Employer Communiqués

Practice Notes – To Report or Not to Report: When That Is the Question

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 Professional Practice Department and the Complaints Committee that may affect everyday practice. The notes offer general guidance only and College members with specific practice inquiries should consult the College, since the relevant standards and appropriate course of action will vary depending on the…

Read More

The College Introduces Online Complaint Form

This spring the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers was pleased to launch its online complaint form. The new online complaint form is part of the College’s strategic priority to enhance regulatory effectiveness and improve accessibility and efficiency for stakeholders. The new form allows members of the public to submit complaints directly through the College website and includes an introductory decision tree to assist potential complainants in navigating the complaints process. “The…

Read More

Take the NEW College Knowledge Quiz!

The College invites employers of social workers and social service workers to take its recently updated College Knowledge Quiz! Learn more about the College, its public protection mandate and the many benefits of hiring registered social workers and registered social service workers. Learn more.

Read More

COVID-19 Update

Over the past year, the College has communicated regularly to stakeholders with updates related to the impact of COVID-19. The College continues to take its cues from government and public health authorities and we remind employers and members to do the same. Practice considerations for social workers, social service workers and their employers Employers should note that while some members may be permitted to provide in-person services because of the nature of the services they…

Read More

New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources

The College recently introduced new resources for social workers, social service workers, employers and other stakeholders that address issues related to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion. We invite members and employers to watch the following presentations from the College’s Educational Forums. Beyond Positive Intentions: Providing Equitable Services to LGBTQ+ NewcomersKhadijah Kanji, RSW and Serena Nudel, RSW share Access Alliance’s evidence-informed model of service delivery, and address the historical and legal context within which LGBTQ+ newcomers/refugees…

Read More

College’s Complaints & Discipline Department Sees Uptick in Sexual Abuse-Related Complaints

The mandate of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is to protect the public interest. Everything the College does comes down to protecting the public from unqualified, incompetent and unfit practitioners. Over the last year, the College’s Complaints and Discipline Team has seen an increase in complaints related to sexual abuse allegations. This trend is of great concern to the College and warrants serious consideration on the part of…

Read More

Q&A: Cross-Jurisdictional Practice

Are social workers and social service workers permitted to provide services to clients who live temporarily in Ontario? College members are permitted to practise with clients who currently live in Ontario, regardless of whether the client is in Ontario on a temporary or permanent basis. If the client continues to require services after returning to their home province or jurisdiction, members would need to consider the requirements in the College’s Standards of Practice for appropriate…

Read More

Electronic Practice: An Employer’s Responsibility Around Ethical and Professional Practice

What are an employer’s responsibilities when it comes to their employees’ electronic practice? And how can an employer ensure that their clients are being served ethically and professionally? As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many social work employers have shifted to providing services by electronic means. Electronic practice is the delivery of social work services by the use of electronic device (such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, landline telephone) or any electronic format…

Read More

9 Important Milestones in College History: Marking 20 Years of Public Protection

This year, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers marked its 20-year anniversary. Since its creation, the College has experienced a lot of change – technological, regulatory and, of course, related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The College has also grown as an organization and achieved a great deal over the years, not the least of which is our evolution as a leader in the regulatory community. Acknowledging the College’s 20th anniversary…

Read More

Top 6 Considerations for Virtual Services

As virtual services become more prevalent in all aspects of our lives, College members are using, or considering the use of, different types of communication technology in their practice. Members frequently ask the College’s Professional Practice Department about the type of communication technology and the specific platforms that they should choose when providing virtual services. Communication technology is a broad term which may refer to texting, email, video chat platforms, social media platforms, websites, or…

Read More

What Does It Mean If a College Member’s Certificate of Registration Is Suspended?

A College member may have their certificate of registration suspended for administrative, disciplinary reasons or reasons of incapacity. Such a member cannot engage in the practice of social work or social service work for as long as their certificate is suspended. The College Registrar may suspend the certificate of registration of a social worker or social service worker for what may be considered an administrative reason, including: failure to pay a fee or penalty prescribed…

Read More

Page 5 of 11
1234567891011