Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does licensure mean?

The Social Workers Act controls who can use the title of social worker, and what constitutes the practice of social work. It also gives the profession the authority to be self-regulating, and to discipline its members.

2. What is the purpose of licensure?

It is two fold-first, to protect the public from incompetent practitioners, some of whom may be presenting themselves to the public erroneously as being social workers. Secondly, to strengthen and protect the professions, through such avenues as continuing professional education and setting standards of practice.

3. Who does the Social Workers Act cover?

Anyone currently practising social work in the province.

4. What is the definition of social work practice?

Section 5(2), Social Workers Act

"Practice of Social Work" means the assessment, remediation and prevention of social problems and the enhancement of social functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities, by means of:

  • i. the provision of direct counselling services within the established relationship between a social worker and a client; or
  • ii. the development, promotion, and delivery of human service programs, or
  • iii. the development and promotion of social policies aimed at improving social conditions and promoting social equality, including that done in collaboration with communities, and which requires the application of specialized knowledge, values and skills in the field of social work.

5. Who must be registered under the Social Workers Act?

Registration is required of all persons practising social work and using the title, social worker. Without being registered, a person will not be able to practice social work in the province.


6. When registering, is a person also a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers?

Yes, under the Social Workers Act, when the Board approves a person for registration, the person also becomes a member of the Association. The Nova Scotia Association is the professional body mandated to carry out the provisions of the Social Workers Act through its Board of Examiners.

7. Who makes up the Board of Examiners?

The ten member Board is composed of three members appointed by Governor in Council and seven social workers appointed by the NSASW Council. The latter shall generally represent the diversity of various fields of social worker practice and reflect the gender, racial and ethnic composition of the Association.

8. If I am a new graduate, can I practice immediately?

Yes, if you have a professional social work degree and are registered under the Social Workers Act, you would have the right to use the designation "Social Worker Candidate" or "SWC". This would tell the public that you have the requisite educational qualification to practice during the period you are required to gain the necessary professional experience.

9. Is there an expectation that social workers take part in on-going professional development?

Most definitely. All social worker are expected to further their professional development through a minimum of 40 hours of varied developmental activities each year. The Association providing as many such opportunities as possible to its members.

10. Are registered social workers able to move from one position to another?

Yes, there is no restriction on mobility under the Social Workers Act and the title of Registered Social Worker (RSW) remains with the person. Employment mobility between provinces may be easier, as New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland already have Licensure Acts.

11. If I am a Registered Social Worker without a professional degree who is "grandparented in", will that enhance my employment opportunities?

Yes, being a member of the profession is always an asset. However, the employer who wishes to hire a Registered Social Worker with a professional degree, rather than a Registered Social Worker without a degree, may still choose to do so. For example, the employer may wish to fill a social worker supervisory position with a person who holds a Masters degree.

12. Should a member of the public who has a complaint against a social worker lodge the complaint with the person's employer or with the Association?

A member of the public having a complaint against a social worker has two options open to them - that of going to the employer, and/or that of going to the profession. Were the complaint to be against a social worker in private practice, the profession would be the only option.

13. What happens if a complaint of misconduct or incompetence comes to the profession?

There is a Complaints Committee composed of three members of the ten member Board of Examiners, who will consider and investigate complaints regarding the conduct of a member, having first filed the written complaint with the member being investigated. The Committee may resolve the complaint, dismiss it, or refer it to the Discipline Committee.

The Discipline Committee is composed of five members of the Board of Examiners, who will conduct a hearing according to due process of law, all of which is spelled out clearly in the Social Workers Act. They may revoke a members's right to practice, suspend a members's right to practice, limit the extent of a professional's work for a period of time, impose conditions for the completion of particular courses, require supervision by another member, or have one's practice periodically reviewed by the Committee for a period of time.

It should be noted that three members of the Board of Examiners are appointed by Governor in Council, thus representing the public's interest.

14. How are membership fees established?

Membership fees are part of the By-Laws of the Association. All By-Laws are passed at the Annual Convention by two-thirds majority vote of members voting.

15. If I should not be employed for a period of time, would that affect my registration?

No, if you are a registered member under the Social Workers Act, and become unemployed, you would retain the title of Registered Social Worker (RSW) and be able to practice social work, provided you continued to pay the prescribed dues.

16. If I have a professional degree in social work, but am not employed in a position deemed to be practising social work, can I be registered?

Yes, but being registered would not change the nature of the non-social work position.