As part of the College’s Safe(r) Social Work Framework, we are committed to advancing fairness and equality. Our efforts are guided by an intersectional lens, ensuring that our advocacy for policy changes addresses the diverse and interconnected factors that impact justice.

We collaborate with organizations to champion policies that reduce economic inequality and foster community well-being. One of our key partnerships is with the Nova Scotia Action Coalition for Community Well-Being, which has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

Our Executive Director and Registrar, speaking as a chair of the coalition, has highlighted the profound impact of recent initiatives on provincial policy and community outcomes. Together, we are driving meaningful change and building a safer, more equitable society.

Our annual awards program recognizes excellence and dedication in the field of social work, as well as the efforts of allied partners in the health and social sectors. As National Social Work Month comes to an end, this offers us an opportunity to reflect on the many ways our members have brought the values and unique perspective of our profession to life in their day-to-day practice, and the exciting possibilities for the future of social work in our province.

We’re delighted to announce our newest cohort of award recipients, and we hope you will join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of our social work community.

Canadian Association of Social Workers
Distinguished Service Award 2026

Winnie Grant, BSW, MSW, M.Ed, RSW-Clinical Specialist

Winnie Grant  is a proud mother (of two social workers), grandmother, partner, and long-standing community advocate whose work is grounded in an Africentric worldview and a deep commitment to social justice. A retired senior leader with the provincial government, Winnie guided transformative anti-Black racism initiatives that advanced policy reform, strengthened intergovernmental and community partnerships, and increased the representation and leadership of African Nova Scotian professionals across the organization. Her leadership also contributed to the creation of an Africentric Bachelor of Social Work program at Dalhousie University. 

Winnie brings more than 32 years of experience as a licensed social worker and is an active member of both the  Nova Scotia College of Social Workers and the Association of Black Social Workers. She continues to mentor social workers pursuing licensure and has proudly served as a Big Sister through  Big Brothers Big Sisters for over five years. 

As a Sessional Instructor at the  Dalhousie School of Social Work, Winnie integrates her lived experiences, scholarship, and Africentric and Critical Race Analysis perspectives into the classroom, fostering critical consciousness and culturally grounded practice among emerging practitioners. 

Winnie holds a  Bachelor and  Master of Social Work  from Dalhousie University. Her Master’s thesis, The Evolution of Afrikan Consciousness: The Effects of R.A.C.I.S.M. on Afrikans in the Diaspora, reflects her lifelong commitment to examining and challenging systemic racism. She later completed a  Master of Education in Lifelong Learning  at Mount Saint Vincent University, specializing in Africentric approaches to policy development and research. 

Winnie has been widely recognized for her leadership and community impact. She is the recipient of several honours, including the  Freda Vickery Award, the  Ronald Stratford Award, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.  Across her career—as a leader, educator, mentor, and community voice—Winnie has worked tirelessly to disrupt systemic barriers and create pathways for meaningful, sustainable change for African Nova Scotians and people of African descent. 

David William Connors Memorial Award

Megan Power, RSW, BSW, MSW

Megan Power works as a child in care social worker within the Department of Opportunities and Social Development. She focuses on creating and maintaining a child-centred care plan addressing health, education, emotional needs, and permanency goals.  

In practice, Megan’s work includes helping to facilitate smooth transitions when a child moves placements, including pre-placement meetings and ensuring belongings and essential items are provided; working collaboratively with foster care, youth care workers, educational programs, health care, and other community partners to connect children with the supports they need; and providing support to families in crisis to help improve stability and, where appropriate, to work toward reunification. Most importantly, she strives to ensure the child’s voice is heard and keeps their best interests at the centre of her work.  

When Megan describes why she loves this work, what she enjoys most is the privilege of building trusting, consistent relationships with children in care. Being someone a child can rely on, someone who listens, advocates, and shows up. Seeing a child become more confident and secure, even small milestones such as improved school attendance, forming a positive attachment, opening up in conversation, or finally feeling settled. Celebrating these moments with a child or young person is incredibly rewarding. 

Megan is passionate about contributing to initiatives that improve outcomes for children, whether through practice development, working groups, or projects that enhance stability, participation, and children’s wellbeing. 

