College Updates

The College has important updates for members regarding the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) and the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services’ (MCSS) changes to medical reviews for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients. 2017 CCP updateFor the 2017 CCP, College members will be required to review (along with the Standards of Practice) the article, “Medical Assistance in Dying: What Are My Professional Obligations?” In February, the College announced that its revised 2017 CCP is…

Read More

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is pleased to announce that registration for the 2017 Annual Meeting & Education Day (AMED) is now open to all College members. The event is part of the Glenda McDonald Educational Series. AMED will take place on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The theme of AMED 2017 is Rethinking Social Justice:…

Read More

The College is pleased to introduce two new communications initiatives which will help us better engage and connect with our stakeholders: the online Perspective newsletter and informational podcasts. Perspective gets its own websiteStarting this April, the College will offer the Perspective newsletter in electronic-only format. Members will be able to access Perspective online at www.perspective.ocswssw.org. The College’s decision to move towards an electronic Perspective was based in part on: A desire to be responsive to…

Read More

The College is pleased to announce that its 2017 Continuing Competence Program (CCP) documents – which include a newly revised CCP Instruction Guide, Self-Assessment Tool and Professional Development Plan – are now available on the College website. Council approved changes to the CCP after considering recommendations from a comprehensive evaluation of the program. The College is committed to ensuring that the CCP is feasible and accessible for all members. The CCP promotes quality assurance with…

Read More

The Office of the Chief Coroner has notified the College of the results of a review by the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee (“DVDRC”) and sought the College's support in implementing one of its recommendations. This eBulletin seeks to assist in implementing the DVDRC's recommendation by: Sharing the findings of the DVDRC with members.Reminding members of their professional obligations with respect to competence, currency and scope of practice, particularly in the areas of depression, suicidal…

Read More

Five regulatory colleges have created a clarification document and YouTube video to help individuals who provide psychotherapy services understand the distinction between psychotherapy as the controlled act and psychotherapy that does not fall under the definition of the controlled act. We are seeking your input as to whether these resources provide sufficient clarity. The controlled act of psychotherapy will be one of 14 “controlled acts” or healthcare activities which are restricted to members of certain…

Read More

Members in Electoral District #3 have been sent an eBulletin announcing a Call for Nominations for election to Council. If you are a member in District #3, and you have not received a Call for Nominations by eBulletin, please check your spam folder. To ensure you receive electronic information from the College, please add the College to your email contact list. For more information, please contact Pat Lieberman at plieberman@ocswssw.org.

Read More

The College would like to remind all members who have not yet renewed their membership for 2017 to do so online on or before January 31, 2017 to avoid the late fee penalty. If you do not intend to renew your membership for 2017 or wish to change your membership status, you must contact the College for further instructions. How to Renew Your Membership OnlineOnline renewals are secure and easy, and take less than five…

Read More

Are you interested in becoming a member of the College Council? The College has developed new podcasts of Council Members talking about their experience. To listen to the podcasts, click here. The College Council is comprised of seven social workers and seven social service workers who are elected by members of the College. Another seven Public members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. An election is held in a different district in May of each…

Read More

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is pleased to announce the election of Beatrice Traub-Werner, MSW, RSW, as the President of Council. Beatrice was elected to Council in 2008 and previously served two terms as President in 2013/14 and 2014/15. The College would also like to welcome the recently elected Executive Committee members of Council for 2016/17: Greg Clarke, RSSW – Vice-PresidentDavid Hodgson, Public Member – Vice-PresidentShelley Hale, RSSW –…

Read More

In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada found that the prohibition against physician-assisted dying in the Criminal Code of Canada was unconstitutional. In response to the Supreme Court's decision, Parliament passed legislation on medical assistance in dying (“MAID”) on June 17, 2016. This means that doctors and nurse practitioners in Canada can now provide medical assistance in dying, where this is done in accordance with the federal legislation as well as any applicable provincial…

Read More

With the arrival of fall, renewing your College membership will soon be top of mind. This eBulletin contains important information about the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) and the Social Workers and Social Service Workers Professional Development Fund (SWSSWPDF). Continuing Competence Program (CCP) Membership renewal for 2017 is coming soon! When you renew your College membership, you’ll be required to make a declaration indicating that you have participated in the 2016 CCP. If you haven’t done…

Read More