News

Can College Members Call Themselves “Psychotherapists”?

Members of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers may perform the controlled act of psychotherapy AND use the title “psychotherapist,” provided they do so in compliance with the Social Work and Social Service Work Act (SWSSWA), the regulations and the bylaws. A provision of the SWSSWA (s. 47.2) permits College members authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy to use the title “psychotherapist” if the member complies with the following…

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What Does It Mean to be a Member “In Good Standing?

Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers demonstrates a commitment to professional, ethical, qualified and accountable practice. Social work and social service work members of the College: have met specific registration requirements;follow a code of ethics and standards of practice;engage in ongoing learning through the College’s Continuing Competence Program (CCP); andare accountable through the College’s rigorous complaints and discipline processes. “In good standing” is a term that generally refers only…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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View the College’s 2020 Annual Report Online

The College’s 2020 Annual Report is now available on the College website. The theme of the 2020 Annual Report is Resilience. The 2020 Annual Report highlights the College’s activities over the past year and includes the following: Joint Message from the President and the Registrar & CEO2020 Accomplishments2020 Committee ReportsIndependent Auditor's Report Read the 2020 Annual Report: PDF | Web version For more information, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ocswssw.org.

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Update from the Registrar and CEO

As Registrar and CEO for the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), I would like to provide you with a few updates: Registration and Member Fees for 2022 During its meeting on Thursday, May 6th, the College Council approved the recommendation of the Finance Committee that there be no increase to the registration and member fees in 2022. In making this decision, Council carefully considered the significant and ongoing impact…

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Professional Practice Update: Increasing Accessibility and Equity for Clients

The College is pleased to share the following information and resources to support members’ practice. Increasing accessibility and ensuring equitable services for clients As noted in the most recent issue of Perspective, the College shared key insights from its COVID-19 Impact Survey. With approximately 20% of the membership participating, the survey provided insights into the ongoing impact of the pandemic on members’ practice and identified areas where the College might enhance its practice support to…

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Council Meeting Highlights for May 6, 2021

The Council is the 21-member governing body and board of directors that manages and administers College affairs. The policies developed by Council provide direction to the College and to staff. May 6, 2021 Mukesh Kowlessar, RSSW, President, provided his report to Council.Lise Betteridge, RSW, Registrar and CEO, presented her report to Council. The report provided updates under each strategic priority in the College’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan and included information about the following: the Professional Practice…

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Registration Now Open for the College’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Education Day

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers invites you to attend its Annual Meeting and Education Day (AMED) on Thursday, June 17 and Friday, June 18, 2021. AMED is part of the Glenda McDonald Educational Series. View the Notice of Annual Meeting of Members. What to Expect This year’s AMED will be hosted entirely online on a conference platform over a two-day period. You will have the opportunity to attend: the College’s…

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Practice Considerations for Social Workers and Social Service Workers Amidst Third Wave of the Pandemic

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) continues to support members in their practice throughout the pandemic. We are deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the third wave of the pandemic on the Ontario public and on College members. Social workers and social service workers practising in hospitals and on health care teams are faced with distinct challenges, both personally and professionally. We remain committed to communicating regularly with…

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