More than two decades into her career, social worker enjoys that no two days are alike

After 24 years in social work, Karen Overholt still walks into every shift expecting the unexpected; it’s what keeps her motivated.  

What drives her even more, though, is the chance to stand up for the people who need her most.  

“It’s one of the only roles, I think, that encompasses all areas of people’s lives. We support people with their physical and mental health, as well as the everyday challenges they face,” she says. 

“I like that piece of trying to empower clients to support themselves while trying to learn how to negotiate the system.” 

Over the years, she has worked in a variety of areas: child welfare, children’s mental health and in schools. She also worked in private practice. 

Originally from Ontario, she moved to Nova Scotia in 2019 after her husband, who is in the military, was stationed in Halifax. She began working in the emergency department at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, eventually becoming the team lead for urgent care in the western zone, which also includes units in Yarmouth and Kentville. 

“In urgent care we do mental health assessment but then we also kind of review people’s functioning,” she says. “We also provide coping strategies for those who come in and get them connected with other supports.” 

While social workers who work outside of the emergency department often follow a client throughout their journey, Karen and her team often only have one or two opportunities to make an impact on someone. 

It’s this part of the job that she finds both challenging and stimulating.  

“We’re trying to support their needs as quickly and effectively as we can in that type of environment,” she explains. “It can be intense but it’s also very rewarding.” 

More than two decades into her career, she says she is learning new things every day, a benefit of being part of a larger team that includes doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists.  

“Within the public system, we can connect people to a full range of providers, ensuring truly comprehensive care,” she says.  

“As part of the public system, we have all these other support people that can surround that patient.” 

Photo of Karen Overholt.