Continuing Professional Education

The Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW) is the authorized organization that governs and regulates the profession of social work.  SASW through its mandate, has an obligation to ensure professional competence of its members to meet its primary obligation of “protection of the public”.  Continuing Professional Education (CPE) has been generally accepted and proven as an acceptable mechanism to assure professional competence. 

“Social workers, like many other professionals, have completed programs that provide an educational and practicum basis for             entry    to practice. As graduation concludes an education, the start of professional practice signals the beginning of lifelong learning. Maintaining competence in service provision should not be aspirational but rather a duty intertwined with working in the best interest of clients. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) aids in increasing individual knowledge and strengthens the profession’s reputation. As a professional, I view CPE as an external mechanism that assists in the development of conscious and critical self-reflection on practice.” (Selena Batemen BSW/MSW/RSW, Director of Professional Practice, BC College of Social Workers.)

CPE should be viewed as activities undertaken by the member to proactively maintain and more importantly to enhance and further develop skills. 

Social workers work in diverse practice settings and areas of practice. The categories of activities established within the SASW’s CPE policy attempt to capture that diversity and provide a level of flexibility for members.  That said, the Category definitions are at times subject to varying interpretation.  Part of the interpretations may be the result of the primary roles and functions of social workers within practice.  Social workers are often educators, facilitators, mediators, researchers, program developers and mentors to name of few.  These same function titles are used to define certain CPE activities.  Reflective practice would challenge one to separate what is part of everyday practice and what constitutes CPE that enhances that practice.  In other words, how do I separate out what is a task of my job versus what is CPE

A1.  “Seminars” involve some level of interaction with others whereas Self Directed Learning is generally done by oneself.  A live webinar where there is opportunity for interaction should be submitted as a Category A.  If the webinar is recorded and viewed later as a recording it should be submitted as a Category C “Self-Directed Learning”.  If a recorded webinar is viewed with others such as a “peer group” with opportunity for group reflection and discussion, it can be submitted as a Category A Seminar.

A2. As a general rule, Seminars should be a minimum of 1 hour in duration. Members are often able to attend "Lunch and Learns" within the workplace which are often about 1 hour in duration.

A3. Yes.  As with any CPE activity the member must provide sufficient detail in order for the Registrar to evaluate the appropriateness of the source and the amount of time claimed for CPE.

A4. Acceptable “online training” has the same intent as the other Category A CPE definitions for more “formalized” education or training opportunities.  Generally, the education or training is more in-depth involving a series of interactions to gain knowledge and skill in a specific area of practice.  Often online training opportunities of this nature are purchased by the member and a certificate of completion provided upon successful completion of the training.

A5. Members undertake different types of training.  Some training is specific to practice whereas other training or education sessions may be required by the employer.  Seminars and other Category A activities should be focused on your practice or a practice interest.  Workplace training or education sessions that are more about specific policies and procedures that are required by your employer to do your work within the context of the organization are not considered as acceptable CPE.  For example, you may attend a specific session to learn about the recent legislation on Medical Assistance in Dying.  In this scenario the session is led by an expert in the area and would be considered a Seminar.  Later you are required within the workplace to attend a session or meeting on how the legislation will be implemented within the organization.  This would not be considered claimable CPE hours.

A6. Although it was delivered within the workplace it should be submitted as a Category A activity, “Workshop” as the training is specific to practice skill and knowledge development.

If the training then led to an in-service training session put on by the employer to educate workers on a new policy or procedure for addressing the issue of suicide these hours would not be claimable CPE hours.

A7. Learning a new computer program is not considered a CPE activity for a regulated profession.  Most organizations have some type of computer system to manage client data and documentation that employees must use to support their practice. 

However, if the training was specific to a social work assessment tool embedded within the computer or electronic system, that part of the training may be appropriate CPE. When submitting CPE hours members should ensure they are very specific about what part of the training was practice specific.

A8. The primary supervisor can claim a maximum of 20 hours over the course of the practicum.

A9. There may be certain situations where this may be acceptable.  A member must discuss the specific situation with the Registrar and be granted approval before submitting as CPE.

A10. The “Supervising Social Work Students” activity is primarily intended for members who act as the primary supervisor.  The primary supervisor is intended to have primary responsibility for the oversight of the student’s development and final evaluation.  This requires the supervisor to spend a significant amount of time on supervision. 

Other social workers within the organization may spend time with the student to provide the student with exposure to other areas of practice.  One could view this as a professional responsibility and obligation

In cases where the student would spend significant time with another social worker to learn about a certain practice area this could be claimed as a Category C activity “Educating Others About Social Work”.

A11. This would be considered a Category C activity “Educating Others About Social Work”.

