ABOUT SOCIAL WORKERS IN ONTARIO – REGULATIONS & STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

FACT SHEET

ABOUT SOCIAL WORKERS IN ONTARIO 
– REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

REGULATIONS GOVERNING SOCIAL WORKERS IN ONTARIO

What standards are social workers held to in Ontario? 

Social work practice is regulated by a provincial law. The legislation is called the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998, and is overseen by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. This Act requires that anyone who calls themselves, or leads the public to believe that they are, a social worker must belong to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). If they do, the initials RSW (Registered Social Worker) will appear after their name.

To ensure that the person is an RSW, please check the online register of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers: www.ocswssw.org/members/onlineregister.

Alternatively, you can contact the College via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1.877.828.9380.

What education do you need to be designated a social worker in Ontario?

Social workers have specific education, training, and expertise which makes them uniquely qualified to deliver a range of services including assessment, counselling, psychotherapy, and referrals. Social workers look at all aspects of a person’s life (personal, family, work or school, and community) when assisting them, which can be especially helpful in complicated situations.

Social workers have university degrees in social work at three levels: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Masters in Social Work (MSW), and Doctorate in Social Work (PhD/DSW. Social workers may also have training in specialized areas of practice, such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mediation, and marriage and family therapy.

Can you be called a social worker and not be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)?

No. It is against the law to call yourself a social worker, or let people believe you are a social worker, if you are not registered with OCSWSSW. Check the OCSWSSW Online Register to confirm the individual is a Registered Social Worker (RSW).

What can I expect if I decide to see a social worker in private practice in Ontario?

A social worker will assist you in identifying the best possible course of action, which may include referring you to other professionals or offering you additional resources. The focus is on finding practical solutions to use your own strengths to improve coping with your unique situation.

PRIVACY / ETHICS

Is a social worker going to keep what I share with them in the private session confidential?

Yes. Social workers are bound by a code of ethics and will keep the information you share strictly confidential, sharing only with your consent, unless required to do so by law.

MAKING A COMPLAINT

What if I have a complaint about a social worker?

The practice of social work in Ontario is regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). All OCSWSSW members are required to follow the profession’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. 

If you have concerns about the conduct or actions of a social worker in Ontario, contact OCSWSSW directly for information regarding the complaints process at [email protected] or visitwww.ocswssw.org.

ABOUT SOCIAL WORKERS IN ONTARIO – REGULATIONS & STANDARDS OF PRACTICE