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.

National Social Work Month 2023

Every day, social workers support people in navigating complex systems. We are uniquely positioned to identify and address systemic gaps, provide key services and programs, and connect communities to what they need, all while applying our skills to build a more just world.

This National Social Work Month, we come together with colleagues across Nova Scotia —and across Canada— to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of social workers in supporting health, mental health and well-being across complex systems and settings.

This year our celebrations will feature our second Advocacy Day, creating opportunities for social workers, social work students and social work educators to join together with clients and community organizations in advocating for change. Our free one-day conference will kick off a week of concentrated advocacy and engagement regarding mental health in our province, with social workers and our community partners putting advocacy tools directly in the hands of other Nova Scotians; NSCSW members who would like to be part of this are encouraged to join a training session.

We have some amazing door prizes that we will be giving away at our virtual events, including books, artwork and free tickets for our annual May conference. We can’t wait to see each of you and celebrate the amazing work that you all are doing. Social work is essential.

Event Schedule

Workshops/conferences

These are open to the public and free to attend.

March 13-14 — Islamophobia & social work (workshop on two consecutive afternoons, please come to both sessions)
March 24 — Advocacy Day (full-day virtual conference)