A12. You may claim a portion of your orientation hours as CPE under Category B “Mentoring” supported by a specific orientation plan or learning contract.  You can claim hours for new learnings (knowledge/skills/practice methods) that are practice specific.  You cannot claim hours for orientation to the practice setting on policy and procedures of the organization or just job shadowing.

Members orientating to a new practice setting may also find they are doing additional readings to develop knowledge and skills.  This activity can be claimed as a Category C under “Self-Directed Learning”. 

A13. Most orientation focuses on policy and procedures which is not acceptable CPE.  A member orientating an employee to a new practice area is usually imparting existing knowledge versus new knowledge.  However if the member providing orientation undertakes specific research or preparation work to support the orientation those hours may qualify as CPE under Category C “Self-Directed Learning”.  For example, the member providing the orientation may undertake research on specific topics such as integrated case management or assessment specifics for the practice area to refresh their knowledge or provide to the employee they are orientating. The member needs to provide the specifics (i.e. resources accessed) when submitting hours into the online system.Job shadowing is not considered appropriate CPE.

A14. “Mentoring” is considered a more formalized activity with specific goals and objectives identified within a learning contract.  Mentoring is more specific to the development of skills and knowledge to enhance social work practice and outside of what would be considered part of normal workplace responsibilities.

As noted above, orientation is generally more focused on the organization and the policy and procedures of the organization.

A15. SASW does not have a specific template for use.  A learning contract should clearly identify the learning goals and objectives in addition to how these will be accomplished and evaluated.

A16. This activity would not be consistent with the intent of CPE.  This type of interaction often occurs within the workplace and is provided as a professional courtesy and may be viewed as a professional obligation.  As social workers we often educate and consult with colleagues and other providers as part of team work which is essential to our practice.

A17. The CPE definitions within SASW policy are similar to the primary roles and functions that social workers use in practice.  That does not mean that the activity meets the intent of CPE.  If your role involves the delivery of a 4 hour session on a specific topic multiple times, each delivery should not be submitted as CPE. This is your regular job.   It may be reasonable to claim hours for developmental work or to refresh the workshop from time to time.   

Members in these circumstances should guide their CPE activities based on the concept of reflective practice.  How does the activity enhance my skills and knowledge?

A18. CPE is intended to ensure the maintenance and enhancement of social work skills. It would be reasonable to claim CPE in this circumstance for the developmental/research portion of the work.

A19. Reflective practice should be the guiding principle for any CPE submission.  If the activity involves the application of attained knowledge and skill then it should not be considered CPE.  However, even within the workplace, activities that involve the need to attain new knowledge and skills to deliver the services may meet the intent of CPE.

A20.  Developmental/research work can be claimed.  However, if the same session is delivered multiple time each delivery should not be claimed as CPE.

A21.This does not meet the intent of CPE and is considered a function of the position held within the workplace.  Staff supervision is not an activity that is easily evaluated by an external source such as a regulatory body.

A22. Generally this activity would be acceptable.  Although the term “mentor” in the context of our policy definitions does not really fit in this setting it may be reasonable to claim hours under Category C “Educating Others About Social Work”.  As there would be significant variability within the activity (# of students, hours where there is meaningful engagement with a client/student reflecting social work practice) the member will need to be reflective about what hours can be reasonably claimed.

A23. The CPE policy definitions include a Category B definition for “Research and Writing”.   Key within the definition is that the member is engaged in activities that “increases his or her knowledge”.  If your role involves undertaking specific research, writing parts of the final document or being involved in meetings where these activities are discussed, then those hours can be claimed under “Research and Writing”.

If your role is more about informing the research team because of the expertise you have in a practice area, this may be claimed as a Category C activity under “Educating Others About Social Work”.

If part of your role is informing clients, for the purpose of enrolling them in the research project, or trouble shooting implementation issues, these hours should not be claimed as CPE.

A24. Activities undertaken for personal interest or self-care cannot be claimed as CPE for professional practice. All members are encouraged to engage in positive, proactive activities to take care of themselves given the demands of practice. It is also acknowledged that certain self-care activities a member engages in may be beneficial in their practice.

A25 Generally alternative therapies that are not considered within the practice of social work will not be accepted for CPE.   A member must demonstrate a direct link to their social work practice to claim such hours as CPE.  If a member has undertaken training for personal reasons or interest or engages in the activity (i.e. provides yoga sessions to individuals or groups) secondary to the member’s regular practice CPE hours cannot be claimed. 

A26 As there may be variation to AGMs the answer is not a simple yes or no. Members should be guided by the principle of “reflective practice”, how does the activity support the maintenance or enhancement of practice? 

In general, the meeting or business portion (i.e. review of minutes, financial statements, election of board members, report presentations, etc.) of the AGM would not be considered for CPE hours.  However, if the AGM includes an educational portion (i.e. guest speaker on a specific topic relevant to social work practice, presentation of a report that provides new knowledge to the member on a social issue or the agency that supports the members practice ) that portion of the AGM can be claimed.

