SSW Tax Barriers √ ⁄ ×

The Association advocates for the profession of Social Service Work by recognizing and addressing the tax-related barriers (HST/GST) that members face in collaboration with our stakeholders. Currently, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not recognize the profession of Social Service Work in its interpretations under Section 7.2 of Part II of Schedule V of the Excise Tax Act, even though it does recognize the profession of Social Work.

This disparity requires Social Service Workers in private practice—who provide essential services such as prevention, assessment, or remediation of physical, emotional, behavioural, or mental disorders, or assist individuals in coping with such challenges—to collect HST/GST for their professional services. In contrast, social workers providing similar services are exempt from this tax.

This inequity places an additional financial burden on clients who rely on affordable support, as they must pay out of pocket, often without coverage from private insurance plans, and incur HST/GST charges. Social Service Workers are committed to being practical, accessible, and affordable solutions for individuals and communities in need of support. The association will continue to work toward equitable recognition and solutions to alleviate this barrier for the profession and its clients.

MCU SSW Standards √ ⁄ ×

The Association advocates for the profession of Social Service Work by recognizing the importance of the Ministry of Colleges, and Universities (MCU) program standards. While the responsibility for these standards does not fall directly to the Association, the Association asserts that its input and consultation are essential to ensure they reflect the evolving needs of the profession.

The Association’s position is that the vocational outcomes of Social Service Work programs require further enhancement to align with the profession’s expanded scope of practice. Specifically, the association advocates for transitioning the current two-year Ontario College Diploma to a three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma as the standard qualification for entry into the profession. This change is sought due to the increasing complexity of the field, including the inclusion of the controlled/self-initiated act #14: psychotherapy, and other advancements in the scope and practice of Social Service Work.

The profession of Social Service Work intersects with more than 20 overlapping college-trained professions, some of which remain non-regulated yet have already transitioned to a three-year advanced diploma (e.g., Child and Youth Care). While CYCs are highly qualified professionals who have transitioned to a three-year advanced diploma, their scope of practice differs from that of Social Service Work. Social Service Workers have a uniquely expansive scope of responsibilities, which further underscores the need for an educational advancement to meet the demands of the profession.

The Association is committed to advocating for this educational advancement, ensuring the profession remains responsive to the complex needs of individuals, families, and communities while elevating the standards of practice and professional recognition across Ontario and beyond.

Stakeholder Relations √ ⁄ ×

The Association advocates for the profession of Social Service Work by fostering stronger stakeholder engagement with related professional associations identified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 4212 (e.g., Paralegals, Early Childhood Educators). The goal of this collaboration is to build meaningful relationships and share best practices that advance each profession.

In addition, the Association works to establish enhanced partnerships with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). Through these relationships, the association fulfils its role as the unified voice of the Social Service Work profession, advocating for its interests and educating policymakers on the profession’s scope and contributions.

A key area of advocacy includes addressing barriers related to the scope of practice for Social Service Workers. For example, under current legislation, Social Service Workers are not permitted to assist clients with the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) – Activities of Daily Living Index, despite being one of the largest providers of ODSP-related support services (e.g., in shelters, addiction programs, and community organizations).

The Association is committed to advocating for the removal of such barriers, ensuring that Social Service Workers can fully utilize their skills and expertise to better support the individuals, families, and communities they serve.