Employer Communiqués

Updates and Reminders for Employers

New Registration Requirement Now in Effect – Vulnerable Sector Checks  This is a reminder to employers that as of October 1, 2025, the registration requirements for all College applicants now include submitting a vulnerable sector check. This additional registration requirement serves as an additional tool to help safeguard the public from potential harm and brings the College in line with other regulatory bodies. Most Canadian social work regulators already require background checks as part of their…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO

On August 15, we celebrated an important milestone: the 25th anniversary of the proclamation of the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 and the establishment of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College). Since 2000, the College has been guided by its mission and vision as well as its values to provide ethical, accountable, effective and community-centred care. Together, we have built strong foundation of public trust that…

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First Findings from the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative: Data Insights Now Available

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is excited to announce that insights from the inaugural year of the  Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative are now available as part of the 2024 Annual Report – A New Era: Advancing Innovation and Public Protection. Launched during the 2024 renewal period, the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative invites registrants to share demographic information on a voluntary basis. The initiative is based on…

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Equipped for Success: New AMED 2025 Resources

The College’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Education Day (AMED) took place on June 3, 2025. This year’s theme was Advancing Innovation and Public Protection. Videos of all the sessions are now available to watch on the College website and YouTube channel. Employers are encouraged to share these practice resources with their social work and social service work staff. These videos can serve as relevant professional development tools, supporting social work and social service work staff…

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Join the Convo: Register Now for October Employer Roundtable

On October 28, 2025, the College is hosting a virtual Employer Roundtable for employers located in Electoral District No. 3, which comprises the south-central part of Ontario and includes Toronto, Peel, Simcoe, York, Peterborough and Durham. This virtual event will serve as a platform for meaningful discussions, allowing us to listen and gain valuable insights from employers. By understanding the current landscape and challenges, we aim to better support both employers and registrants in their…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO

At the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), we continue to advance our shared goal of public protection through accountability, innovation and meaningful collaboration with employers. We are pleased to share the release of the College’s 2024 Annual Report, A New Era: Advancing Innovation and Public Protection. This report reflects key highlights from the past year, including our continued efforts to uphold core regulatory values and build trust with the…

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New Registration Requirement Coming Soon: What Employers Need to Know

The College is introducing a new registration requirement. As of October 1, 2025, all new applicants will be required to submit a vulnerable sector check as part of the registration process.   This additional registration requirement serves as an additional tool to help safeguard the public from potential harm and brings the College in line with other regulatory bodies. Most Canadian social work regulators already require background checks as part of their registration process.  The requirement…

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The Future of Crisis Response: How the International Crisis Response Association is Leading Change

In times of crisis, rapid and appropriate intervention is vital for de-escalation and safety. The International Crisis Response Association (ICRA), founded in 2019, has been pivotal in reshaping mental health crisis intervention by promoting non-police alternatives. Today, the ICRA supports over 200 municipalities across North America in establishing such services. From Vision to Movement ICRA co-founders Rachel Bromberg and Asante Haughton recognized the need for non-police responses to mental health crises, beginning their work in…

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Guidance to Insurers on Registrant Titles and Scope

The College, along with the professional associations – the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the Ontario Social Service Workers Association – have received numerous reports related to insurance claims for psychotherapy services provided by social workers and social service workers being denied by insurance providers. The refusal of these claims creates barriers to client care and is a matter of public protection.   Employers can refer to the information below if they experience issues with…

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Stay tuned for AMED 2025 videos coming this summer!

The College is holding its virtual Annual Meeting & Education Day (AMED) on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 This year’s theme is Advancing Innovation and Public Protection. The College is pleased to have Professor Charmaine Williams, PhD, RSW, Dean of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, as the keynote speaker. Her presentation, entitled How to: Live Through Unprecedented Times, will address practical strategies for those in social, health and community services…

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Practice Notes: Are You Practising in Scope?

Download the PDF 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 registrants1 with specific practice inquiries should consult the College, since the relevant standards and appropriate course of action will vary…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO

As we welcome 2025, I want to recognize the vital role that you, as employers, play in supporting social workers and social service workers in their professional and ethical practice. Your dedication to upholding high standards not only elevates the professions, but also ensures that Ontarians receive safe, competent and ethical care. At the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), we remain focused on advancing the key priorities from our…

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