In social work times

A message from the outgoing NSCSW Council President

EZRA WEXLER, RSW, MSW, NSCSW COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Challenging times. Unusual times. Exceptional times. Uncertain times.

It strikes me that the pandemic has forced individuals, families, organizations, communities, companies and governments to confront, analyze and attempt to patch up the same inequities that social workers are all too familiar with in their work — pandemic or not. Social workers strive to ensure that families are safe in their homes, that patients’ rights are intact within institutions, that communities are empowered, that employers uphold equal opportunity, and that governments are aware of gaps in the systems and plans they roll out. Social workers are familiar with shifting playing fields designed to serve the majority, and keep an eye out for the rights of the vulnerable and oppressed. Social workers are creative problem solvers, attentive mediators, passionate advocates and empathetic listeners.

I would say that these times are social work times. The cause of the profession is being called upon in every corner of our society. Poverty, mental health, child welfare, and the needs of vulnerable older adults are on the forefront of our communal consciousness. Social work has been confronting these issues since inception and are now uniquely positioned to shed light on the source of those inequities, and to offer alternative strategies, policies, perspectives and solutions. When faced with a crisis, social workers rise to the occasion, and I am proud to say that in Nova Scotia we are doing just that.

I have heard from dozens of social workers about the adaptations they are undertaking to not just continue doing the important work they have always done, but to expand and sometimes re-vision that work to meet the emerging needs caused by the pandemic. While many Nova Scotians are home attempting to make the most of the extra time they have while not working or going to school, social workers are putting in extra hours ensuring that those who face food and housing insecurity, violence in the homes, health challenges from delayed medical interventions, or rising mental health concerns from the social isolation and increased anxiety, have the professional support they need to get through.

I have served as the president of the College for the last four years and have been amazed and delighted as the strategic plan was first developed and now continues to be implemented. In so doing we have solidified our hybrid model, clearly demonstrating the harmony of having a strong voice in advocating for the needs of Nova Scotians with our regulatory purpose ensuring that social work is practiced in ways that uplift and empower Nova Scotians.

This year we have had great energy and development on several fronts that will serve the college, social workers and Nova Scotians well in the future. The expansion of our committees, and the passions of the volunteers involved seem to have no bounds. In particular I point towards the work of our mental health, child welfare, clinical practice, candidacy, editorial, and social policy committees. To all of the volunteers involved I offer thanks, and hope that you continue to find ways to work with the College in the future. Of course, each of those committees are supported by staff of the College, whose passions and attention to detail are the backbone of our success, and so I point towards their hard work and the never ending energy and leadership of our Executive Director and Registrar, Alec Stratford.

These are social work times, and as the outgoing president I am optimistic for the wellbeing of our province knowing that over two thousand social workers are out there working hard towards a collectively brighter future.