Information for Employers of Social Workers and Social Work Technicians

Social workers and social work technicians are health professionals who play key roles in supporting the well-being of New Brunswickers. As a current or potential employer of social workers and social work technicians in New Brunswick, you play a vital role in ensuring that services are delivered ethically, professionally, and in ways that protect the wellbeing of clients and communities.

To find out more about what social workers and social work technicians do, please refer to the Social Worker and Social Work Technician Scopes of Practice.

 

About Social Workers and Social Work Technicians

All social workers and social work technicians practising in New Brunswick must be registered with the NBASW. Registration ensures that the employee:

• Has met the NBASW’s educational, registration, and legal requirements under the NBASW Act (2024) and By-laws (2025).
• Is bound by the NBASW Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Adheres to their Scope of Practice.
• Participates in ongoing professional development to maintain and increase their competence.

Employing registered social workers and social work technicians helps to protect your organization and the public while ensuring the delivery of quality services.

 

NBASW Mandate

The NBASW exists both to promote the profession and to protect the public. Among its regulatory responsibilities are:

• Ensuring that only qualified individuals use protected titles or present themselves as social workers or social work technicians.
• Establishing and maintaining the standards of practice, knowledge, and skill required to practise.
• Investigating complaints about registrants and applying disciplinary measures when necessary.

 

Benefits of Hiring Registered Social Workers and Social Work Technicians

Employers benefit in many ways when choosing registered social workers or social work technicians:

Benefit	Description
Accountability & Trust	Registered professionals are accountable to the NBASW and follow a mandatory Code of Ethics. If concerns arise, the NBASW enforces a complaints and discipline process. This gives you assurance about behaviour, ethics, and public protection.
Quality & Competence	Having met the NBASW’s registration criteria means the individual has verified qualifications, proven competence, and is committed to professional learning. Registrants provide services when they are competent to do so, within their Scope of Practice.
Protected Titles	Only those registered with the NBASW may legally use the titles of registered social worker (RSW) or registered social work technician (RSWT), or represent themselves as such.
Public Confidence	Clients and community partners look for regulated, registered professionals. Your workforce being registered helps build trust in your services.

 

Employer Responsibilities

To support professionalism and the regulatory environment:

• Require proof of current registration in job postings and hiring agreements.
• Only allow staff to use regulated/protected titles if they are fully registered.
• Support staff in maintaining their continuing education and adhering fully to the NBASW’s Code of Ethics and standards of practice.
• Direct any questions about registration, status, or regulation to the NBASW.

 

Member Listing

The NBASW maintains an Online Listing of all active social workers and social work technicians in the province. The Listing provides:

• The registrant’s name
• Registration number
• Status of registration
• The registrant's region, if applicable