Dear Social Service Worker Student,

Welcome to the Social Service Worker (SSW) Program. You have worked hard to be accepted into the Social Service Worker Program at Conestoga College and we commend you on your success.

This handbook has been prepared to provide further information about academic standards, guidelines and processes specific to the Social Service Worker Program. Reading, understanding and following the information in this handbook is an important first step in your continued success in this program and your chosen profession. The handbook has been compiled with careful consideration for your personal and professional growth during your two years at the College. If you do not understand any of the information in this handbook, please ask the Faculty, Program Coordinator, or Chair for an explanation.

Use the index in this handbook as your guide and the contents as your continuous reference as you proceed through the program. The Social Service Worker Program learning team will refer to the handbook often, but the responsibility for knowing the program standards is ultimately yours.

In addition to the Social Service Worker Program Handbook, the Conestoga Student Guide outlines important policies and procedures for you to follow. The Social Service Program Handbook is a supplement to, but not a replacement for, the Conestoga Student Guide.

We are here to help you have a successful two years. Should you experience difficulty or need assistance in any area of your studies, please come and speak with us, and we will work with you to help you reach your career goal of becoming a social service worker.

All the very best to you in your studies.

Sincerely,

Social Service Worker Program Team

​Communication and Contact Information

Faculty

Administration

Program Team Availability

Program Team are available for office hours and to contact by email to schedule. Students are welcome to see individual program team members to discuss course work, assignments or just to say hello. During the first several days during the start of the semester Faculty and Field Placement Associates/Officer will explain how you can contact them outside of class time. As our Program Team has diverse schedules, it is best to make an appointment to ensure they are available.

Contacting Program Staff

When contacting program staff outside of class time it is advisable to use email. Your message should include the following information:

• First and last name
• Student number
  
• Course and level
• Brief description of reason for contact
  

Student E-mail

All students are supplied with a college e-mail address. Please use this method when communicating with college faculty and staff ONLY as non-college e-mail addresses (e.g. hotmail) are problematic.  Students are expected to check their college e-mail regularly as most official communication will be via this method. 

Program Description

Using a thoughtfully constructed program design that draws upon evidence-based research in the field of social work and adult education, Conestoga College's SSW Program has been designed to prepare students for an exciting career in the field of social service work. In addition to various classroom learning experiences, students enrolled in Conestoga's SSW Program have the benefit of being exposed to exciting field placement experiences in the community that will strengthen their knowledge and develop their capabilities.

Program Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:

1. Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional, legal and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
2. Record information accurately and communicate effectively in written, digital, verbal and non-verbal ways, in adherence to privacy and freedom of information legislation, in accordance with professional and workplace standards.
3. Integrate a practice framework within a service delivery continuum, addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities at micro, mezzo, macro and global levels and work with them in achieving their goals.
4. Plan and implement accessible and responsive programs and services, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities, and meeting these needs.
5. Examine current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, historical and/or economic systems and their impacts for individuals and communities when delivering services to the user/ client.
6. Develop strategies and approaches that support individual clients, groups, families and communities in building the capacity for self-advocacy, while affirming their dignity and self- worth.
7. Work from an anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice, recognizing the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals and communities while responding to the diverse needs of marginalized or vulnerable populations to act as allies and advocates.
8. Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human services profession.
9. Work with individuals, groups, families and their communities to ensure that service provider strategies promote social and economic justice, and challenge patterns of oppression, discrimination and harassment, and sexual violence with clients, coworkers and communities.
10. Develop the capacity to work with the Indigenous individual, families, groups and communities while respecting their inherent rights to self-determine, and to identify and address systemic barriers that produce ill-effects, developing appropriate responses using approaches such as trauma informed care practice. 
    

Employment Opportunities ​

Graduates find employment as direct service providers with a variety of social service agencies such as residential services for special populations, women's crisis services, programs for children and youth, homeless outreach and services concerning employment.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca

​​

Professional Standards

The Social Service Worker (SSW) Program provides both academic study and practical training to prepare students for careers in working in the field of social work. Throughout the program, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to apply themselves to academic achievement. Professionals function in an independent and interdependent environment. The fundamental responsibility of a student is to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be a competent social service worker upon graduation. As students preparing to become professionals, it is imperative that behaviours and attitudes reflect standards that are endorsed by Conestoga College and your chosen profession. As a Conestoga College Social Service Worker student, there are three areas of conduct you are expected to follow; Academic Conduct, Professional Conduct, and Social/Behavioural Conduct. Additionally, as a SSW student, you are expected to dress professionally both in class as well as on placement. The expected dress code is one that is typically associated with the dress code of the social services agencies.

