Ontario Social Service Worker Association - OSSWA

06/06/2026

Please take a moment to read this Joint Statement In Solidarity with Registered Social Service Workers and Child and Youth Care Practitioners, and Community Workers from The Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care (OACYC) and The Ontario Social Service Worker Association - OSSWA.

03/07/2026

Thank you to our Social Work colleagues and the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the Canadian Association of Social Workers as Social Work week wraps up! Thank you to Ontario Community and Social Services and Minister Parsa, for also celebrating the work of Social Service Workers as well. Social Service Work week starts this week, Monday, March 9, 2026!

01/06/2026

11/09/2025

The Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA) is proud to re-share the official launch of the Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Community Crisis and Su***de Response. Please share this program far and wide!

This program is Canada’s first post-secondary program in community safety and wellbeing that specializes in community crisis and su***de response. Drawing on innovative and emerging community-led crisis models and public health strategies, students explore approaches that elevate the standard of care in community crisis and su***de response.

Using a trauma-informed, decolonial, and anti-oppressive framework, students gain the knowledge and skills required to assess, intervene, and support individuals, families, and communities in crisis. Students learn culturally responsive approaches informed by authentic voices, particularly those from Black, racialized, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Through experiential learning and simulation-based education, students apply evidence-based strategies to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of community crisis and su***de response, and how to navigate the mental health, addiction, and justice systems.

This work has been two years in the making, and the Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA) is proud to have supported the development of this important program from its inception. The Association continues to advocate for new opportunities for advancement for Registered Social Service Workers (RSSWs) across Ontario.

With social service workers joining emerging public health crisis teams across the province, it is time to build a new educational pathway that reflects this evolving field and showcases that RSSWs are capable of responding to our province's most pressing crises.

Currently, graduate certificates such as Mental Health and Addictions, Autism and Behavioural Science, Victimology, Accommodation and Human Rights, Applied Learning Disability Studies, Career Development Professional, Management in Community Services, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Infant and Child Mental Health, Therapeutic Recreation, Community and Health Service Navigation, Wellness Coaching, Brain Disorders Management, Mental Health and Disability Management, and Gerontology are available to RSSWs in Ontario to extend their learning.

However, this new graduate certificate in Community Crisis and Su***de Response unlocks new opportunities and advanced clinical knowledge, positioning social service workers among other allied professionals at the forefront of community-led crisis response and care, and with the first focus on community crisis and su***de, it is revolutionary in Canada and across North America.

Learn more about the program that starts in September 2026!

Support people with a career in community crisis and su***de responseCommunity Crisis and Su***de Response Ontario College Graduate Certificate program Lead with compassion and care. Support individuals and communities with trauma-informed responses to community crisis and su***de. On this page:Prog...

11/09/2025

On November 6th, we shared an important update by email with our members regarding the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) decision on an important matter that will continue to advance the profession of social service work.

This communication highlights a significant development that reflects our ongoing advocacy and collaboration with partners and stakeholders.

We thank our members for their continued support of our work and for helping us achieve major milestones with more underway.

We encourage all current members to review their inbox for this message. More information will be shared publicly in the coming weeks once further details are available. Not a member? Join today at www.osswa.ca

We are the voluntary professional Association for the profession of Social Service Work in Ontario and Canada. We are the voluntary professional Association for Social Service Work in Ontario and Canada. We are for RSSW's

03/16/2025

Richard Tatebe, RSW
The Social Service Work Educator of the Year Award Recipient (2025)

Richard Tatebe is a dedicated social work professional with over 30 years of practice in the field. He began his career after graduating from the Confederation College Social Service Worker Program, and he further advanced his education with an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lakehead University, followed by a Master’s degree in Social Work.

Richard has worked in various settings, including both adult and children’s mental health as well as adolescent and adult substance use treatment. His current work includes psychotherapy in the private sector, and training and education with organizations. For the past 18 years, Richard has been committed to shaping the future of social service work professionals as a professor in the Social Service Worker Program at Confederation College. He has dedicated his teaching career to teaching excellence, advancing the profession of Social Service Work in Canada.

In 2011, Richard was the Chair of the National Association of College Educators in Social Service and Social Work Diploma Programs in Canada (A.C.E.S.S) and hosted the National A.C.E.S.S. conference in Thunder Bay. Additionally, in 2013, Richard was awarded the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (N.I.S.O.D), for Teaching Excellence Award at Confederation College.

03/16/2025

Brooke Enright, RSSW, RSW
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Social Service Work Leadership Citation Recipient (2025)

As a neurodivergent, mad, trans, and q***r person, finding inclusive and empowering spaces has often been a challenge. Recognizing these gaps in their communities, Brooke and the Stardust founding members, utilized their collective knowledge and diverse range of expertise to establish Stardust. Since 2022, they have been dedicated to building community and providing mental health services. Rooted in their practice is a person-centered and holistic, anti-oppressive framework. Throughout Stardust's journey, they have worn many hats — serving as a co director/founder, administrator, counsellor, community team member, and supervisor.

03/16/2025

Stephanie Danso, RSSW
The Community Social Service Work Leadership Citation Recipient (2025)

Stephanie Danso is the founder of the equality-seeking not-for-profit organization, The Fence Cares Inc. Her passion as a seasoned social service worker is assisting people in resolving challenges in their daily lives. Dedicated to assisting people in finding a healthy balance in their lives, expanding their awareness of who they are in the context of unique circumstances, and contributing
to living better lives.

Stephanie has been a Registered Social Service Worker for over fourteen years, and she has a strong background in outreach, mental health, wellness, counseling, and anger management. She is currently a Social Service Work supervisor. Over the years, Stephanie has worked with a variety of age groups and in a variety of settings, including education, day treatment, social-emotional education, community development, and behavioral and therapeutic settings. Additionally, she has promoted support groups for teens (12–18 years old), adults, families, and seniors. Stephanie is also well-known for having won honors for her noteworthy community service, including Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch of 2024 and the Ontario Social Service Worker Association's Black Social Service Worker Leadership Citation Award in 2024.

03/16/2025

Dr. Dobijoki Emanuela Bringi, RSSW
The Barbara Baker Distinguished SSW Merit Recipient (2025)

Dr. Dobijoki Emanuela Bringi is a dedicated Registered Social Service Worker and educator with an earned Doctorate in Education. She is a community advocate committed to advancing equity, well-being, and culturally responsive support. With over 15 years of experience in the sector, she has worked to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and support organizations in creating meaningful change.

As the founder of BRINGI Consulting, Dr. Bringi is deeply committed to providing culturally relevant services that honour the lived experiences of diverse communities. Her work integrates African-centered approaches to counselling, career coaching, academic pathways support, and organizational change, ensuring that individuals and organizations receive holistic, impactful, and empowering guidance.

She is a firm believer in the transformative power of social services. Dr. Bringi has developed programs that address systemic barriers and foster sustainable change. She has also collaborated with organizations and communities across multiple regions globally, bringing her expertise in African-centered leadership, education, and community development to international projects; with a focus in Canada and South Africa. Her dedication to community, advocacy, and empowerment continues to drive her efforts to ensure that support services remain accessible, culturally affirming, and transformative for all.