Ronald Stratford Memorial Award

Seana Jewer

Seana Jewer’s work with Roots of Hope is shifting the narrative on suicide education and prevention across Nova Scotia, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Her deeply relational approach has served to build trust, strengthen local capacity, and develop community-driven approaches rooted in the lived realities and strengths of the communities she serves. 

Deeply committed to research-informed practice, Seana strives to ensure that the education and prevention initiatives at Roots of Hope are responsive, culturally relevant, and aligned with emerging best practices. She skillfully bridges research and practice, creating accessible tools and conversations that communities can meaningfully use.  

With over 25 years of experience in grassroots community work to draw from, Seana has also fostered strong networks, learning circles, and community tables that bring together people with lived experience, service providers, and community members to reduce stigma, build collective resilience, and support one another.  

A dedicated advocate, and keenly aware of the social and economic factors that that need to be addressed, she amplifies rural voices, highlights service gaps, and promotes compassionate, upstream suicide prevention approaches. 

Seana Jewer exemplifies the spirit of the Ron Stratford Memorial Award. Her leadership has strengthened Nova Scotian communities, advanced a culture of prevention, and helped ensure that suicide education efforts are community-led, evidence-informed, and grounded in care. 

Diane Kays Memorial Award

Charnell Brooks, BSW, MSW, RSW-Clinical Specialist

Charnell Brooks was born and raised in the community of East Preston. As the eldest of two children, she takes great pride in positively representing her community. 

Charnell holds a Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University and has over ten years of experience as a practicing social worker. Prior to her current role as the African Nova Scotian Social Worker with Nova Scotia Legal Aid, she was employed with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development as a child protection social worker. In this role, she gained valuable firsthand insight into the importance of educating families about the long-term consequences that abuse, neglect and intimate partner violence can have on children. 

In recognition of her efforts to promote culturally responsive supports and services for African Nova Scotian Child Protection Social Workers, Charnell was awarded the Department of Opportunities and Social Development People and Culture Award in 2019. 

In her current position with Nova Scotia Legal Aid, Charnell is committed to advocating for individuals who may not be able to advocate for themselves—particularly those from historically disadvantaged African Nova Scotian communities, who experience systemic barriers within the justice system. 

In 2026, Charnell established her own private practice, where she provides therapeutic support to individuals on their healing journey, she does this by helping clients navigate life’s challenges with care, compassion and understanding.  

Freda Vickery Award

Kate Wright, BSW, RSW

Kate Wright has been working with children and families for over twenty years, both as a social worker and in the non-profit sector. She started her career in community literacy as a co-founder of the award-winning Storytent program. Since then, she has continued to work with young people around issues of social change, wellness, and mental health. Currently she works as a team lead for the Adolescent Outreach Service with Nova Scotia Health Authority and provides mental health support to middle and high school students.

Kate is a dedicated volunteer as well as being a visual artist working primarily in metal, puppetry, and textiles. She brings her creativity and an artistic lens to her social work practice, and uses the arts as a way to generate social change.  

Read more of Connection

• NSCSW Awards: A spotlight on our communityMarch 26, 2026
• The continuing evolution of trauma-informed praxisJanuary 29, 2026
• Spotlight: 2025 Student Bursary RecipientsJanuary 15, 2026
• Responding to the epidemic of gender-based violence: Reflections & invitations for the 16 Days of ActionDecember 10, 2025
• Healing in the crossfire: Clinical social work in a genocideNovember 5, 2025
• Healthcare erosion: “Why didn’t you press the button?”October 21, 2025
• Food, Body, and Bias: Why Your Words MatterSeptember 25, 2025
• Developing a standard of care for social work practice with people who use alcohol and drugsMay 7, 2025
• Book review: Active HopeApril 22, 2025
• NSCSW Awards: A spotlight on our communityMarch 27, 2025

Help shape the profession’s future in our province as part of the NSCSW Council

The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) is seeking nominations for positions on our Council. This is your opportunity to contribute to the leadership and governance of the College, ensuring the profession continues to thrive and meet the needs of Nova Scotians.