As a student of Conestoga College you are a member of the College community and as such you have received a Conestoga Student Guide that includes Student Rights and Student Responsibilities. It is essential that you review this section and familiarize yourself with these responsibilities. It is expected that your conduct as a student will be reflective of the responsibilities listed. If you have any questions regarding any of them, please contact your Program Coordinator.

Professional Behaviour

Each student in the Social Service Worker program is expected to aspire to exhibit behaviour consistent with the basic values and principles of social service work practice as described in the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. This includes behaviour in the classroom, behaviour and qualities reflected in written assignments and presentations, in online communication, email and social media, and during all activities and events related to the College and the community. Student behaviour that violates any of the ethical principles of social service work practice raises concerns about a student's readiness and perhaps suitability for the social service profession.

Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

As a Social Service Worker student you are preparing yourself to enter a profession that has a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice that guide behaviours for all professionals within this field. It is the expectation of all students and Faculty of Conestoga College's Social Service Worker program that we, as practitioners, will aspire to function within the guidelines of these professional standards of ethical practice.

The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Social Service Workers in Ontario can be accessed on the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers website.

Conestoga College, School of Community Services, has been given the mandate to prepare Social Service Workers. The Province of Ontario expects the College to graduate social service providers who meet the standards that have been established for this profession. The standards include competency in field placement.

In addition to all Student Responsibilities found in the Conestoga Student Guide, SSW students have the following obligations:

• Respect the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Social Service Workers in Ontario (see link above);
  
• Complete the learning objectives, tests, assignments and all other forms of student work, with honesty and professional integrity;
• Attend class, and field placement as scheduled;
  
• Actively engage in classroom learning processes;
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour while attending class, and field placement;
• Protect the integrity of the Program and the College;
  
• Maintain the confidentiality of all classroom and field placement experiences, including use of any form of social media, and;
• Seek clarification from faculty/administration when unsure of any of these standards.

As an SSW student, please note that all expectations referred to above and found in the Conestoga Student Guide apply equally to field placement experiences and to all work/activities related to field placement experiences as they relate to clients and staff, their person and/or property.

​​

​​Use of Time between Classes

Students are encouraged to use breaks between classes for personal needs (food, washroom, phone calls, emails etc.) but also for group work, studying, connecting with faculty, Field Placement Associates, etc.

Test and Evaluation Procedures

Importance of Test and Presentation Dates

Test and assignment dates are scheduled at the beginning of each semester. Unplanned extenuating circumstances involving the college, the program, or the faculty may require changes to the course schedule.  If this occurs, students will be notified.

Students are required to write all tests during the scheduled in-class test times. Students who make personal commitments that conflict with meeting test and assignment deadlines do so at their own risk. There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work, family commitments or vacation plans). Students who wish to reschedule a test or presentation because of a religious holiday are required to discuss the situation with faculty at the beginning of the semester.

Academic accommodations are provided to students with documentation through the Accessibility Services Office.

Test Procedures

• Students are encouraged to arrive early for tests.  Late arrivals must enter quietly. Late arrivals must abide by the test end time assigned by faculty and will not receive any extra test writing time.  
• Once an in-person test begins, students may not leave the test room for 30 minutes. If they finish a test before that time, they may review their answers but are expected to sit QUIETLY and not disturb others.  Once students leave the room they may only re-enter when invited back by faculty.
• Any student found cheating during the course of an examination/test will be addressed according to procedures found in Conestoga Student Guide.
• The faculty is responsible for advising students of any materials permitted for access during the test period. For in-person tests/exams, personal items and learning materials will be left in an area identified by the faculty.
• Faculty will advise of seating arrangements for students during an in-person test/exam period.
  
• During open book tests/exams, students must bring their own approved course materials (books, notes, Learning Packages, etc.)for individual use only. Students may not share any of these materials. Electronic devices, such as, but not limited to; iPod, text messaging, cell phones, translators, etc. will not be permitted. Faculty will advise of specific expectations for online tests/exams including access to approved course materials and resources and approved use of electronic devices during the test period.
• All tests/examinations are to be completed independently. Collaboration during online and in-person testing/exams is not permitted unless otherwise advised by faculty.
• You are expected to behave as a professional during the writing of tests. Please refrain from talking and ensure that you are not late for the test. If these behaviours occur, students may be asked to leave the test situation.
  

