Employer Communiqués

COVID-19 Update: Practice Considerations for Social Workers, Social Service Workers and Their Employers

As the Ontario government gradually lifts remaining public health and workplace safety measures over the next six months, the College is providing an update around practice considerations for social workers and social service workers and their employers. Using professional judgment The College continues to take its cues from government and public health authorities, and we remind employers and members to do the same. The College is advising members and employers to use their professional judgment when…

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Reporting Obligations: Misrepresenting Professional Qualifications

What does it mean when a social worker or social service worker misrepresents their professional qualifications? According to the Professional Misconduct Regulation, under the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, a social worker or social service worker misrepresents their professional qualifications when they commit one or more of the following offenses: inappropriately uses a term, title or designation in respect of the member’s practice;fails to identify themselves as a social worker or social service worker to a…

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Practice Notes: The Evolving Landscape of Electronic Practice

Download the PDF 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…

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Open Discussion a Highlight at Employer Roundtable

The College hosted its 8th Employer Roundtable virtually on September 29, 2021, for employers in the Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Timmins region. The Roundtable included 17 participants from 13 different organizations across various sectors and disciplines. The biannual event is part of the College’s employer outreach initiative and an opportunity for employers of social workers and social service workers to connect and engage with the College. Discussion points The College’s Registrar and CEO Lise…

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Employer Profile: Dorothy Bakos

Dorothy Bakos, MSW, RSW, serves as the Area Manager for Family Services Durham (FSD), a division of The Regional Municipality of Durham. A registered social worker, Dorothy has more than 20 years of combined leadership and management experience working in the not-for-profit sector. The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) was pleased to interview Dorothy about her roles and responsibilities, the importance of hiring OCSWSSW members, and the opportunities and challenges…

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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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