The recipient of the Canadian Association of Social Workers Distinguished Service Award for 2017 is Ian Shortall MSW, RSW. This award recognizes his significant contribution and unwavering commitment to the social work profession provincially and nationally.
Ian holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Memorial University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. Over the past 31 years, Ian Shortall has contributed substantially to both clinical and management practice. He began his career as a child and adolescent mental health clinician and family therapist, later moving to the positions of division manager within the health care system and Professional Practice Co-ordinator for social work with Eastern Health. Throughout these years, he maintained a clinical private practice. His current role is the Director of the Employee Assistance and Respectful Workplace Program with the Public Service Commission, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ian exemplifies the values of the social work profession on a daily basis. He is described as “professional to the core” bringing competence and integrity to both his clinical practice and his leadership roles. Ian approaches every person and situation with respect and fairness working tirelessly to support clients and guide the many social workers and students whom he has supervised.
Ian has provided leadership within the social work professional community. Throughout the 1990s he volunteered his knowledge and skills to the NLASW Professional Issues Committee providing ethical consultations to social workers in practice serving a term in the role of Chair. This committee received the CASW Distinguished Service Award in 1999 for significant contribution to social work in the province. From 2006- 2008 Ian Shortall was the President of the NL Association of Social Workers spending a total of six years contributing initially as President Elect (2004-2006) and later as Past President (2008- 2010). These years were times of significant growth and change for NLASW which included transition to new legislation. Throughout the process, Ian’s steady leadership and support was of tremendous value to the board of directors and staff. Following his term on the NLASW board of directors, Ian served two terms on the board of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (2010 – 2015). While serving on the board he also contributed to the CASW Private Practice Interest group.
Ian continues to be an inspiration to all who have the pleasure of working with and learning from him. His colleagues at the provincial Public Service Commission state: “He models competent, professional practice and will inspire you to do your absolute best. He will support you when you struggle and celebrate with and for you when you succeed. Ian was operating from a strengths based perspective in his leadership long before we were calling it that”
Social workers in Newfoundland and Labrador congratulate and extend best wishes to Ian Shortall, the recipient of the 2017 Canadian Association of Social Workers Distinguished Service Award for this province.