Assignment Policies

It is expected that students will submit all assignments on time, on the date they are due at the beginning of the class.  Late marks will be deducted from assignments not submitted when requested by faculty.

Students with extenuating circumstances that may prevent them from submitting assignments on time must discuss their circumstance prior to the due date. They must discuss with the course faculty a mutually agreed upon new due date that is no more than one week past the original due date. Students must request, in writing, a  Request for Variance from Course Schedule and Evaluation Methods.  A record of this request will be kept on file. Please allow for time to process the request for an extension as well as for a reply from your faculty to negotiate the terms of the variance Students who initiate this process will not experience the loss of late marks. Students who engage in this practice more than two times during a semester will be required to meet the Coordinator to discuss academic and personal supports.

It is expected that students will submit all assignments on time, on the date they are due, as per instructions of the course faculty.

Assignments that are received past the due date will be subject to the following deductions:

• 1 to 3 days late - 10%
• 4 to 6 days late - 20%
• 7 to 10 days late - 30%
• 11 to 15 days late - 40%
• 16 to 20 days late - 50%

Academic Standing and Promotion

The Conestoga Student Guide is your first source for information concerning academic regulations, policies and procedures. The Conestoga Student Guide is available on the College website and by visiting the "Student Guide" tab in your Student Portal.

Post-secondary education (especially at the College level) is oriented toward two general goals. One is to give students the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to achieve success in the workplace. The other is to stimulate a work ethic that promotes responsibility, respect and routine. Both of these purposes are directed at helping students to become competent Professionals in their respective fields. In this regard, students are required to meet many expectations.

Although each Professor will have guidelines for tests, assignments and papers, the following provides some general guidelines. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with individual Professors for any variation from these overall guidelines.

In addition to the Academic Regulations found in the Conestoga Student Guide, the following apply to the Social Service Worker Program:

Achievement

• Students must attain a minimum "C" or 60% passing grade in all SSW courses.
  
• General Education courses are under the Academic Support Division. Please refer to course outlines associated with General Education courses grading system.
• Students who have successfully met all course requirements (each term) will be promoted to the following level or graduation. 

Course Add/Drop

You can add, change and drop courses from your portal depending on the dates and which program you are in:

1. Log in to the Student Portal.
2. Click on the "My Courses" tab.
3. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings. It is strongly recommended that students consult their Program Coordinator prior to dropping a course.
4. Please consult with Program Coordinator before dropping any courses.

Special Timetables/Adding Dropped or Failed Courses

Please note that when students are not taking the program in the prescribed sequence, they will be on "special timetables". Prior to the beginning of the semester, students should attempt to add missed courses from a previous semester by logging in to the Student Portal and following the instructions to register for courses. If students are not able to add courses on their own (because of a timetable conflict or full course section) they must seek assistance from their Program Coordinator during the "Special Timetable Registration" initiated by the College. Dates, times and locations of Special Timetable Registration periods are posted in the student portal in advance of the beginning of each semester. Students must attend this meeting where they will receive further guidance regarding this academic status from their Program Coordinator.

Students who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.

Clearance of Academic Deficiency/Supplemental Opportunities

Students who have failed a course and who are eligible may receive an opportunity for a supplemental evaluation. Following the end of semester, eligible students will be invited for a supplemental opportunity. If a student does not respond to this invitation or is unavailable at the specified date and time, the student forfeits the supplemental opportunity for the course. For more information please visit the College Policies, Procedures, Practices and Guidelines webpage then click on the Academic Administration side tab and search for the document entitled Clearance of Academic Deficiency. 

To be eligible for a supplemental opportunity, a student must meet the following criteria:

1. A final course grade within 10% of the passing mark of the course and no lower than 50%.
2. No academic offences in the course.
3. Evidence of passing at least one evaluation in the course.

Procedure

1. Eligible student will be contacted by the program and will be provided details of the supplemental process.
2. Student will receive a supplemental form and will apply through the student portal to pay the fee.
   
3. Student completes supplemental work (test or assignment) in accordance with the times and dates communicated.
   
4. Supplemental work is assessed, and the final grade is posted.
5. If successful in completing the supplemental work for the course, the failing course grade will be upgraded to the minimum passing grade for the course.

