Employer Communiqués

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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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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