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Reorienting Clinical Regulation
A report from the Clinical Committee
In April 2024, the initial phase of clinical regulations was enacted in Nova Scotia, introducing two fundamental changes. Firstly, deregulation of private practice was established, allowing social workers and social work candidates to offer non-clinical services without needing authorization from the Board of Examiners. Secondly, the new framework shifted to regulate clinical social work within a private setting.
These changes were made possible because of the significant strides we made in advancing clinical regulation throughout 2023.
Understanding Clinical Social Work
Clinical social work represents a specialized discipline within the broader field of social work, characterized by:
The provision of mental health, addiction, trauma, grief/loss/illness, and crisis assessments, contextualizing individuals within their unique social environments.
The employment of research-based therapy methods aligned with bio-psycho-socialspiritual principles that are culturally relevant.
Direct engagement with individuals, couples, families, and groups to address complex issues impacting individual and family functioning.
Guidance by overarching social work concepts such as human rights and social justice.
The initiation and implementation of intervention plans alongside clients to meet their goals.
Guidelines For Clinical Social Work Specialists 2024
Throughout 2023, the committee engaged with a diverse range of practitioners and communities to develop a set of guidelines. These guidelines complement the draft Standards of Clinical Practice. The NSCSW has adopted this comprehensive set of guidelines, which are specifically tailored for clinical social work specialists and will take effect in 2024. These guidelines are designed to achieve multiple objectives:
To act as a vital resource for clinical specialists in achieving and maintaining professional standards.
To inform the public about the expectations they should have when engaging with clinical specialists.
To ensure that clinical specialists adhere to these guidelines, which complement the broader clinical standards of practice.
The aim is to ensure that clinical social work specialists practicing within Nova Scotia have the tools they need to bring to life the NSCSW’s Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, Standards of Clinical Practice, and the Nova Scotia Social Workers Act and Regulations.
Acknowledgement of Historical Context & Committment to Restorative Justice
Throughout 2023, the committee engaged with a diverse range of practitioners and communities The NSCSW recognizes the historical and ongoing role of social work in defining and regulating clinical services, particularly within economically and racially marginalized communities. It acknowledges the persistence of systems utilizing oppressive language and policies and the reality that members may operate within systems not yet reflective of our values.
Committed to a path of restorative justice and reconciliation, the NSCSW emphasizes addressing intersectional biases and is dedicated to anti-oppressive, trauma and violence-informed, anti-colonial, and anti-racist practices. Given the profession’s colonial and racist legacies, the commitment to anti-racist and anti-colonial methodologies and reconciliation efforts is paramount. These guidelines underscore the importance of fostering a more just, inclusive, and compassionate approach to social work practice in Nova Scotia.
Summary Of Guidelines
The clinical guidelines developed for clinical social work specialists encompass a comprehensive framework designed to ensure compassionate, competent, and holistic care across diverse populations. These guidelines emphasize the importance of continuous professional development and cultural attentiveness, aiming to equip specialists with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective practice.
Key Components Of The Guidelines
DSM-5 Utilization: Specialists are expected to proficiently use the DSM-5 for initial client assessments, requiring a thorough understanding of its application within clinical settings.
Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Assessments: Advocating for a holistic approach, these assessments cover the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of clients, emphasizing collaborative engagement.
Documentation and Competence: Accurate documentation of a specialist’s skills and experiences is vital, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care that meets established clinical standards.
Self-Assessment and Continuous Learning: Specialists are required to conduct selfassessments and seek further training as needed, ensuring they are prepared to meet the diverse needs of their clients effectively.
Trauma-Specific Therapy: The guidelines stress the importance of understanding trauma dynamics and incorporating essential knowledge, practical steps, and ethical principles in therapy.
Cultural Attentiveness & Working with Diverse Populations
Indigenous Service Users: Specialists are encouraged to incorporate the strengths of Indigenous cultures into their practice, offer culturally sensitive services, and actively combat oppression and discrimination. Critical self-reflection and an understanding of historical injustices are deemed essential.
African Ancestry Service Users in Nova Scotia: Recognizing the historical contributions and legacy of African Nova Scotians is crucial. Specialists must address anti-Black racism in mental health care, advocating for a care model that respects unique historical and cultural contexts.
Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Service Users: Specialists are urged to provide safe and affirming practices for 2SLGBTQIA+ service users, recognizing this as both an ethical imperative and a necessity for fostering healing. Education in this area is encouraged to enable practitioners to offer affirmative, trauma-informed, and culturally attentive care. The guidelines also highlight the importance of understanding the harms associated with conversion therapy, which is prohibited under Canadian law, particularly emphasizing the need for a practice that supports the dignity, rights, and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
By adhering to these guidelines, clinical social work specialists commit to a practice that respects and actively supports the well-being of all service users, promoting an environment where healing and empowerment are paramount
