Social workers from other Canadian jurisdictions who are reviewing this information and who intend to engage in electronic social work practice with residents* of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) are responsible for knowing current regulations and practice standards that exist in this province and adhering to additional requirements as appropriate.
The title social worker and the practice of social work are regulated in NL. Social workers from other Canadian jurisdictions who wish to engage in electronic social work practice with residents of NL must be registered members in good standing in the other Canadian jurisdiction based upon criteria for registration which is equal to the criteria in this province. Specifically, individuals must hold a bachelors, masters or doctoral degree in social work accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education, the Council on Social Work Education or international equivalent and possess a clear certificate of conduct. Further information about the criteria for social work registration in NL is available at https://nlcsw.ca/registration#how-to-register.
When providing social work service to residents of NL, social workers must inform clients of the jurisdiction in which the social worker holds a registration to practice and the name of the regulatory body. Social workers engaging in electronic social work practice in NL should be aware of local resources to assist clients and must provide clear and explicit guidance to clients who may require crisis services when the social worker is unavailable. Social workers in other Canadian jurisdictions who practice in NL must adhere to the
- Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics
- CASW Guidelines for Ethical Practice (2005)
- NLCSW Standards of Practice for Social Workers in Newfoundland and Labrador (2020)
Social workers should also review the Technology Use in Social Work Practice Explanatory Document.
Before engaging in electronic social work practice in NL, registered social workers in other Canadian jurisdictions must submit:
- A completed declaration form
- A completed verification of registration form
- Proof of current professional liability insurance policies which provide adequate coverage for electronic social work practice in this province.
- A completed credit card form. The electronic practice approval period corresponds with NLCSW's registration year, which runs from March 1 to February 28 of any given year.
- Electronic Practice Approval Fee for New Applicants: $250 ($100 non-refundable application processing fee plus $150 approval fee).
- Annual Renewal Fee: $150.
* A resident is a person who is lawfully entitled to be in or to remain in Canada, makes his or her home in the province, and is ordinarily present in the province but does not include a tourist, transient or visitor to the province.