Employer Communiqués

More Information at your Fingertips: Explore the New Online Register Improvements

As part of our commitment to public protection, the College maintains an Online Register of social workers and social service workers across Ontario. This easy-to-use tool includes information about a registrant’s registration status, discipline history (if any) and employer contact information. We have taken employers’ feedback into account and made upgrades to the Online Register. These improvements make it easier for employers to do their due diligence when hiring social workers and social service workers, as well…

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Missed the 2024 Educational Forum? Now Available Online!

The recording of the 2024 Educational Forum is now available to watch on the College website or YouTube channel. The College’s Director of Professional Practice, Christina Van Sickle, MSW, RSW, facilitated a panel discussion entitled Touchpoints of Trust: Setting Boundaries and Navigating Consent. Panelists explored how registrants can set appropriate boundaries with clients and the various aspects that need to be considered when navigating conversations about consent. The panelists represented a variety of perspectives and…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO

As we settle into the fall season, I want to recognize the important role you as employers play in safeguarding the public through your support of ethical and professional practice within Ontario’s social workers and social service workers. This season of change reflects the evolving nature of the professions and the significant impact of your commitment to quality care for Ontarians. Recently, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) held…

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Healing Through Connection: How Chigamik Builds Trust and Community-Centered Care

At Chigamik Community Health Centre, located in Midland Ontario, the focus is on fostering a community-centered model of care that breaks down barriers and embraces culturally safe, inclusive approaches. Glen Chenard, the Clinical and Allied Health Services Director, speaks passionately about how Chigamik works to meet the unique needs of individuals by prioritizing collaboration and holistic health. Chigamik serves the large population of First Nations, Francophone and Métis communities in the region. “We really strive…

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The Controlled Act of Psychotherapy: Am I Qualified? 

The College often receives questions from registrants, employers and clients about the competency requirements for performing the controlled act of psychotherapy. College registrants, along with those from five other regulatory bodies, are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, provided they have completed the necessary additional training to be deemed competent. To help assess readiness, the Practice Guidelines for Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy contains a checklist that registrants should review to assess…

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Navigating Third-Party Information Requests: What Registrants Need to Know

The Professional Practice Department has received increasing inquiries from registrants who have been asked to release client information to third parties, such as banks, insurance companies, service providers and even the police. The Standards of Practice speak to this issue in Principle V: Confidentiality, and the following interpretations must be considered:  5.1.2 College registrants shall obtain consent to the collection, use or disclosure of client information including personal information, unless otherwise permitted or required by…

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Practice Notes: The Current, Accurate and Relevant Client Record 

Download the PDF Please note that the second scenario of these Practice Notes contains references to intimate partner violence.  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…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO

As the summer months bring warmth and renewal, we at Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) want to take this opportunity to reflect on our valued partnership with employers like you. We are proud to work alongside you as trusted resources, united in our commitment to public protection. As employers, you play a crucial role in upholding this commitment and safeguarding clients and communities served by your organizations. This pivotal…

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Pre-Convocation Registration Being Discontinued

At present, students who have graduated with a degree in social work or a diploma in social service work could register with the College prior to their convocation if they have completed all the academic and practicum requirements of their program. These new graduates are registered with a term, condition and limitation on their certificate which is removed once the College received official confirmation from their school that they have convocated. As of September 1,…

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New Online Mandatory Reporting Form Now Available

Employers of social workers and social service workers can now submit mandatory reports to the College through an online form. These updates aim to increase efficiency and streamline the reporting process. The online form can be accessed here. It’s essential for employers to understand their legal responsibility regarding the mandatory reporting process. When there are concerns about the practice or conduct of a College registrant, employers are expected to promptly submit a report to the…

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In Case You Missed It: Regulatory Amendments to the College’s Legislation Now in Effect

The College is excited to share that the changes to its governing legislation, the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 (the SWSSWA) are now in effect as of July 1, 2024. These updates relate to section 50 of the SWSSWA regarding confidentiality and build on the College’s mandate of strong oversight to provide the best possible and safe environments for Ontario’s most vulnerable populations. With these changes, if a registrant is under investigation…

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Catch Up on AMED 2024: Full Session Videos Released

The College’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Education Day (AMED) took place on June 4, 2024. This year’s theme was Engage and Evolve: Collaborative Approaches to Care. 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 your social work and social service work staff…

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