Positions open for nomination

• President
  • Term: 2026–2028
• Secretary 
  • Term: 2026–2028
• Central Regional Representative
  • Term: 2026–2028
  • Halifax County and West Hants
• Northern Regional Representative
  • Term: 2026–2028
  • East Hants and Colchester, Cumberland and Pictou counties
• Eastern Regional Representative
  • Term: 2026–2028
  • Guysborough, Antigonish, Richmond, Inverness, Victoria and Cape Breton counties

Nomination process

The Nomination Committee is responsible for soliciting and reviewing nominations for these positions. To submit a nomination, send  the following documentation to [email protected] before the nomination deadline of April 30, 2026:

• Nominee Agreement: A written statement from the nominee confirming their agreement to the nomination and their willingness to act if elected.
• Member Support: Signed approval from at least three members in good standing of the College supporting the nomination.
• Nominee Information: A brief biography or statement of interest from the nominee, outlining their qualifications, experience, and vision for the role.

If more than one nomination is received for a position, an election will be held in accordance with the College’s by-laws.

Why join the NSCSW Council?

Serving on Council is a meaningful way to shape the future of social work in Nova Scotia. Council members play a vital role in upholding the College’s mission, values, and commitment to the profession, and provide leadership to enhance pubic safety in the delivery of social work.

Volunteer service on Council is also considered an informal professional development activity for NSCSW members; up to 12 hours/year are eligible.

Position Summary

The Administrative Support – Application Services serves as a front-line contact for the NSCSW office, supporting general administrative operations to achieve the organization’s goals, vision, and mission. This role provides primary administrative and logistical support to staff, the NSCSW Council, and committees.

Employment Equity

NSCSW values equity and strives to reflect the diverse identities of Nova Scotians. Applicants from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare registration materials for review and approval by the Associate Registrar.
• Ensure accurate and timely meeting minutes for the Board of Examiners.
• Process registration verifications for members applying in other jurisdictions.
• Manage general office operations, including file maintenance, IT coordination, and supply inventory.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director/Registrar.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $46,578.54 – $54,798.28 (based on a 35-hour work week).
• This is a temporary FTE position until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.
• NSCSW offers a defined pension plan through NSHEPP and competitive extended health benefits.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position, with 40% of the work eligible to be completed from home.

Knowledge/Experience

• High school diploma and recognized secretarial/office administration diploma.
• Minimum 3 years of related administrative experience.
• Advanced knowledge of MS operating systems, Zoom, and Office 365.
• Experience in a confidential, fast-paced environment.

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
• Professional judgment and flexibility in problem-solving.
• Proficient in minute-taking and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.

Qualities

• Professional, collaborative, and team-focused.
• Positive, detail-oriented, and adaptable under pressure.
• Strong initiative and problem-solving skills.

Application

Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Alec Stratford, Executive Director/ Registrar [email protected] by March 20, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 Feb 2026

KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX, NS) – The Executive Council of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) is deeply disappointed by the government’s decision to repeal the Social Workers Act without prior notice or consultation. Proactive regulation depends, in part, on a collaborative relationship of trust between the College and government.

The College has a longstanding commitment to ensuring the safe and ethical delivery of social work practice in Nova Scotia, which includes a critical advocacy role.

For decades, the NSCSW has worked tirelessly to address risks and challenges in the field of social work. The College has been a strong advocate for bio-psycho-social mental health services, strengthening child and family well-being, and pursuing ethical solutions to systemic issues, such as the staggering reality of 40,000 children living in poverty. Notably, the College’s advocacy efforts led to the creation of the Office of Children and Youth in Nova Scotia.

The Executive expresses concern that the repeal of the Social Workers Act may silence the College’s advocacy voice — a voice that has consistently championed the needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations.

“This decision marks a troubling shift,” said Robert Wright, President of the NSCSW. “It erodes the independence of social work as a self-regulated profession and places it under government watch, rather than maintaining an independent voice that works in the public’s best interest.”

While the College remains committed to collaborating with the government to bring the profession of social work under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), the NSCSW will continue to use its mandate and expertise to advocate for ethical, effective, and equitable social work practices in Nova Scotia. The College is determined to ensure that the interests of the most vulnerable members of society — the very people social workers serve — are not overlooked.

The College calls on the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the NSCSW to ensure that the profession of social work can continue to operate independently and in the best interest of the public.

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About us:

The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers serves and protects Nova Scotians by effectively regulating the profession of social work. We work in solidarity with Nova Scotians to advocate for policies that improve social conditions, challenge injustice and value diversity.

For more information or to arrange interviews with NSCSW spokespersons, contact: Rebecca Faria, communication coordinator for NSCSW (902-429-7799 ext. 227, [email protected]).