Community Service Students in one-year certificate, one-year graduate certificate and two-year diploma programs may receive up to a maximum of two (2) supplemental evaluations while in the program. Students in the Social Service Worker program may be eligible for up to two supplemental opportunities throughout the program.

​Work Integrated Learning/Field Placement Experiences

Work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences provide the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance your learning in the practice environment. These placements have been organized by your Program in partnership with the organization where you have been placed.

The following procedures have been developed to make it easier to identify and address any concerns or issues regarding your safety or the safety and care of clients that may come up during the placement in a way that supports both a solid learning experience and a constructive partnership with the Placement site.

Pre-WIL Health Requirements

Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student WIL experiences. Successful WIL completion is required for students to progress to program completion.  To qualify for WIL experiences, students must present the following at the start of the program in accordance with pre-admission information provided by the College:       

• A Police Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS).  Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for WIL is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of WIL start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability. 
• Immunizations for COVID-19 are strongly encouraged as this may be a requirement of your WIL site
  

Safety in the Workplace Course (OHS1320)

All students who participate in unpaid work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences during their program will be required to successfully complete the mandatory Safety in the Workplace course prior to going out on WIL.  The course will provide students with an introduction to workplace hazards and general safety awareness. Students will receive a Record of Completion to provide evidence of this training to WIL experience sites and will consent to their workplace insurance coverage.

WSIB

Prior to your first WIL experience, you must electronically sign a Declaration of Understanding of WSIB Coverage related to Unpaid Clinical placements indicating you understand that WSIB coverage will be provided through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) while you are on training WIL experiences. This Declaration will be placed in your student file. 

It is your responsibility to ensure that the Declaration of Understanding for WSIB Coverage has been electronically signed, in the Safety in the Workplace Course - OHS1320, and visible on your H.S. Trax home page to be eligible to attend your WIL experience.

Concerns regarding Student Safety or the Safety and Care/Service for Clients

1. Students will be provided with an Orientation to their WIL site on the first day of their WIL placement. The Orientation may include details of the WIL site's policies and procedures related to communication about the safety of the work environment and/or the safety and care of patients/residents/clients.
2. If a student has any concerns about the safety of the work environment and/or the safe/appropriate care/service for clients:
   

• The student must immediately report these concerns to the College individual associated with the WIL placement (Clinical Instructor, Faculty responsible for your WIL placement, WIL placement Supervisor).
• The Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Supervisor will discuss this concern with Site Management.
• For concerns of a serious nature (e.g. concerns impacting a total student group; a serious care/service situation), the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Supervisor will discuss the situation with the Program Coordinator and, potentially, the Chair. The Coordinator or Chair will immediately contact WIL site management to determine next steps.

Should facility policies require that WIL students report safety or care/service concerns immediately to WIL site management, the student should report to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Officer immediately afterward.

1. Should students experience personal injury of any kind, this must be reported immediately to the WIL Placement Employer and Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Supervisor. The WIL Placement Employer will provide first-aid that may be necessary, including arranging for transportation to emergency medical services if required. The Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Supervisor will notify the Program Coordinator and Chair and complete an Unpaid Work/Education Placement-Accident Report (UWEP-04) and will send this to the College's Occupational Health & Safety Office. Where necessary, the Occupational Health & Safety Office will complete a WSIB 7 form, a Letter of Authorization to Represent Placement Employer and a Work/Education Placement Agreement Form.

In Situations of Possible Injury to Clients during a WIL Experience or Student Damage to Facility Property

1. Should students be involved in care/service situations where there the care/service results in a potential concern/injury to patients/residents/clients of the WIL placement site, this concern must be immediately reported to the WIL Site in order that care can be given. This situation must also be reported immediately to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Supervisor. The faculty member will discuss this immediately with the WIL placement site and ensure that an incident report is completed. The faculty member must also inform the Program Coordinator and the Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations and implications. It is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that all documentation is obtained regarding the incident and to inform College officials accordingly.
2. Should students be involved in situations where there is alleged damage to resources/physical property at the WIL site, this concern must be reported immediately to the WIL Site and to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Officer. The faculty member will inform the Program Coordinator and Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations and implications. It is the responsibility of the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/WIL Placement Officer to complete an incident report with the Chair accountable to ensure all documentation is obtained and to inform College officials accordingly.
   

