FAQs
1. Why should I join the Ontario Association of Social
Workers (OASW) when I already belong to the Ontario College of
Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)?
OASW and the College both carry significant roles related to the
profession, however their mandates are separate and
distinct. OASW is a voluntary organization whose primary role
is to increase the profile and promote the interests of social work
- it is the VOICE of the profession. By contrast, the Ontario
College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is a
legislated body whose "primary duty is to serve and protect the
public interest".
OASW furthers its mandate by promoting and positioning the
profession, advancing the interests of the profession and meeting
emerging trends. At the foundation of OASW activities is a strong
commitment to social justice and human rights. Member benefits
include a wide array of timely and relevant membership services
(e.g., discounted professional liability insurance, reduced fees to
select fitness clubs, access to health and life insurance programs,
etc). As a voluntary professional membership organization,
OASW derives its authority from its members.
OCSWSSW accomplishes its mandate by maintaining a register of
members, investigating complaints from the public and establishing
a code of ethics and standards of practice for the professions it
regulates. OCSWSSW operates within a legal framework receiving
its authority from the Social Work and Social Service Work Act,
1998 and is accountable to the public.
2. Is having a professional association unique to
social work?
Professional associations are the hallmark of all established
professions (e.g., nurses, physicians, lawyers, teachers,
accountants, physiotherapists, dietitians and engineers). As
noted in the previous question, professional associations provide
leadership and advance the interests and concerns of the profession
in the broader community, e.g., with government, the public, media
and within practice sectors. Services are funded by the
membership through membership fees. The Ontario Medical
Association is probably the best-known example of a provincial
professional association.
3. Do professional associations
carry the same role as a union?
Professional associations are different from unions, which focus
on the structure of work, employment contracts, salaries and
benefits, and working conditions. Professional associations provide
leadership and advance the interests and concerns of the
profession.
4. What do membership fees
cover?
Your membership fees support OASW's professional and social
advocacy at the local and provincial levels. A portion of
membership fees is directed to the OASW Branches to fund local
activities and initiatives. The remainder of revenues
generated by membership fees funds work by the Provincial Board and
Provincial Office on your behalf related to a wide range of
activities to advance the interests and concerns of the
profession.
5. Why are there different
membership fee categories?
OASW established different fee categories to recognize that
employment status can impact on the ability of members and
potential members to pay to belong to their professional
association. The criteria used to determine eligibility for
specific fee categories are the number of paid hours of work
performed weekly. Regardless of a member's employment status and
the related fee category, all members have access to the same OASW
benefits and services. This principle of equity in accessing
services is in keeping with a core social work value. Hours of
paid work has been determined to be a relatively objective and
non-intrusive measure upon which to make such decisions.
6. Why are OASW fees different from the College's
fees?
The College's fees are based upon its activities related to
protecting the public, developing standards of professional
practice and a code of ethics. To use the title 'social worker'
registration with the OCSWSSW is required. As a result, the
membership base is roughly three to four times that of
OASW. OASW's fees are paid voluntarily and are used for a
myriad of activities to profile and promote the profession, such as
the costs associated with conducting ongoing advocacy on behalf of
the profession and the client groups within an ever-changing
political landscape. Revenues generated by membership fees pay
for these activities. With a membership of approximately one third
of the College, costs are shouldered by a comparatively small
membership, yet this advocacy benefits the entire profession.
7. Do other provinces/territories have both a
college and a professional association?
The regulation of social work practice falls under provincial
jurisdiction and this determines whether provincial colleges and
associations are separate or joint bodies. In Ontario, British
Columbia and Prince Edward Island, the provincial government
maintains that it is a conflict of interest for the body protecting
the public (The College) to also be responsible for advancing the
interests of the profession (The Association) and insists on an
arm's-length relationship.
To suggest additional questions for this section, please contact
info@oasw.org.