3.1 Areas of Practice

Over the years, RSWs develop areas of particular passions and expertise. When you begin to define your practice and the services you will offer, it is helpful to analyze your qualifications, community needs and any new areas you may want to explore.

As you consider which areas of practice you would like to offer, answer the following questions:

• What services are you qualified to provide? Are you a specialist in a particular area?
• Are there other services you are not yet qualified to provide, but that you want to train for?
• What services are not available yet needed in your community?
• Will you deliver services just in your immediate community or will you offer services beyond those borders?
• What issues do you want to address?
• Which categories of services will you offer:
  • Counseling (face-to-face or online)
  • Assessment
  • Reporting
  • Consulting
  • Training
  • Supervision

Download the Define your Practice Overview Checklist for a list of examples.

Be sure to double-check your Standards of Practice. See if they specify requirements relating to areas of services offered, for example:

• The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers’ Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, Second Edition, outlines that:
  • When a client's needs fall outside the College member's usual area of practice, the member informs the client of the option to be referred to another professional. If the client wishes to remain with the member, then the member must ensure she obtains additional education, supervision or consultation.
  • College members must not misrepresent professional qualifications, education, experience or affiliation.
  • The PEI Social Work Registration Board Standards for the Private Practice of Social Work Policy Outlines that:
    • A private practitioner shall have a minimum of four (4) years or equivalent hours of paid social work experience, relevant to the areas of specialization within the past 10 years. 
       

Helpful Links: