Employer Communiqués

Message from the Registrar and CEO

As we move through another productive year, the College remains focused on initiatives that strengthen accountability, promote fairness and support its public protection mandate. In this issue, I am pleased to share several recent developments that reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening trust in the professions we regulate. This month, the College published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting key initiatives, achievements and priorities from the past year. The report demonstrates the dedication of registrants, employers,…

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Shaping Clinical Readiness: A Social Service Worker’s Insights on Experience Before Private Practice

For Bianca Stefina, RSSW, becoming a registered social service worker was never about following a single prescribed path. Her journey reflects a commitment to learning through experience, adapting to complexity and building clinical judgment through direct work with people in real-world settings. Today, Bianca is the owner of a group practice in Windsor, Ontario, specializing in trauma and complex trauma. Throughout her career, she continues to deepen her clinical expertise through advanced training in trauma-informed…

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FAQs on Reporting Charges and Convictions

What registrants need to know about charges and self-reports regarding findings of guilt Are registrants required to report findings of guilt to the College? Yes. Registrants are required to report every finding of guilt in relation to a criminal offence, an offence under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or the Food and Drugs Act (Canada) and any offence that could be relevant to practice. For example, if a registrant is charged with a…

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Practice Notes: The Many Sides to Supervision

Practice Notes is an educational tool designed to help Ontario social workers, social service workers, supervisees, students, employers and members of the public gain a better understanding of recurring issues dealt with by the College’s Professional Practice Department and Complaints Committee that may affect everyday practice. The notes offer general guidance only and College registrants with specific practice inquiries should consult the College, since the relevant standards and appropriate course of action will vary depending…

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College Updates

AMED 2026 Happening Soon, Registration Open The College invites you and your social work and social service work employees to attend its Annual Meeting and Education Day (AMED)! Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ESTFormat: Fully virtualCost: Free This year’s theme is Trust, Care and Accountability. The College’s Professional Practice department is pleased to host the feature presentation, which will address professional boundaries in multidisciplinary settings. There will also be four…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO

Employers are essential partners in the College’s public protection mandate. Every day, you help ensure that Ontarians receive safe, ethical and competent social work and social service work services. We appreciate the role you play and want to share several registration updates from the College that are intended to support your workforce planning while strengthening transparency, fairness and public confidence in the professions. Supporting Labour Mobility Effective January 1, 2026, the Ontario government introduced Ontario…

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New Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP)

Over the past several years, the College has seen a disturbing rise in sexual abuse-related complaints. Sexual abuse is one of the most egregious ways that registrants can harm clients and breach their professional obligations. To address this alarming trend, the College has introduced the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (SAPP). All registrants (except those in the retired class of registration) are required to complete the SAPP as part of their 2026 Continuing Competence Program (CCP).…

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Professional Practice Updates and Resources

Social Service Workers Now Added as Authorized Medical Practitioners for Tax Purposes Social service workers are now recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as authorized medical practitioners for the purpose of the medical expense tax credit. This means that your clients may be eligible to submit a portion of the costs of their sessions with you on their taxes. In the summer of 2025, the Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA) brought this matter…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO

As we move through the fall season, a time of reflection and change, I’m reminded of the importance of pausing to recognize our shared progress. This season, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has continued to build strong partnerships with employers and engagement groups across Ontario. By working together, we support social workers and social service workers in delivering safe, ethical and competent care to the people of this…

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Walking Together: Indigenous Approaches to Healing at St. Joseph’s Care Group

At St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG) in Thunder Bay, Ontario, an Indigenous team of social workers and social service workers are reshaping healthcare by weaving traditional knowledge with Western models of care. For Brenda Mason, Ogichidaa Kwe (Elder in Council), N’doo’owe Binesi, Carly Brar, Indigenous Counsellor, N’doo’owe Binesi, Indigenous Health and Paul Francis Jr., Vice President of N’doo’owe Binesi, Indigenous Health, Partnerships and Wellness, this work is deeply personal and a vital part of advancing reconciliation…

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Unlocking Value Through Field Education: Mutual Benefits for Registrants and Students

Have you ever considered providing field education opportunities to social work or social service work students? Field education is a mandatory practicum requirement for social work and social service work students. As an experiential learning tool, field education helps students develop their professional competencies by providing them with an opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to the practice setting. Why bring students on board? Fresh perspectivesStudents arrive equipped with the latest concepts and innovative best…

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Practice Notes: Online Footprint — Professional Integrity Matters

Practice Notes is an educational tool designed to help Ontario social workers, social service workers, employers and members of the public gain a better understanding of recurring issues dealt with by the College’s Professional Practice Department and Complaints Committee that may affect everyday practice. The notes offer general guidance only and College registrants[1] with specific practice inquiries should consult the College, since the relevant standards and appropriate course of action will vary depending on the…

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