New Registration Requirement Now in Effect – Vulnerable Sector Checks
This is a reminder to employers that as of October 1, 2025, the registration requirements for all College applicants now include submitting a vulnerable sector check. This additional registration requirement serves as an additional tool to help safeguard the public from potential harm and brings the College in line with other regulatory bodies. Most Canadian social work regulators already require background checks as part of their registration process.
The requirement to submit a vulnerable sector check only applies to new applicants. Current registrants do not have to submit one to maintain their registration.
The vulnerable sector check is not meant to replace any hiring processes that an employer may already have in place. As an employer, it is your responsibility to exercise due diligence when hiring a social worker or social service worker. Employers are encouraged to continue with their own safeguarding processes when hiring social workers and social service workers.
For questions about the new registration requirement, visit the College’s website or contact the Registration and Renewals Department at Registration@ocswssw.org.
Registrant Annual Renewals Now Open
All registrants in the general, inactive and retired classes of registration must renew their registration yearly. New registrants who were issued a certificate of registration at any time in 2025 are also required to complete their 2026 annual renewal. Renewals are based on the calendar year, and not the date of initial registration.
The deadline for your employees to complete their renewal and payment for 2026 is December 31, 2025. It is important for your employees to complete their renewal on time, in order for them to remain in good standing with the College and continue to be able to be entitled to practise social work or social service work.
Your employees may find helpful tips on renewing their registration on the Annual Renewals webpage or in this short informational video.
For questions or inquiries about renewals, contact the Registration and Renewals Department at info@ocswssw.org.
Join Us for the 2025 Educational Forum!
The College is happy to announce that it will be holding its virtual Educational Forum on the morning of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
In addition to a College update from Denitha Breau, Registrar and CEO, the Educational Forum will include a panel discussion entitled The Greatest Risk Requires the Greatest Competence – Private Practice and Psychotherapy. The College’s Director of Professional Practice, Christina Van Sickle, MSW, RSW, will facilitate the expert panel which will explore what competencies are needed to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, and why this competence is required before engaging in a counselling or mental health support private practice. The panel session will also provide insights to registrants on the different skills and resources required before beginning a private practice, including how to stay current in their practice.
We encourage employers to share this opportunity with their social work and social service work employees. Register now!
For questions or inquiries about the Educational Forum, contact the Communications Department at communications@ocswssw.org.
Book your Free Workplace Presentation Today
Did you know that the Professional Practice Department offers free workplace presentations? Presentations are conducted either in-person or virtually and can be personalized based on specific areas of focus or challenges. We invite employers to connect with us and consider booking a free presentation!
For questions or inquiries, or to book a workplace presentation, contact the Professional Practice Department at practice@ocswssw.org.
Check Out the Resource Room for Helpful Practice Resources
The College has a dedicated centralized digital library and reference hub on its website called the Resource Room, which offers a variety of practice supports and information for registrants and their employers.
These resources support your employees in practising ethically and competently, providing opportunities for their skills and knowledge base to grow. Resources are available in a range of formats, including Practice Notes, Practice Guidelines, videos and webinars.
Video resources from past Annual Meeting and Education Day events, as well as Educational Forums to the Resource Room have been recently added to the Resource Room for your convenience.
Resources are easy to find, organized both by subject matter and by type. We encourage employers to share the webpage with their employees.
For questions or inquiries about the Resource Room, contact the Communications Department at communications@ocswssw.org.