The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is the regulatory body for social workers and social service workers in Ontario. The College was created when the province of Ontario fully proclaimed the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 on August 15, 2000. Accountable to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the College currently regulates over 28,000 social workers and social service workers across the province. Its ongoing mandate is to serve and protect the public from unqualified, incompetent and unfit practitioners.
In Ontario, only registrants of the College can use the protected titles “social worker”, “social service worker”, “registered social worker” and/or “registered social service worker”. College registration is also required if a person represents or holds out expressly or by implication that they are a social worker, a social service worker, a registered social worker and/or a registered social service worker.
Public Protection
The College serves and protects the public by:
- Setting entry-to-practice requirements to ensure that only those with specific educational qualifications are eligible for registration.
- Setting, maintaining and ensuring that all registrants follow the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
- Maintaining a Public Register of registered social workers (RSWs) and registered social service workers (RSSWs) in Ontario.
- Requiring registrants to engage in ongoing learning through the Continuing Competence Program (CCP).
- Maintaining rigorous complaints and discipline processes.
Why Regulate?
Regulation of a profession defines the practice of the profession and describes the boundaries within which it operates, including the requirements and qualifications to practise the profession.
The primary mandate of any regulatory college is to protect the public interest from unqualified, incompetent or unfit practitioners through rigorous complaints and discipline processes.
Regulation brings credibility to the profession. Practitioners of a regulated profession are subject to a code of ethics and standards of practice, and complete the Continuing Competence Program (CCP) annually.
Self-regulation allows a profession to act as an agent of the government in regulating its registrants because the government acknowledges that the profession has the special knowledge required to set standards and judge the conduct of its registrants through peer review.
Self-regulation of a profession also provides public transparency as all College registrants are listed on an online register, which lists their registration status, discipline history (if any), restrictions on their practice (if any) and employer contact information.
How is the College Administered?
The Council is a 21-member governing body and board of directors that manages and administers College affairs. The Council is composed of:
- Seven social workers
- Seven social service workers
- Seven persons appointed by the Ontario government
The Registrar and CEO is hired by, and reports to, the Council. The Registrar and CEO hires staff to fulfill the objects of the College as set out in the legislation.
Mission, Vision, Values
Vision Statement
The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers strives for organizational excellence in its mandate in order to: serve the public interest; regulate its registrants; and be accountable and accessible to the community.
Mission Statement
The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers protects the interest of the public by regulating the practice of social workers and social service workers and promoting ethical and professional practice.
Values
We believe that our Mission and Vision statements are realized when the goals and outcomes of the College and the Council reflect the following:
Respect
- Every individual has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Diversity of perspectives and cultures are recognized and valued.
- Social workers, social service workers and public members are equally represented on Council and their contributions to the College are valued.
Fairness and Transparency
- The College strives to provide services that are accessible and available within Ontario.
- The College’s communication with stakeholders is clear.
- Policies and processes are transparent and reflect openness, quality and consistency.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
- Issues are addressed and activities are conducted in an effective, timely and efficient manner.
Leadership and Accountability
- The College offers responsible and responsive leadership.
- The College is guided by a strategic plan and is fiscally responsible in its operations.
- Policies and services are evaluated regularly.
- Council and staff are credible, knowledgeable and consistent in implementing policies that demonstrate accountability to the public.
Ethical Conduct
- Council and staff follow an established code of conduct that is consistent with the ethical values of the professions.
Caring Communities
- The College contributes to creating caring communities through its accountability to the public.