Social Work Refresher Program
The Social Work Refresher Program is designed to support social workers in strengthening core professional knowledge, skills, and ethical practice. Grounded in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive frameworks, the program provides a structured review of essential social work competencies required for safe, ethical, and effective practice. It is ideal for individuals seeking to refresh their practice, re-enter the profession, or ensure alignment with current professional standards in Ontario.
Who the Program Is For
This program is tailored for a wide range of practitioners, including new social work graduates transitioning into professional practice, experienced social workers seeking a practice refresh, internationally trained social workers navigating Canadian regulatory expectations, and individuals preparing to meet professional or regulatory requirements. It is also well suited for practitioners returning to practice after an extended absence or those seeking increased confidence in ethical and professional decision-making.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum covers key areas of professional social work practice, including ethics and ethical decision-making, professional boundaries and use of self, documentation and record-keeping, assessment and intervention planning, relevant legislation, and professional standards of practice. Content is practical and applied, using case examples, scenarios, and reflective exercises to support critical thinking and real-world application across diverse practice settings.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Social Work Refresher Program, participants will be able to:
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Demonstrate ethical decision-making by applying the OCSWSSW Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to complex practice scenarios across diverse social work settings.
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Apply professional boundaries and appropriate use of self in client relationships, supervision, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Produce clear, accurate, and legally sound documentation, including assessments, progress notes, and professional records, in accordance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
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Conduct culturally responsive and trauma-informed assessments, integrating anti-oppressive and strengths-based perspectives into intervention planning.
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Identify and interpret key legislation relevant to social work practice in Ontario, including child welfare, mental health, consent, privacy, and duty to report obligations.
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Demonstrate critical thinking and professional judgment when responding to ethical dilemmas, risk situations, and competing practice obligations.
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Strengthen professional accountability and self-regulation, including understanding scope of practice, professional responsibility, and fitness-to-practice expectations.
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Integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion principles into daily practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
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Enhance readiness for regulatory and professional requirements, including registration-related expectations and employer accountability standards.
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Reflect on professional identity and competence, identifying areas for continued learning, supervision, and professional development.