We often receive questions about the services the College offers to registrants, compared to those offered by the professional associations – the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) and the Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA). We know these differences can sometimes be confusing, and we hope that the below information provides clarification on the key differences.
WHAT DOES THE COLLEGE DO?
The College’s main role is to protect the public by regulating social workers and social service workers and promoting ethical and professional practice. We do not advocate for the professions.
Our public protection mandate includes:
- setting entry-to-practice requirements
- establishing a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice that all registrants must follow
- requiring registrants to engage in ongoing learning every year
- maintaining rigorous complaints and discipline processes.
WHAT ABOUT ASSOCIATIONS?
Associations, including the OASW and OSSWA, advocate for the values, interests and concerns of the profession they represent. Professional associations’ advocacy work typically focuses on the shared interests of the overall profession, rather than individual interests of particular members. Membership in an association is optional, whereas registration with the College is required in order to practise social work or social service work in Ontario.
DO THE COLLEGE AND ASSOCIATIONS OFFER SIMILAR SERVICES?
Yes, there is some overlap. Both the College and the professional associations provide professional development resources.
The College has a role in providing guidance and resources to support registrants in their practice. This includes the following services and resources:
• Practice resources including Practice Notes, Practice Guidelines, webinars and video resources.
• Consultations with the Professional Practice Department about an ethical or practice dilemma registrants are facing.
Associations cannot provide interpretation on the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice or advise on what is included in the scope of practice for social work and social service work. Registrants can set up a consultation with the College’s Professional Practice Department if they have questions on these topics.
Similarly, the OASW and the OSSWA also provide professional development resources for their members. Additionally, any College registrant, even if they are not OASW or OSSWA members, can access free webinars through the OASW Learning Centre.
WHAT ABOUT SERVICES ONLY OFFERED TO ASSOCIATION MEMBERS?
In addition to advocating for the profession they represent, associations provide other services to their members that fall outside of the College’s mandate. These include:
- Professional liability insurance for social work and social service work practice
- Job postings and career support
- Networking opportunities
- Access to discounts on group insurance plans and consumer discounts
The College does not offer these services.
WHO WORKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT?
Both the College and associations work with the Ontario government in different capacities.
The College collaborates with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to make changes to our governing legislation, the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998, ensuring it continues to protect Ontarians.
Associations, on the other hand, provide collective advocacy with various ministries on issues related to the values, interests and concerns of the profession they represent. For example, they may advocate for closing wage gaps or addressing workforce challenges in the professions.
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE COLLEGE AND ASSOCIATIONS
Created by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers – October 2024
OCSWSSW
- Registration is required
- Protects the public
- Entry-to-practice requirements
- Maintains a public Online Register
- Mandatory ongoing learning
- Rigorous complaints and discipline processes
OASW and OSSWA
- Membership is optional
- Provides collective advocacy on behalf of the professions
- Job postings and career support
- Provides networking opportunities
- Offers professional liability insurance
- Offers discounts on group home, auto, medical and dental insurance
- Offers access to consumer discounts (e.g. gyms, retailers, etc.)
- Students can join
We hope this information helps to clarify the differences between the College and associations.
For questions or inquiries about the College’s role and services offered, contact the Communications Department at communications@ocswssw.org.
For information or inquiries about the associations, contact the OASW at info@oasw.org and the OSSWA at info@osswa.ca.
