Celebrating our social workers and social work students
Get to know a few of the social workers and their students serving patients and clients across BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services.
March 9-15, 2025 is Social Work Week in British Columbia. This year’s theme is Social Workers Make A Difference Everywhere!
Meet a few social work preceptors making a difference with their students across BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS).
Fibby Pan MSW RSW, social work professional practice leader, Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction shares: “Initially it was my way of giving back – I had some amazing preceptors in my social work career, who have really helped enhance and mold my practice. But now, it’s just as valuable for me having students, as they bring such a fresh perspective to our practice. It’s such a nice reminder that there is still a lot of passion and interest in the field. Selfishly, I wish all our students would choose to work at our site but even if they don’t, it has given me so much hope for the future of social work practice as a whole!”
Man Yuen Law (Ben) BSW RSW and MSW student at UBC reflects: “I have the opportunity to work in a unique province-wide mental health and substance use (MHSU) program, which is different from those in other health authorities. As the clients are referred from all across B.C., it is interesting to learn about the situation in regions outside of metro Vancouver. Supervisors are always supportive, and they have provided lots of learning opportunities. I can co-facilitate in groups and they have the trust to let me practice my case skills independently. Staff are friendly and always willing to support, and supervisors are inspiring.” Ben’s advice to prospective BCMHSUS social work students: “Overall, a practicum in BCMHSUS is an enjoyable and fruitful learning experience. Just like other practicum settings, different clientele have their own unique features. Social work students should consider if their knowledge, skills, passion and personality are a good fit for clients with MHSU concerns.”
Maeve O’Sullivan MSW RSW, social worker, Community Transition Teams encourages BCMHSUS social workers: “Do IT! School programs don’t always the time to talk about the varying types of jobs available to social workers, particularly those within BCMHSUS and Corrections/Forensics. Being a preceptor provides an opportunity to showcase the amazing the work we do, while also challenging your own understanding of your practice. Being a preceptor is not an easy job but it is highly rewarding.” Maeve shares her “why”: “To show my appreciation to those who preceptored me. As well, It’s a great way to challenge your own understanding of your social work practice and ensure you’re up to date on legislation and ethics.”
Tanisha Bhullar BSW RSW and MSW student at the University of Waterloo offers: “My experience being a social work student with the Community Transition Team has been an overwhelmingly positive one. My practicum has provided me with invaluable opportunities to engage in critical thinking, reflect on my social work practice and learn and grow. My supervisor encourages me to challenge myself within a supportive and enriching environment that fosters both personal and professional development.”
Clayton Murphy MSW RSW, forensic community and liaison social worker, started at BCMHSUS as a social work student, before joining the organization once he finished school: “As someone who has just begun their career in social work, I was very excited about the opportunity to become a preceptor to a social work student. As someone who has completed a practicum with BCMHSUS, I have an appreciation for the impact that field education can have on new social workers and their career trajectory. Being a preceptor allows me to share my passion for forensic social work while also contributing to the skill development of social work students. My goals as a preceptor are to inspire more students to pursue a career with BCMHSUS, especially in forensic social work, and ensure that their practicum prepares them for the transition between student and clinician. Furthermore, being a preceptor helps me remain reflexive in my practice. Every decision we make as social workers can have an impact on a client’s life and I hope that by sharing that understanding with students, I can empower the next cohort of practitioners, advocates, and changemakers.”
Sarah Sheldan, fourth year BSW student at the University of Victoria, shares: “Being a social work student at BCMHSUS has been an incredibly enriching experience. I have had the opportunity to work, learn, and unlearn alongside experts in the field, gaining valuable insights into the complexities of the provincial health care and legal system. My experience has exposed me to diverse and inclusive environments, while deepening my understanding of legal and forensic psychiatric aspects health care – an area that supplements my prior outreach experience. Additionally, this placement has provided a critical lens into the systemic challenges and marginalization faced by some folks, reinforcing the importance of advocacy and structural change in social work practice.”