The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers exists to serve and protect Nova Scotians by effectively regulating the profession of social work.

As a member you have the ability to support the NSCSW in building a professional community that embodies the best of social work practice.

Ensuring Nova Scotians receive the services of skilled and competent social workers who are knowledgeable, ethical, qualified, and accountable to the people who receive social work services.

Private practitioners are self-employed RSWs who are licensed to practice independently in one or more areas of specialization.

We establish, maintain, and regulate Standards of Professional Practice to ensure Nova Scotians receive the services of skilled and competent social workers who are knowledgeable, ethical, qualified, and accountable to the people who receive their services.

Stay up to date on the latest news and events happening with NSCSW.

Contact the NSCSW

Visits by appointment only due to COVID-19

Email [email protected] to schedule a visit

Mail: 1888 Brunswick St., Suite 700
Halifax, NS B3J 3J8

Phone: 902-429-7799
Fax: 902-429-7650

Learn more about the NSCSW staff

Inquiry Related to:

Ethical Consultations
Social Work Regulations
NSCSW Council and Board of Examiners
Government Relations
Advocacy
Community Engagement

Who to Contact:

Alec Stratford

Registrar/Executive Director
Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 224
Email: [email protected]

Professional Development & Member Training
Annual Conference & AGM
Professional Standards
Advocacy
Decolonization
Connection Magazine

Tyler Colbourne

Professional Development Consultant
Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 223
Email: [email protected]

Complaints and Discipline – Submitting a complaint, the complaints process
Candidacy Mentorship Program – Information, support & regulatory oversight for candidates & mentors

Valerie Heard

Regulatory & Candidacy Manager
Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 222
Email: [email protected]

Registration – New member applications (except telepractice), application status, member class change (e.g. associate/active switching), reinstatement requests, resignations, verifications (also except telepractice)
Member Portal – Login & password assistance, updating profile, professional development tracking
Annual Renewals – Account access, general troubleshooting
Admin – Office management, committee support (Clinical, Complaints, Discipline), Board of Examiners meetings & decision notices

Gen Coughlan

Administrative Support, Regulatory Services
Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 228
Email: [email protected]

Registration – Telepractice applications (for social workers in other provinces seeking authorization for electronic social work with NS clients) and verification of registrant status (for NS social workers pursuing telepractice elsewhere)
Admin – Bookkeeping, committee support (Connections, Decolonization, Professional Development, Professional Standards, Social Justice)
Member portal – Login & password assistance, professional development tracking, general troubleshooting
Annual Renewals – Account access, invoices, payments, troubleshooting
Advertising – Job board & newsletter submissions

Wilhemina Welbeck

Administrative Support, Membership Services
Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 226
Email: [email protected]

Media Relations – Point of contact for NSCSW spokespeople, background inquiries
Digital & Print Publications – Member newsletter, Connection magazine, NSCSW blog, research reports, advocacy materials
Social Media – Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn (Twitter/X account has been sunset)
NSCSW Websites – except registry portal inquiries (see admins above)

Rebecca Faria

Communication Coordinator
Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 227
Email: [email protected]

Registration
Candidacy Evaluations
Clinical Specialization Assessments
Professional Standards & Guidelines
Annual Renewal

Position vacant until Fall 2024

Associate Registrar
Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 221
Email: TBD