OCSWSSW Members Encouraged to Contact Public Health Unit for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Information

In the last few weeks, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has received requests from a small number of public health units asking to share information with members on their behalf about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The Ontario government’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan is a three-phase plan that prioritizes vaccines for those at greatest risk of illness and those who care for them. Each public health unit is developing…

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Council Meeting Highlights for March 3, 2021

The Council is the 21-member governing body and board of directors that manages and administers College affairs. The policies developed by Council provide direction to the College and to staff. March 3, 2021 Toula Kourgiantakis, RSW, President, provided her report to Council.Lise Betteridge, RSW, Registrar and CEO, presented her report to Council. The report provided updates under each strategic priority in the College’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan and included information about the following: the Professional Practice…

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Message from Registrar and CEO: COVID-19 Update

As Registrar and CEO for the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), I wanted to take this opportunity to remind members of the various factors to consider as the Ontario government implements its revised COVID-19 Response Framework. As the pandemic continues, I want to acknowledge the general fatigue so many of you are experiencing, as you continue to manage the serious impact and continued challenges of this time. As noted…

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Reminder: Complete the 2021 CCP

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) would like to remind all members that now is the time to begin to work on their 2021 Continuing Competence Program (CCP). Participation in the CCP is a condition of registration and one of the ways that College members demonstrate their commitment to professional and ethical practice. All members (with the exception of those in the retired class of certificate of registration) are…

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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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OCSWSSW COVID-19 Update

The Ontario government recently announced that it was extending the stay-at-home order for the majority of public health regions across the province to ensure the continued health and safety of Ontarians. The announcement notes that when it is safe to do so, the provincial government will transition each region from the emergency order measures to a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open. Effective February 10, 2021, the following three regions will…

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OCSWSSW Employment Opportunity: Deputy Registrar

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has launched a recruitment process in search of a Deputy Registrar. Please find the job posting below. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers Deputy Registrar Established in 2000, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is the regulatory body for over 23,500 social workers and social service workers across Ontario. The College serves and protects the public…

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Professional Practice Update: Required Readings for 2021 CCP and FAQs on Cross-Jurisdictional Practice

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to share the following updates and resources to support members’ practice. 2021 Continuing Competence Program As part of the 2021 Continuing Competence Program (CCP), you are required to review – along with the Standards of Practice – the following practice resources: Advocacy Ethical and Competent Responses to Anti-Black RacismBut “They” Told Me To! Owning Your Professional Accountability Technology Top 6 Considerations…

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2021 OCSWSSW Council Elections – Call for Nominations

On Thursday, May 27, 2021, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) will hold an election for registered social workers and registered social service workers in Electoral District No. 4. The College invites all members eligible to vote in Electoral District No. 4 to put their names forward as candidates for election to the College Council. The due date for receipt of completed and signed nomination forms is 5 p.m. (EST)…

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2021 Membership Renewal Late Fee Deadline Approaching

The College would like to remind all members who have not yet renewed their membership for 2021 to do so online on or before January 31, 2021 to avoid the late fee penalty. If you do not intend to renew your membership for 2021 or wish to change your membership status, you must contact the College for further instructions. How to renew your membership online To renew your membership online, follow these easy steps: Login…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Ontario’s Second COVID-19 Emergency Order Announcement

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is providing an update in light of the province’s most recent announcement, as part of our ongoing commitment to providing College members and other stakeholders with updates related to the impact of COVID-19. The Ontario government announced that it had declared a second provincial emergency order in response to the continued rise in COVID-19 cases and the alarming risks posed to the province’s…

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OCSWSSW Seeking Your Feedback on Draft Appendix: Administration of Naloxone

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is seeking feedback from stakeholders on its draft appendix to the Practice Guidelines on Medication Practices regarding the administration of Naloxone. These guidelines were developed to assist members and employers in interpreting and applying the College’s Standards of Practice with respect to medication practices. About the draft appendix In response to the opioid crisis, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (now the…

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