News

Navigating Mandatory Reporting – What Employers Need to Know

Employers of social workers and social service workers have a legal responsibility to understand the College’s mandatory reporting process, and when necessary, to submit a report with the College. A report shares concerns related to the practice or conduct of a College registrant. “The mandatory reporting process alerts the College when there is a concern that a social worker or social service worker is not practising safely,” said Richelle Samuel, the College’s Director of Complaints…

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FAQs – Reporting Job Applicants who aren’t Registered with the College

As an employer, it is your responsibility to exercise due diligence when hiring a social worker or social service worker. Individuals who use the protected titles illegally or who falsely present themselves as a social worker or social service worker are considered unregulated practitioners and put the public at risk. Always check the Online Register before hiring. Here are some tips on what to do if you are in the hiring process and think that an individual is…

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Survey Findings Regarding Employers Paying Registration and Renewal Fees – What Employers Need to Know

The College recently conducted a brief survey to gain insight into employer practices related to registration fees for social workers and social service workers. These valuable insights help the College gain a better understanding of employer practices and how employers support their social work and social service work staff members. When asked if their organization covers the cost of the College annual renewal fee for social work or social service work employees, almost 82% of…

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2023 Educational Forum – Videos Now Available

The College held its annual virtual Educational Forum on November 30, 2023. The recording of the event is now available by visiting the College website or YouTube channel. In addition to a short College Update from Registrar and CEO Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA, the Forum included a panel discussion entitled Supporting Clients with Care and Competence Through Intimate Partner Violence, facilitated by the College’s Director of Professional Practice, Christina Van Sickle, MSW, RSW. The expert panel explored…

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Invitation to Share your Feedback: Land Acknowledgement Survey

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is in the process of reviewing and revising our land acknowledgement, in collaboration with members of the AndHumanity team (an external inclusive communications agency) and is inviting feedback on the current draft. The College recognizes that we have a responsibility and role in truth and reconciliation. We are committed in making our communications more inclusive as well as building intentional partnerships with Indigenous…

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Professional Practice Update: Navigating 2024’s Required Readings and Other Announcements

In this update: Required Readings for 2024 Continuing Competence Program Research Opportunities Webpage Regulation of Applied Behaviour Analysis – FAQs The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to share the following updates to support your practice. Required Readings for 2024 CCP The Continuing Competence Program (CCP) is a mandatory requirement of College registration, ensuring that registrants stay current in their practice. Annual participation in the CCP is mandatory for all College…

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Call for Applications Now Open: 2024 Council Election in Electoral District No. 4

Are you interested in becoming a member of the College Council? The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is pleased to announce that the call for applications is now open for interested registrants in Electoral District No. 4. On Thursday, May 30, 2024, two social workers and two social service workers from District No. 4 will be elected to join the 2024-2025 College Council starting in September.  Apply Now! The deadline to…

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2023 Educational Forum Video Now Available Online!

The College held its annual virtual Educational Forum on November 30, 2023. The recording of this year’s event is now available by visiting the College website or YouTube channel. In addition to a short College Update from Registrar and CEO Denitha Breau, RN, MSN, MBA, the Forum included a panel discussion entitled Supporting Clients with Care and Competence Through Intimate Partner Violence, facilitated by the College’s Director of Professional Practice, Christina Van Sickle, MSW, RSW. The expert panel explored…

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Reminder for Registrants: 2024 Renewals Are Open & New Process to Access Online Portal

A reminder to registrants that they can now renew their College registration for 2024. The deadline to complete the 2024 renewal and payment without incurring a late fee is January 31, 2024. The 2024 fees can be viewed on the College website. New registrants who were issued a certificate of registration at any time in 2023 are also required to complete their 2024 annual renewal of registration and provide confirmation of participation in the CCP…

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Accessing Qualified and Accountable Support this Winter – Social Workers and Social Service Workers Helping Ontarians Manage their Mental Health

The winter season can create challenges around mental health for many Ontarians. We may be affected by the reduced sunlight hours, or the weather can discourage us from participating in social activities. Some individuals are navigating challenging family dynamics during one of the many cultural holidays that take place around this time of year. The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) currently regulates over 29,000 social workers and social service workers,…

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