OCSWSSW COVID-19 Update

Dear College members: With recent news about the steady increase in COVID-19 cases and the return to previous restrictions in some sectors and regions, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) would like to take this opportunity to highlight various recommendations to members and other stakeholders. Key considerations Given the rapidly changing environment, it is vital that members remain up to date with respect to information and guidance from government…

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ASWB Is Seeking Registered Social Workers to Help Write Questions for Licensing Exams

Dear College members: The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is seeking registered social workers to write questions for the licensing exams used in the United States and Canada. Practicing social workers – known as item writers – write all the questions on the ASWB social work licensing exams. These writers are selected for their social work expertise and balanced to reflect diversity in practice area, geography, and demographics. Item writers work on a contract…

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Join Us for the 2020 Educational Forums!

The College invites members to participate in its upcoming virtual Educational Forum on October 22! The Educational Forums are part of the College’s Glenda McDonald Educational Series. These half-day events are an excellent opportunity for members to stay connected with the College and gain valuable knowledge through the following agenda: 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – OCSWSSW update 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Keynote address 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. – Keynote Q&A period…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: College Updates

Dear College members and other stakeholders: As we head into fall, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with a number of College updates. COVID-19 The College continues to monitor the ongoing impact of the pandemic and to provide members and other stakeholders with ongoing updates and information. As noted in previous eBulletins, the College continues to strongly advise members to continue, wherever reasonably possible, to provide services by electronic means. Members should…

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Council Meeting Highlights for September 9-10, 2020

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. September 9, 2020 The following Council members were elected by Council to the Executive Committee:Toula Kourgiantakis, RSW – PresidentMukesh Kowlessar, RSSW – Vice-PresidentDéirdre Smith, Public Member – Vice-PresidentSanjay Govindaraj, RSW – Executive MemberShelley Hale, RSSW – Executive MemberPamela Murphy, Public Member – Executive MemberCouncil reviewed…

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OCSWSSW Council Election Results

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is pleased to announce the election of Toula Kourgiantakis, RSW as Council President, and the election of the Council Executive Committee for 2020/21. “It’s a great honour to be elected by my colleagues to serve as President of the College Council,” said Toula, who was elected on September 9, 2020. “We’re entering a pivotal time in the College’s history as we look to implement…

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Reminder – Attend the College’s 2020 Annual Meeting and Keynote Address

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers would like to remind College members of its upcoming 2020 Annual Meeting and keynote address. This year’s event will take place entirely via livestream on Thursday, September 3, 2020 as follows: Annual Meeting: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.Keynote Address: 11 a.m. to noon During the livestream, members will be able to participate by asking questions and/or making comments. Participants will be able to submit their…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Changes to Ontario’s Child Welfare System

The Ontario government recently released a plan to modernize the province’s child welfare system. Focused on prevention, early intervention and more permanent homes for children and youth in care, the strategy is built around five pillars: supporting child, youth, family and community well-being;improving quality of care;strengthening youth supports;improving stability and permanency; andincreasing system accountability and sustainability. The system redesign was developed with input from a diverse array of stakeholders. The strategy was released alongside two…

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2020 Election Results for Electoral District No. 3

On Thursday, July 23, 2020 the College held its Council elections in Electoral District No. 3. The Elections Committee has now declared the following candidates elected in Electoral District No. 3 to serve on the College Council for a three-year term, beginning September 9, 2020. Electoral District No. 3 is composed of the geographic area within the territorial boundaries of the Counties of Haliburton, Victoria, Peterborough, Northumberland and Simcoe, the Regional Municipalities of Durham, York…

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Attend the College’s 2020 Annual Meeting and Keynote Address via Livestream

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers invites College members to the 2020 Annual Meeting and keynote address. When: Thursday, September 3, 2020Where: via livestreamWho should attend: College members In light of the ongoing impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College has replaced this year’s Annual Meeting and Education Day with a scaled-down version of the event. We are pleased to provide members with the opportunity to attend the Annual Meeting…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Systemic Racism, Mental Health Checks and the College’s Regulatory Role

As Registrar and CEO for the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update with respect to recent College communications on issues related to anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and other forms of systemic racism while clarifying our regulatory role and public protection mandate. In light of recent events, we must first recognize and communicate our shared concern about incidents involving police use of…

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