WIL Policies

Attendance for WIL Experiences

Students are expected to be at their respective WIL during the scheduled placement hours unless the agency where you will be attending is closed or if you are in danger to attend. Failure to meet these standards may result in either students being asked to complete their placement hours at a different time or actual failure of the placement itself. Failure to comply with safety standards, the WIL organizations policies/procedures, and professional conduct will be dealt with seriously and may result in removal from the placement, failure of the course or discontinuance from the program.

Recommended: Students experiencing absences from placement due to exceptional circumstances (i.e. admittance to hospital, injury, passing of a family member) must notify their Field Placement Associate immediately. The WIL associate will review the situation and create a plan for placement completion if a student's placement is progressing well.  Students would be required to provide documentation verifying the absence(s).  Decisions on waiving days will be made after the mid-term evaluation has been received. 

Field Placement courses are designed with both pre and co-requisite requirements:

SOCS1375: Field Placement: Preparing for Professional Practice
FPLT2460: Field Placement I
FPLT2470: Field Placement II

SOCS1375 Requirements:

1. Throughout the term attendance to Field Seminar class is necessary to explore various field placement opportunities for Year 2.

2. The course includes 100 hours of on-campus, Work-Integrated Learning experience, including workshops and opportunities to connect with field placement partners.
   

FPLT2460 & 2470 Requirements:

1. All students are required to complete a field placement in their second year.
   
2. All students are required to attend the selection process (in class) at the end of Year 1.
   
3. Faculty will complete matches for placement based on student, faculty, and agency preferences. 
   

Participation in WIL:

1. It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with all aspects of the WIL process, including course outlines, policies, WIL requirements, and particularly the evaluation package.
2. Students may not begin placement until they have completed all pre-WIL requirements and have obtained clearance from Conestoga College's WIL Document Services Department (Placement Services).
3. Students surpassing the due date set by WIL Document Services may not be able to participate in placement for the semester.
   
4. Students are expected to work their full day as assigned by their WIL supervisor. It is the student's responsibility to complete the placement attendance log throughout the term and submit with their final evaluation. If a student is going to be absent from placement, on any given day, they are required to call their supervisor directly, prior to the start of the workday.
5. Each placement day may vary in terms of start/end times. The schedule will be developed in consultation with your supervisor in order to support agency needs.
6. Students are required to make up any time missed from placement in full or half-day blocks.  
   
7.  In conjunction with the "Submitting Assignments" information in the Social Service Worker Program Standards Handbook, no field placement assignments/documentation will be accepted after the last day of the semester unless the student has made prior arrangements with their faculty. Failure to meet all placement requirements including completing and submitting all required documents may result in having to repeat the field placement course.
8. Students who have not completed all required hours or WIL requirements by the end of the semester may be eligible for an Incomplete. This would be negotiated with faculty and in consultation with both the supervisor and the Program Coordinator before the end of the semester. If the Incomplete is approved the student may be granted an extension to return to the placement and complete the outstanding placement requirement. Specifics about the terms will be outlined using the college's incomplete form.
9. When a student is having difficulty in their placement, it is imperative that the student initiate a discussion with their Placement Supervisor and or their program coordinator.   If there is no resolution, the student should approach their Field Placement faculty/associate for a meeting to discuss further steps toward resolution.  In extraordinary circumstances such as health concerns, a change in placement may be considered after all avenues to resolve the issue have been explored.  All new placement opportunities must be organized through SSW Faculty.

10. If a students' placement is discontinued at the request of the agency during the semester, the faculty will review the events leading to the discontinuance. A consultation with the Program Coordinator and the Chair will occur. Based on the evidence gathered a decision will be made that may include one of the following: a) a student may be required to drop the placement course, b) accept a Fail for the course, c) be relocated to a new placement site, or d) advised to leave the Program. The time of the semester in which the placement was discontinued, and the factors involving the discontinuation will be contributing factors in determining next steps.
    

Academic References

To use one or more Faculty for the purpose of academic references, a student must make a written request of that particular person. If a student requests a reference from a Faculty member, it is understood that the request implies that faculty can share both academic and behavioural information as part of the reference.

Reference letters will not be provided to students but will be completed at the request of prospective employers. Faculty will also provide a verbal reference, on request.

