Employer Communiqués

Q&A: Online Application Processing Times

Q: Why is it taking so long to process an online application? A: Earlier this year, the College launched an online application process, offering first-time applicants the ability to apply securely and to pay their application and registration fees to the College through its new online application portal. The online application portal is currently available to individuals who: have obtained an accredited social work degree; have obtained an approved social service work diploma; or, are…

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OCSWSSW Introduces DEI Task Group

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers introduced its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Group earlier this year as part of its strategic priority to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. The Task Group is co-chaired by Sanjay Govindaraj, RSW, Council member, and Brian Seng-Low, RSSW, non-Council member. In accordance with its Terms of Reference, the Task Group provides recommendations and advises Council on: the potential for, and/or existence of, systemic and…

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Save the Date! 2021 Educational Forum

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is pleased to announce that it will be holding its upcoming virtual Educational Forum on Wednesday October 27, 2021. The Educational Forum is part of the Glenda McDonald Educational Series. Following the success of this year’s two-day virtual Annual Meeting and Education Day (AMED), which reached over 2,000 members and as part of the College’s ongoing efforts to increase equity and inclusion, this year’s Educational…

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The College’s Role in Upholding Ethical and Professional Practice

As the regulatory body for almost 24,000 social workers and social service workers in Ontario, the College’s primary mandate is to protect the public interest. One of the ways the College fulfills this public protection mandate is by providing practice-related guidance and resources to support members in practising ethically and professionally. As noted in its 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, the College is committed to upholding ethical and professional practice. The College provides educational resources to support…

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Can College Members Call Themselves “Psychotherapists”?

Members of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers may perform the controlled act of psychotherapy AND use the title “psychotherapist,” provided they do so in compliance with the Social Work and Social Service Work Act (SWSSWA), the regulations and the bylaws. A provision of the SWSSWA (s. 47.2) permits College members authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy to use the title “psychotherapist” if the member complies with the following…

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What Does It Mean to be a Member “In Good Standing?

Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers demonstrates a commitment to professional, ethical, qualified and accountable practice. Social work and social service work members of the College: have met specific registration requirements;follow a code of ethics and standards of practice;engage in ongoing learning through the College’s Continuing Competence Program (CCP); andare accountable through the College’s rigorous complaints and discipline processes. “In good standing” is a term that generally refers only…

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Practice Notes – To Report or Not to Report: When That Is the Question

Practice Notes is an educational tool designed to help Ontario social workers, social service workers, employers and members of the public gain a better understanding of recurring issues dealt with by the Professional Practice Department and the Complaints Committee that may affect everyday practice. The notes offer general guidance only and College members with specific practice inquiries should consult the College, since the relevant standards and appropriate course of action will vary depending on the…

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The College Introduces Online Complaint Form

This spring the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers was pleased to launch its online complaint form. The new online complaint form is part of the College’s strategic priority to enhance regulatory effectiveness and improve accessibility and efficiency for stakeholders. The new form allows members of the public to submit complaints directly through the College website and includes an introductory decision tree to assist potential complainants in navigating the complaints process. “The…

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Take the NEW College Knowledge Quiz!

The College invites employers of social workers and social service workers to take its recently updated College Knowledge Quiz! Learn more about the College, its public protection mandate and the many benefits of hiring registered social workers and registered social service workers. Learn more.

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COVID-19 Update

Over the past year, the College has communicated regularly to stakeholders with updates related to the impact of COVID-19. The College continues to take its cues from government and public health authorities and we remind employers and members to do the same. Practice considerations for social workers, social service workers and their employers Employers should note that while some members may be permitted to provide in-person services because of the nature of the services they…

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New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources

The College recently introduced new resources for social workers, social service workers, employers and other stakeholders that address issues related to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion. We invite members and employers to watch the following presentations from the College’s Educational Forums. Beyond Positive Intentions: Providing Equitable Services to LGBTQ+ NewcomersKhadijah Kanji, RSW and Serena Nudel, RSW share Access Alliance’s evidence-informed model of service delivery, and address the historical and legal context within which LGBTQ+ newcomers/refugees…

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College’s Complaints & Discipline Department Sees Uptick in Sexual Abuse-Related Complaints

The mandate of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is to protect the public interest. Everything the College does comes down to protecting the public from unqualified, incompetent and unfit practitioners. Over the last year, the College’s Complaints and Discipline Team has seen an increase in complaints related to sexual abuse allegations. This trend is of great concern to the College and warrants serious consideration on the part of…

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