‘social worker’ or to practice within the scope of the social work profession in this province.
The definition of social work as defined in the Social Workers Act is broad and applies to a wide range of positions, not just those titled ‘social worker’. It is important to reflect on the following question – Are you using your social work knowledge, skills, and abilities in the job? If the answer is yes, you are employed in social work.
The Social Workers Regulations which accompany the Social Workers Act requires applicants who have been previously registered as a social worker but let their registration lapse for 3 years or more to successfully complete the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam as a condition of active registration.Details regarding the exam process are available under ASWB exam sub-menu.
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