Frequently Asked Questions About OCSWSSW

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is responsible for regulating the practice of social workers and social service workers under provincial legislation called the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 (the Act). The Act was fully proclaimed in August 2000.
The College was established to regulate the two professions, protect the public interest and promote excellence in social work and social service work practice. 

Why do the professions of social work and social service work need to be regulated?

Regulation of a profession defines the practice of the profession and describes the boundaries within which it operates, including the requirements and qualifications to practice the profession. The primary mandate of any regulatory college is to protect the public interest from unqualified, incompetent or unfit practitioners.
Regulation brings credibility to the profession. Practitioners of a regulated profession are subject to a code of ethics and standards of practice.
Self-regulation allows a profession to act with delegated authority from the government in regulating its members because the government acknowledges that the profession has the special knowledge required to set standards and judge the conduct of its members.

Only members of the OCSWSSW may call themselves a social worker/registered social worker or a social service worker/registered social service worker. The College maintains a public register of its members. Any member of the public may request verification that a social worker or social service worker is a member of the OCSWSSW.

Who is required to join the College?

College membership is required for any person in Ontario who wishes to use any of the restricted titles: "social worker", "registered social worker", "social service worker" and "registered social service worker". College membership is required if a person represents or holds out expressly or by implication that he or she is a social worker or a social service worker or a registered social worker or a registered social service worker.

Can I call myself a social worker or social service worker without registering with the College?

You must be a member of the College if you wish to call yourself a social worker or social service worker. Only College members registered in the social work category can use the "social worker" or "registered social worker" title. Only College members registered in the social service work category can use the "social service worker" or "registered social service worker" title.

What are the consequences if I do not register with the College and continue to call myself a social worker or social service worker?

It is a provincial offence to use the title social worker or social service worker without being registered with the College. Upon conviction, a person who uses the title without being registered is liable to a fine of up to $5,000 for a first offence, and up to $10,000 for a subsequent offence. In addition, there is provision in the Act for the College to obtain a compliance order from the court.

I am currently enrolled in a social work or social service work program. Can I join the College as a student member?

The College does not have a student member category. In accordance with Ontario Regulation 383/00 and the registration policies, an applicant must produce documentation satisfactory to the Registrar that shows that the applicant has obtained a degree in social work or a diploma in social service work. However, in the months prior to graduation, you may wish to begin the application process. Application packages are available from your educational institution. Alternatively, you may complete a "Request for Application Form" available on the OCSWSSW website or by phone at 416-972-9882 or toll free, 1-877-828-9380.

Some individuals may need to become registered after completing their degree or diploma requirements but prior to convocation. If you find yourself in this situation, contact the Registration Department of the College.

Will I have to take an exam to join the College?

There is at present no examination. However, the College Council has decided that there will be an entry to practice examination. College Council staff are in the process of developing a work plan to develop and implement an examination.

How does the College benefit the professions?

The establishment of the College gives social workers and social service workers recognition comparable to other regulated professions in Ontario, such as accountants, lawyers, teachers, physicians, nurses, dental hygienists and massage therapists.
The existence of a College to ensure competence strengthens the credibility for the social work and social service work professions. The establishment of the College may also build public confidence in the value of the professions.

The College provides its members with a code of ethics and standards of practice, which guide members in making practice decisions. The code of ethics and standards of practice can assist members if a complaint is made against them.

I maintain high standards of practice. Why should I be interested in the College?

As a professional, you are concerned about the well-being of your clients. Until the College was established, anyone, regardless of academic credentials or experience, could call themselves a social worker or social service worker and practice the professions of social work and social service work. The legislation helps ensure that your clients receive the same standard of professional service from others who hold themselves out as social workers or social service workers as they have come to expect from you.

What is my responsibility as a member of the College?

As a member of the College, you are accountable to practice in accordance with the professional and ethical standards established by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. 
The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice Handbook is provided when an applicant is registered. It may also be downloaded from the College website.

Will there be continuing competence requirements? What will they be?

All regulatory Colleges in Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act, and most social work regulatory bodies in Canada and the United States, do have quality assurance/ continuing competence requirements. 
The Standards of Practice Committee is developing a continuing competence program which will be approved by the Council of the College before it is launched with members. The College is committed to ensuring that any activity required by the program is accessible to members, and that members are given sufficient information and notice in order to meet the requirements of the program. It is unlikely that there will be an examination to demonstrate competence; however, a member will be required to engage in the program as a condition of maintaining his or her certificate of registration.