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.

Definition of Practice

Practice of social work

5A (1) For the purpose of this Act, the practice of social work means the provision of professional services to clients through the use of social work knowledge, theory, skills, judgement and values acquired through a program from an approved faculty of social work.

(2) The professional services to clients referred to in subsection (1) may include:

(a) intervention through direct contact with clients, including assessment, case management, client-centered advocacy, education, consultation, counselling, crisis intervention and referral;

(b) community development founded on the principles of social justice that focus on mobilizing individuals to employ their skills to effect community change by community capacity building and community- based participation research; and

(i) the development and promotion of social policies focused on improving social conditions and promoting social justice,

(ii) the development, the provision and the administration of social-work services programs, and

(iii) the supervision of individuals providing social work services; and

(d) such other activities as may be prescribed by the regulations.

What is it?

Assessment, remediation and prevention of social problems

What does it do?

Enhances social functioning of:

Individuals
Families
Groups and Communities

What methods are used?

Direct Counselling
Development, Promotion and Delivery of Human Service Programs
Social Policy Development and Promotion

What expertise is used?

Social Work:

Knowledge
Values
Skills