A Message from the Executive Director & Registrar

JODY-LEE FARRAH is the Executive Director (Acting) and the Associate Director, Professional Practice & Advocacy, of the ACSW.

SUZANNE MACKINNON is the Registrar (Acting) and the Associate Registrar of the ACSW.

They can be reached at AssocDirector@acsw.ab.ca, and AssociateRegistrar@acsw.ab.ca.

TOGETHER WE HAVE shifted and settled into the winter season of a year that has turned out to be filled with unprecedented change. Communities across Alberta continue to persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic and the socioeconomic impacts that have come with the COVID era. It has been a demanding time as we have been forced to adjust the way we live and interact with others, including our families, friends and neighbours. Our views of community, health, safety and wellness have been challenged. How social workers engage with communities, clients, and colleagues in our workplaces has also been transformed. With such extraordinary change happening in the world, we are reminded of the strength, courage and resiliency of social workers to build hope and find opportunity.

During the pandemic response, social workers quickly assessed the shifting environment, then moved to collaborate, modify their practice and continue to support and advocate for the needs of their clients and families. This meant applying new practice guidance and finding ways to connect for supervision/consultation and using new tools to interact safely. Many social workers adapted to practice changes by using technology and virtual platforms to meet with clients and deliver programs. Others relied upon telephone contact where virtual platforms were not an option. Where essential services continued, social workers adapted by creating safe, physically distant spaces, wearing masks and sanitizing. These tools needed for safe human interaction now feel commonplace in social work practice. As in-person meetings remain on hold at ACSW, we also shifted to connect with members in new ways. ACSW council, legislative committees, and member interest groups meet virtually and continue their good work to govern and strengthen the profession. The ACSW Membership Activities team has shifted to provide virtual professional development opportunities to social workers. A wish of the recent past is now a successful reality for social workers to engage and develop their social work practice competency wherever they are in the province.

Alberta post-secondary social work programs are an inspiring example of professional tenacity through change. Schools of social work made leaps in reworking traditional in-person methods of delivering education to teaching and learning in virtual classrooms.

The shift in social work education programs have been especially challenging for field education. The impact of working remotely has been difficult for the students who desire “hands-on” experiential learning in the field. As social work professionals, we are ethically committed to enhancing and promoting the profession. This extends to engaging in the support of social work students as they complete their education and prepare to enter practice. It is a privilege for all social workers to contribute to the future of the profession by mentoring students and passing on valuable practice skills and knowledge. By supporting a student, you can embrace an opportunity to meaningfully engage and contribute to building a strong social work profession. With change comes opportunity.