Important Considerations as Province Moves Towards Reopening

With the recent news that the Ontario Government is extending its provincial emergency orders until May 19, 2020, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on members and other stakeholders. We would like to take this opportunity to provide members with a number of factors to consider as the Province implements its framework for reopening. Adhering to guidance from government and public health…

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Council Meeting Highlights for May 8, 2020

Shelley Hale, RSSW, President, provided her report to Council.Registrar and CEO Lise Betteridge, MSW, RSW, and Deputy Registrar Laura Sheehan presented their report to Council. The report provided updates on: ongoing impacts related to COVID-19, including the College’s remote operations, various communication efforts, professional practice support, and complaints and discipline processes; digital communications, including website and Online Register metrics; outreach initiatives, including the College’s public and employer awareness campaigns; professional practice support; Council elections; registration…

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OCSWSSW Membership Renewals

The College continues to monitor the developments concerning COVID-19, recognizing the significant and ongoing impact that this pandemic has on members and other stakeholders. As the provincial regulator of over 22,600 social workers and social service workers in Ontario, the College continues to make all of its decisions (including those related to registration and renewal fees) through the lens of its ongoing public protection mandate. The College would like to remind all members who have…

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OCSWSSW Update from the Registrar and CEO

As we reach the sixth week of the provincial state of emergency, I would like to acknowledge once again the significant and ongoing impact that COVID-19 has on members and other stakeholders. The College remains committed to monitoring the pandemic and to providing members and other stakeholders with ongoing updates related to COVID-19 and College operations. Suspending non-essential services Last week, the government of Ontario announced it had extended the Declaration of Emergency until May…

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Attention Applicants: Important Information Regarding High-Priority Applications for Registration

In light of COVID-19, the College has adapted its registration processes where possible, keeping in mind that government approval is needed to change the current requirements of the Registration Regulation. As noted in a recent eBulletin to educators and employers, high-priority applications for registration will be processed on a case-by-case basis. Below are two frequently asked questions which aim to provide further guidance regarding these requests. FAQs I would like to submit a high-priority application…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Postponement of Date of Election of Members to Council in Electoral District No. 3

New Date: July 23, 2020 Dear College member: We are writing to you as a College member and voter in Electoral District No. 3 with important information about this year’s election of members to Council. In response to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College has postponed the date of the election for both of the membership categories of social work and social service work to July 23, 2020. Though the College has…

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Answers to Your Questions: OCSWSSW Update Regarding COVID-19

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) continues to monitor the developments concerning COVID-19. We recognize the significant and ongoing impact the pandemic has on members and other stakeholders, as well as our collective responsibility to do our part to reduce the spread of this virus. New FAQs on College website The College reminds members and other stakeholders to continue to visit the College’s COVID-19 Updates webpage regularly for updates…

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COVID-19 Recommendations for Social Workers and Social Service Workers

The College continues to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and is providing additional guidance to support its members and protect the public. Governments at all levels and Canada’s public health experts are strongly encouraging the use of widespread social distancing. At this time, we are strongly recommending that College members consider suspending all non-essential social work and social service work services until further notice. Members are advised to use their professional judgment to…

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OCSWSSW Important Notice: Office Closure

To College members and other stakeholders: In light of recent developments concerning COVID-19, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers has closed its offices until further notice. The College made this very difficult decision in order to protect its staff and stakeholders, recognizing that we all have a shared responsibility to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus. Please note that the closure means that all College operations and services…

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