The Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers (NSASW) was incorporated originally in March 1963 under a Nova Scotia statute which provided for voluntary registration and protection of the title, "Registered Social Worker". Thirty years later, in 1993, legislation was enacted which regulated both the title, "Registered Social Worker" or "Social Worker" and the practice of social work and to administer appropriate standards of social work practice.

As a consequence of this change, all social workers practising in Nova Scotia are required to be registered with the Association. Currently there are about 1,500 members. The Association maintains a Register of Members as well as a Register of Social Workers Engaged in Private Practice, which are available to the public.

Purposes and Roles of the Association and the Board of Examiners

There are two main purposes of legal regulation of the profession:

1. Protection of the public from incompetence by preventing the practice of social work by persons without the requisite values, knowledge and skills required for competent social work practice.

This function primarily is performed by the Board of Examiners which is a part of the Association but which operates at "arms length" from other functions within the Association. The Board is comprised of nine social work members appointed by the Association and three non-social work members appointed by the Nova Scotia Government.

The Board fulfils its mandate of ensuring competent social work practice through the registration of appropriately qualified social work candidates and by investigating complaints against social workers who are alleged to be incompetent, accused of professional misconduct, or have breached the Code of Ethics. The Board also may take appropriate action to discipline members in accordance with its mandate to protect the public interest.

2. Development and promotion of the profession.

This function is fulfilled by the overall Association. To ensure that members are competent and practice with high standards, the Association provides educational opportunities to its membership, either by directly sponsoring educational seminars or by linking with other groups or educational bodies to do so. Each member is required each year to engage in 40 hours of professional development to update their skills.

The Association also has adopted the Code of Ethics of the Canadian Association of Social Workers and its own Standards of Practice to assist and guide the practice of its members.

As well, the Association takes an active role in advocacy and social action by submitting briefs to Commissions, Task Forces, and to provincial and federal government departments on a wide range of social and health issues. Members see first hand how the lives of individuals and families are impacted by social factors and the Association believes it has a responsibility to make a contribution in the development of social policy.

Governance

The Association strives to fulfill its Mission and Goals and is governed by an elected Council which meets regularly to conduct the business of the Association. It consists of the Executive Officers, Chairs of Standing Committees, Chair of the Board of Examiners, Regional Representatives and Special Representatives. The membership as a whole meets at an Annual General Meeting or at Special Membership Meetings called for a specific purpose.

Standing Committees exist for Social Action, Program, Professional Development, Public Relations, Membership Services, Standards and Ethics, Private Practice, and Nominations. Current Ad Hoc Committees established by Council include Social Work in Health Care, and Social Work Candidacy.