The Continuing Competence Program: An Important Reminder

With membership renewal for 2011 just around the corner, this is a reminder that you will be required to make a declaration on your renewal form indicating that you have participated in the Continuing Competence Program (CCP). At this point, work on your 2010 goals should be well underway. This brief overview will help answer your questions, and assist you in meeting the requirements of the program.

The Continuing Competence Program:

• is based on an adult education model, and allows members to use their professional judgment to determine the goals they set each year, and the types of learning activities they will undertake to meet their goals.
•  requires members to take stock of their professional responsibilities and situation, conduct a self-assessment, identify learning objectives, develop and implement a learning plan, evaluate their progress, and make a declaration on their annual renewal.

All members are required to participate in the CCP in order to maintain their membership in the College. This includes:

• Members who are unemployed, or not currently practising social work or social service work
• Members who are retired from practice
• Members on maternity/parental leave

To Complete the CCP, please:

• thoroughly review the materials you have received in order to ensure that you are familiar with the program.
• ensure that you have two documents: the Instruction Guide, (previously provided to members and also available on our website www.ocswssw.org) and the Self-Assessment Tool and Professional Development Plan Documents booklet for 2010, which was also mailed out previously.
• store both documents in your Member Resource Binder, behind tab 6.

Additional information:

• You are required to retain the Self-Assessment Tool and Professional Development Plan Documents  for at least 7 years.

The Instruction Guide addresses a number of frequently asked questions regarding the program. Please contact the College's Professional Practice department at ccp@ocswssw.org or visit our website www.ocswssw.org if you have any further questions.