A27 Yes you can claim 20 hours of CPE per reporting year.

A28 Shop Stewart training in and of itself may not be considered as CPE for a regulated practice. 

However there may be specific portions of the training that are relevant to social work practice such as conflict resolution and mediation knowledge and skill development.  Portions that would not be social work practice specific may include, managing grievances or progress discipline.

A29  Being a member of a union Executive or Committee would not be considered as CPE for a regulated practice or fall within the definition for Committee Work and Board Meetings.However, depending on the role a member may take within the context of this type of work there may be activities undertaken that may qualify for CPE.  For example, if a member is required to review policy and legislation to inform the work of the Executive or Committee that is relevant or impacts social work practice than it could be claimed as “self-directed” learning.  If the member undertakes specific research to produce a position paper to inform policy/program those hours may be claimed for CPE under “Research and Writing” (Category B).

A30 Many of our members engage in volunteer work and are active in their communities.  However, volunteer work does not meet with the intent of CPE for a regulated profession.

A31 Many of our members are active in their communities.  Members may attend a community meeting to hear about or discuss issues such as, neighbourhood safety, increased crime rates, discarded needles, homelessness, suicide rates, etc. Our members bring valuable skills and knowledge to community meetings and forums. Generally participation in community meetings as a community member would not meet the intent of CPE for a regulated profession.

However, members should be guided by the principle of “reflective practice”, how does the activity support the maintenance or enhancement of practice?  If the activity informs the member’s practice it may qualify under Category C “Self-Directed Learning”.  The member needs to provide the detail and make the link to practice when submitting for CPE hours.

A32 These types of activities may be considered for CPE hours under Category C “Self Directed Learning”.  In claiming hours for these types of activities the member needs to be clear in identifying what the learning goal was.  Job shadowing does not necessarily meet the intent of CPE.  The activity does need to be attached to a specific learning goal in support of the member’s practice.

A33 The policy definition acknowledges the participation and guidance in cultural practices particularly for members working with indigenous clients/communities and also includes newcomer/immigrant or refugee clients and communities. The intent of this inclusion is premised on the activity building cultural awareness and understanding for the purpose of social work practice.  It is not intended to be used for personal engagement in cultural practices.

For example, a member may spend time with a First Nations Elder to gain a better understanding of cultural practices or seek input on how to best approach an issue that is present in the community.

Or

A member may attend a sweat lodge to understand the significance for the First Nations community they are working in.

Or

A member may spend time with agencies that are providing services to newcomers to better understand their culture or the challenges and issues facing newcomers in accessing services.

Activities in this category are more informal.  Engagement in more formal cultural training sessions such as the “blanket exercise” are claimable a Category A.

As always, members should be guided by the principle of “reflective practice” which involves the maintenance and enhancement of social work knowledge and skills.  Members engage in many activities that are self-care in nature however they are not necessarily activities that fit for CPE for a regulated profession.

A34 Generally, meetings of this nature within the workplace do not meet the intent of CPE. If the meeting includes a portion dedicated to education on a specific topic, that portion of the meeting could be claimed as CPE.

A35 No. The employer may require training in these areas, however they are not considered a requirement for social work practice and therefore not appropriate to submit as CPE.

A36 If you know you have a scheduled training event at the time of renewal you should submit the event.  If the event does not take place you will need to notify the Registrar of SASW. This circumstance may occur in situations where the member needs the event to meet the 40 hour requirement.  The registrar may request verification of the event.In cases where you have submitted the required 40 hours CPE at time of renewal any CPE submitted after renewal will be credited toward the following year. For example, if you renew in October, and then attend a workshop in December, you can go into the online system and enter the Dec workshop.  It will automatically be credited to the next year’s hours.

A37 If a member is evaluated as not having met the requirements of CPE the annual licence will not be approved or may be held until the member has satisfied the requirements.

A38. The Registrar audits approximately 10% of members each year. The audits are random so some members may never be audited. Members are responsible to ensure they are meeting the standards for CPE and are in compliance with SASW’s CPE policy

A39. Members are required to provide sufficient detail on the self-directed activity so that it can be evaluated by the Registrar. For example, if a member reads a book or reviews certain scholarly journal articles, the registrar should be able to locate and evaluate the appropriateness of the source and the amount of time claimed for CPE.

A40. This is dependant on the activity being claimed. For example, during the auditing process the Registrar may review the current year’s CPE submission as well as previous submissions. If a member has claimed the same book more than once the member’s licence may be suspended..

A41. You can contact the Registrar through e-mail @ registrar.sasw@accesscomm.ca or by phone at 306-545-6878..