Ontario Supporting Skills Training for Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Press Release
Province Renews Professional Development Fund
September 14, 2017 11:00 A.M.
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ontario is renewing the Social Workers and Social Service Workers Professional Development Fund, to help social workers and social service workers update and upgrade their skills.
The fund – which was originally launched in 2015 as a two-year pilot project, provides training in priority areas such as violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual violence and harassment, and support for Aboriginal and Francophone communities.
This fund helps to ensure that social workers and social service workers can access continuing professional development tools that will further enhance service delivery to vulnerable populations.
Supporting highly trained social workers and social service workers is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
Quick Facts
- The province is investing up to $1 million over two years in the Fund, which is administered by the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
- The Fund provides for educational opportunities for social workers and social service workers who are registered and in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and working in Ontario.
- The Fund will reimburse eligible costs up to $500 per person each year.
- Preference is given for training that supports ministry priorities, such as violence against women, including human trafficking, sexual violence and harassment; Indigenous and Francophone communities; as well as multi-year government priority areas for a healthier population, including mental health, inequity and exclusion and poverty reduction.
Additional Resources
- Social Workers and Social Service Workers Professional Development Fund
- How to apply
- Find out about Ontario’s Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy.
- Read about Ontario’s Violence Against Women programs and services.
Quotes
“Social workers and social service workers touch the lives of so many people in our communities. Working together, with the Ontario Association of Social Workers, we are committed to providing more access to training and development opportunities to advance the knowledge and skills of our social workers and social service workers, because highly trained social workers and social service workers on the front-line strengthens our communities.”
“As the voice of Ontario’s social workers, OASW knows the critical role social workers play in helping Ontarians access the important health, mental health and social services they need. The Association applauds the government for establishing a Professional Development Fund for social workers and social service workers and we are thrilled with this additional $1 million investment over the next two years to further enhance training and service delivery. The Fund has been a huge benefit and a valuable tool for our members to help better serve their clients. We encourage every social worker and social service worker in Ontario to visit our website and apply for the Fund today – which is all about ensuring that they are able to continue to provide outstanding services to build stronger communities.”
Joan MacKenzie Davies
Media Contacts
Lyndsay Miller
Minister’s Office
416-325-5450
Kristen Tedesco
Communications Branch
416-325-5178
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