Are social workers and social service workers required to wear masks while providing in-person services to clients?
The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is committed to providing practice support to its members. This includes providing health and safety guidance and resources during COVID-19 in an effort to protect the health and well-being of our members as well as the clients and communities they serve.
The College has previously issued guidance to members who provide in-person service in its June 2nd eBulletin. Members should carefully consider the College’s recommendations, consult with their employer/manager and apply their professional judgment when considering mask-wearing while providing in-person services to clients.
Employers are advised that there is no law, bylaw or directive that prevents or prohibits College members from wearing masks while providing in-person services.
Principle II: Competence and Integrity, Interpretation 2.1.3 in the Standards of Practice requires members to “maintain current knowledge of policies, legislation, programs and issues … in their areas of practice.” While municipal bylaws may address the issue of mask-wearing, employers and members should be aware that other legislation may also apply to this issue, and therefore, bylaws should not be interpreted in a vacuum. Mask-wearing may also be addressed in other directives that are applicable to health and healthcare settings, such as Directive #2 for Health Care Providers, released by the Chief Medical Officer of Health in Ontario.
For more information, please contact the College’s Professional Practice Department at practice@ocswssw.org.