We are seeking Ontario residents (who are not registrants of the College or Council members) to serve as Community Appointees on the Discipline Committee and Fitness to Practise Committee. This is for an annual term beginning approximately November 2024.

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) regulates over 30,000 social workers and social service workers in Ontario, with an ongoing mandate to serve and protect the public. Established in 2000 under the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998, we are accountable to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

The mandate of both the Discipline and Fitness to Practise Committees is to serve and protect the public interest through the review of matters brought to its attention. These duties include:

• hearing and making determinations on allegations, including allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence on the part of a College registrant, directed or referred to it by the Complaints Committee, the Council, or the Executive Committee;
• making findings of incapacity and;
• performing any other duties assigned to it by Council.

Hearings of the Discipline Committee are usually open to the public and are often the public’s first direct window into the operations of the College. The powers of the Discipline Committee are outlined in the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998.

We are specifically looking for an individual who possesses a legal background and a commitment to acting in the public interest. French language skills are preferred although not mandatory and adjudication experience is an asset.

We strive to create an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our registrants and the individuals, families and communities that they serve. As part of these efforts, the College encourages applications from members of the community who are proficient/fluent in French and from other equity-deserving groups – including those who are Indigenous, members of visible minorities, persons living with disabilities and/or women.

As a Community Appointee on the Discipline and Fitness to Practise Committees, you will:

• Assist the College in fulfilling its public protection mandate.
• Receive a per diem honorarium and reimbursement of all reasonable related travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.
• Carry out all responsibilities in accordance with the College’s values including with respect to courtesy, respect and fairness.
• Sit as a member of a panel or alone, to carry out the responsibilities of the Discipline and Fitness to Practise Committee.
• Maintain impartiality, open-mindedness and decision-making independence.
• Work toward the timely resolution of all matters including the timely issuance of decisions.
• Participate in discussions and work cooperatively with other panel members when sitting as a member of a panel.

If you require Code-protected accommodation at any time during the application process or if you are unable to apply to this position due to a requirement, email us at oor@ocswssw.org with subject line “Become a Community Appointee” or call 416-972-9882/877-828-9380 x218.

If you are interested, please apply online by November 1, 2024.