Employer Communiqués

Message from the Registrar and CEO: Maintaining Client Safety – A Collaborative Responsibility

As the provincial regulator for social workers and social service workers, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is responsible for maintaining client safety. However, this fundamental responsibility is not ours alone. It is part of a broader public protection infrastructure, meaning we must work collaboratively with key community partners, including employers, on this commitment.   Several articles in this current issue of the Employer Communiqué address our shared responsibility…

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Navigating Mandatory Reporting – What Employers Need to Know

Employers of social workers and social service workers have a legal responsibility to understand the College’s mandatory reporting process, and when necessary, to submit a report with the College. A report shares concerns related to the practice or conduct of a College registrant. “The mandatory reporting process alerts the College when there is a concern that a social worker or social service worker is not practising safely,” said Richelle Samuel, the College’s Director of Complaints…

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FAQs – Reporting Job Applicants who aren’t Registered with the College

As an employer, it is your responsibility to exercise due diligence when hiring a social worker or social service worker. Individuals who use the protected titles illegally or who falsely present themselves as a social worker or social service worker are considered unregulated practitioners and put the public at risk. Always check the Online Register before hiring. Here are some tips on what to do if you are in the hiring process and think that an individual is…

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Survey Findings Regarding Employers Paying Registration and Renewal Fees – What Employers Need to Know

The College recently conducted a brief survey to gain insight into employer practices related to registration fees for social workers and social service workers. These valuable insights help the College gain a better understanding of employer practices and how employers support their social work and social service work staff members. When asked if their organization covers the cost of the College annual renewal fee for social work or social service work employees, almost 82% of…

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2023 Educational Forum – Videos Now Available

The College held its annual virtual Educational Forum on November 30, 2023. The recording of the event is now available by visiting the College website or YouTube channel. In addition to a short College Update from Registrar and CEO Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA, the Forum included a panel discussion entitled Supporting Clients with Care and Competence Through Intimate Partner Violence, facilitated by the College’s Director of Professional Practice, Christina Van Sickle, MSW, RSW. The expert panel explored…

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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…

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Revised Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice – What Employers Need to Know

Earlier this fall, the College finalized revisions to its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which is now available to view on the College’s website!  The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice was revised following a robust consultation process to ensure that updates reflect societal changes and the current practice landscape, with a further focus on public benefit. The changes affect ALL social workers and social service workers, regardless of their employer or…

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FAQs – Social Work and Social Service Work Titles and Designations

As an employer, it is your responsibility to perform due diligence when hiring a social worker or social service worker. The College regularly receives notices from employers about individuals who were hired to work with vulnerable populations as social workers or social service workers, only to find that they are not registered with the College. The College also receives notices of individuals using false names during and after the hiring process. Many of these serious issues…

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We Want Your Feedback: Employer Practices Related to Registration/Renewal Fees

The College is conducting a brief survey to gain insights into employer practices related to registration fees for social workers and social service workers. Your input is invaluable to us, and we would greatly appreciate your participation. To participate in this short two-minute survey, please click here. Your responses will remain confidential. We believe that your insights will help the College gain a better understanding of employer practices for social work and social service work…

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What’s the Difference Between a Social Worker and Social Service Worker?

The difference between a social worker and social service worker? This is one of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers’ (the College) most frequently asked questions. Social workers work with their clients to address challenges through a process of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation. Social service workers assist clients in dealing with personal and social problems by delivering counselling, community services and social support programs. Both social workers and social service workers assist…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Update on the Review of the Standards of Practice

Over the past year, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has been conducting a comprehensive review of its Standards of Practice. Once approved by Council, the revised Standards of Practice will impact every social worker and social service worker in Ontario, regardless of their area of practice. Supporting employers The Standards of Practice, which set out the minimum standards of professional practice and conduct for College registrants, can support…

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Don’t Miss Out! 2023 Annual Meeting and Education Day

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is happy to announce that it will be holding its virtual Annual Meeting & Education Day (AMED) on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. AMED is part of the Glenda McDonald Educational Series. Employers are encouraged to share this great educational opportunity with their social work and social service work staff members. College registrants can use their attendance at this year’s AMED towards…

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