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Hi, I'm Gillian McCloskey, Associate Executive Director of the Ontario Association
of Social Workers, or OASW for short.
People often ask about the differences between OASW and the Ontario
College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
There is sometimes confusion about the two organizations which are separate and
distinct from one another.
Put simply, OASW promotes the interests of social workers, whereas the
college protects the public interests from unqualified and incompetent or
unethical practitioners.
The association is guided by the profession, while the college works within
the legal framework through provincial legislation and is accountable to the
Ministry of Community and Social Services.
OASW's mandate is shaped by the professional values, interests and concerns
of its members.
The associations mandate includes advocating on behalf of the profession,
as well as for social justice and human rights, promoting the compassion and in
so doing enhancing the understanding of the unique and valuable contribution of
social workers, and providing membership services and tangible benefits at
significant savings.
The colleges mandate is mainly to regulate the practice of social work. It
set standards of practice and register social workers who meet its requirements.
Anyone in Ontario who wishes to use the title 'Social Worker' and/or
'Registered Social Worker,' must be registered with the college.
The regulatory body receives and investigates complaints from the public,
and when necessary takes disciplinary action.
OASW supports the goals of the profession's regulatory body and
collaborates with the college on issues of mutual concern such as those impinging
on the social work scope of practice.
Well the mandates of OASW and the college are different, they are indeed
complementary and both vital to the social worker profession.