Category: Social Workers

The Manitoba Association of Social Workers (MASW) is the voice of the social work profession, providing peer support, and connecting you with social workers across Canada. It educates members, as well as the public, and is in the forefront of the profession through advocacy and social action. MASW is a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).

The Manitoba Institute of Registered Social Workers (MIRSW) is the regulatory arm of the profession, responsible for certifying members and protecting the public through recognized, ethical standards of practice. It requires registrants to maintain current knowledge through education. It is a disciplinary body to investigate public complaints.

MIRSW issues a Certificate of Registration to signify that a registrant of the Institute meets recognized standards of practice, established by the Institute, and is committed to adhering to prescribed ethical standards. This entitles a member to practice as a Registered Social Worker (Travailleur Social Enregistre) and to use the initials RSW or TSE after one’s name.

The two organizations work closely together, sharing a volunteer board of directors elected by members. This board sets policies, responds to social issues, and conducts the business of the organizations. Much of the work of the Institute and the Association is carried out by committees on which members serve.

The Manitoba Institute of Registered Social Workers (MIRSW) is Manitoba’s professional organization for Social Workers who voluntarily apply for registration and who agree to meet professional standards of practice. The MIRSW is committed to improving and promoting the knowledge, efficiency and ability of its members to ensure that the public at all times receives the services of proficient and competent Social Workers of high ethical standards.

In order to obtain and retain registration, each Social Worker must meet certain standards of practice. MIRSW responds to ethical and practice concerns that are brought forward to them by any member of the public. The MIRSW has the authority to receive and examine concerns about unprofessional conduct amongst its members.

Examples of unprofessional conduct

that which is detrimental to the best interests of the public
that which contravenes the Code of Ethics for Social Workers (CASW, 2005) or the Manitoba Standards of Practice (2004)
that which harms, or may harm, the standing of Social Workers generally
that which displays a lack of knowledge, skill or judgment in the practice of Social Work.

If a member of the public feels that a Registered Social Worker (RSW) has conducted themselves in a manner that is unskilled or unprofessional, they can lodge a complaint with the MIRSW. This complaint will be addressed by the MIRSW’s Complaints Committee.

How to contact the MIRSW regarding unprofessional conduct

If you call us by phone with a complaint, you will be advised to submit your complaint in writing, signed and dated. If you are unable to provide a written complaint, a verbal complaint will be recorded word-for-word, in the presence of a witness, then dated and signed by the complainant.

The complaints process

The MIRSW Complaints Committee has the responsibility to investigate all inquiries into unprofessional conduct by a member of MIRSW. Committee members will review the complaint and determine whether further investigation is needed.

ALL INFORMATION IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.

The Discipline Committee

The Discipline Committee consists of MIRSW Board members and lay community representatives. The Committee reviews complaints and works to resolve them either by informal action, such as education, or formal action, such as correction or disciplinary action against the MIRSW member which is then made public.