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Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is the governing body for social workers and social service workers in Ontario. The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) oversees the registration practices of the college to ensure that they are transparent, objective, impartial and fair for anyone who wants to practise as a social worker or a social service worker in this province.

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2010 (Social Workers)

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2010 (Social Service Workers)

Audit Report

For a description of all OFC-monitored developments for this profession for 2010, see the 2009-2010 Annual Report.

Applications to Practise as Social Workers Processed by the OCSWSSW in 2010
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received94399874511,175
Applicants who became members87390744101,078
Applications to Practise as Social Service Workers Processed by the OCSWSSW in 2010
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received3431010345
Applicants who became members3102030315

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2009 (Social Workers)

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2009 (Social Service Workers)

For a description of all OFC-monitored developments for this profession for 2009, see the 2009-2010 Annual Report.

Applications to Practise as Social Workers Processed by the OCSWSSW in 2009
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received85289755901,075
Applicants who became members82778845101,040
Applications to Practise as Social Service Workers Processed by the OCSWSSW in 2009
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received2731010275
Applicants who became members2620010263

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2008 (Social Workers)

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2008 (Social Service Workers)

In January 2009, the OCSWSSW's council approved a reduction in the college's annual membership fee, its registration fee and its annual fees for new graduates.

Internationally educated social workers can obtain a Certificate in Canadian Social Work Practice through the one-year internationally educated social work professionals bridging program at Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. Taking this program is not a requirement to work as a social worker in Ontario; rather, it provides an introduction to social services in Canada and includes training, mentorship, employment and career support, and supervised work placements for qualified social work professionals educated outside of Canada.

From 2005 to 2008, the membership of registered social workers in the college has steadily increased, at an average rate of 13 per cent. Almost 90 per cent of new members received their training in Ontario.

Applications to Practise as Social Workers Processed by the OCSWSSW in 2008
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received81194793701,021
Applicants who became members80193733301,000
Applications to Practise as Social Service Workers Processed by the OCSWSSW in 2008
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received2210010222
Applicants who became members2171000218

During the fall and winter of 2007-2008, the OFC undertook a study of the OCSWSSW to understand its 2007 registration practices and establish baseline data and information. PDF

The OCSWSSW uses the following outside organization/s to assess the qualifications of its applicants:

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

OCSWSSW The OFC does not assess credentials, handle complaints or intervene in particular cases. Our mandate is one of systemic change. Please contact the OCSWSSW for further information about your ability to practise as a social worker or a social service worker in Ontario.

Did you know?

The College was created in August 2000 and has about 13,500 members in the two professions it regulates.