Message from the Registrar and CEO

Insights and Collaboration with Social Work and Social Service Work Employers

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) recently held a virtual webinar for employers located in northern Ontario. The webinar was a wonderful opportunity to continue working collaboratively with employers.

The College’s Director of Complaints and Discipline, Richelle Samuel, Registration Manager, Susanne Pacheco, and Registrant and Renewal Manager, Paul Cucci, facilitated the webinar. The webinar focused on titles and designations, professional boundaries, mandatory reporting and the registration process.

The most fruitful part of the webinar was the opportunity to discuss questions employers had for the College as well as challenges employers in northern Ontario are facing today. The discussions encompassed a variety of topics including: the employers’ responsibilities to reporting conduct of employees and potential employees to the College; what the investigation process looks like after an employer files a report against a registrant; the eventual implementation of entry-to-practice exams in 2027 and how they may impact employers; the recruitment challenges that employers face; and the future possibility of expanding information available on the Online Register to further assist employers during the hiring process. Thank you to all who attended, the College will take your feedback and examine ways in which we can best support employers in these areas.

We understand that ongoing collaborative work with employers like you is vital to achieving our shared goals of making well-informed decisions that serve the public interest. The employer webinars are just one way we are actioning this commitment. The next employer engagement event will be held in 2024, and we will be inviting employers from southeastern Ontario to participate – stay tuned for more information on this in the new year.

The College is always available to address questions or receive feedback on matters that impact you. We are also happy to provide your employees with a presentation on the role of the College – contact the Professional Practice team at practice@ocswssw.org for more information.  We look forward to connecting.

Sincerely,

Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA
Registrar and CEO