Critical Considerations for Members in Private Practice Regarding In-Person Practice

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is issuing the following considerations for members who work in private practice and are looking for guidance in planning when and how to return to providing in-person services. As the Province moves forward with stage 1 of its Framework for Reopening, the College has already provided a number of important considerations for all members regarding their return to practice, in both a May…

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Important Update from the Registrar and CEO Regarding In-Person Practice

As the Ontario Government moves forward with its reopening framework, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) continues to assess the significant impact COVID-19 has on our members and other stakeholders. We recognize that this continues to be an extremely challenging time - both personally and professionally. Ministry of Health Directive On May 26, 2020, Ontario’s Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health amended Directive #2 for Health Care Providers as…

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Professional Practice Update: 2020 CCP Reminder & Supervision Webinar

Reminder: Continuing Competence Program Participation in the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) is a condition of registration and one of the ways that members demonstrate their commitment to professional and ethical practice. While the College recognizes the ongoing impact that COVID-19 has on members, all members (with the exception of those in the retired class of certificate of registration) are required nevertheless to participate in the CCP. This includes those who are not currently practising, in…

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Further Considerations as Province Implements Stage 1 of its Framework for Reopening

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) anticipates that the Ontario Government’s recent announcement regarding the first stage in Ontario’s reopening framework may prompt questions from members regarding their return to practice. The Government’s announcement included a detailed list of stage 1 openings which can be found here. Members and other stakeholders can also learn more about stage 1 of the Government’s framework here. The College previously provided members with…

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Important Considerations as Province Moves Towards Reopening

With the recent news that the Ontario Government is extending its provincial emergency orders until May 19, 2020, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on members and other stakeholders. We would like to take this opportunity to provide members with a number of factors to consider as the Province implements its framework for reopening. Adhering to guidance from government and public health…

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Council Meeting Highlights for May 8, 2020

Shelley Hale, RSSW, President, provided her report to Council.Registrar and CEO Lise Betteridge, MSW, RSW, and Deputy Registrar Laura Sheehan presented their report to Council. The report provided updates on: ongoing impacts related to COVID-19, including the College’s remote operations, various communication efforts, professional practice support, and complaints and discipline processes; digital communications, including website and Online Register metrics; outreach initiatives, including the College’s public and employer awareness campaigns; professional practice support; Council elections; registration…

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OCSWSSW Membership Renewals

The College continues to monitor the developments concerning COVID-19, recognizing the significant and ongoing impact that this pandemic has on members and other stakeholders. As the provincial regulator of over 22,600 social workers and social service workers in Ontario, the College continues to make all of its decisions (including those related to registration and renewal fees) through the lens of its ongoing public protection mandate. The College would like to remind all members who have…

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OCSWSSW Update from the Registrar and CEO

As we reach the sixth week of the provincial state of emergency, I would like to acknowledge once again the significant and ongoing impact that COVID-19 has on members and other stakeholders. The College remains committed to monitoring the pandemic and to providing members and other stakeholders with ongoing updates related to COVID-19 and College operations. Suspending non-essential services Last week, the government of Ontario announced it had extended the Declaration of Emergency until May…

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Attention Applicants: Important Information Regarding High-Priority Applications for Registration

In light of COVID-19, the College has adapted its registration processes where possible, keeping in mind that government approval is needed to change the current requirements of the Registration Regulation. As noted in a recent eBulletin to educators and employers, high-priority applications for registration will be processed on a case-by-case basis. Below are two frequently asked questions which aim to provide further guidance regarding these requests. FAQs I would like to submit a high-priority application…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Postponement of Date of Election of Members to Council in Electoral District No. 3

New Date: July 23, 2020 Dear College member: We are writing to you as a College member and voter in Electoral District No. 3 with important information about this year’s election of members to Council. In response to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College has postponed the date of the election for both of the membership categories of social work and social service work to July 23, 2020. Though the College has…

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