Key Accountabilities
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
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As a Registered Social Worker (RSW) (Inactive Class) I am regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I maintain accountability both to my College and to the persons I serve. Guided by the values and ethics of my profession, I endeavour to provide care that is patient-centered, respects the inherent worth and dignity of all persons, and values the diverse backgrounds, opinions, and experiences that shape each individual and their care trajectory (Canadian Association of Social Workers [CASW, 2005]).
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I achieve these aims through committment to the following:
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Advocacy:
I use my professional knowledge and credentials to work with and for individuals, groups, and communities in pursuit of social justice and the elimination of systemic barriers to the access and receipt of care (CASW, 2005).
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Respect of patient self-determination:
I recognize the importance of patient direction in care when determining goals and interventions. I provide resources to facilitate strengthened problem-solving and feelings of self-efficacy, and am aware of my own values and attitudes and how these may impact the service I provide (CASW, 2005; Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers [OCSWSSW], 2008). I am never satisfied with the limits of my own competence -- Once one goal is reached, I move the needle and aim to be better each day, for myself and for patients.
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Integrity:
I maintain an awareness of the limits of my own professional knowledge, and practice only within my scope (CASW, 2005; OCSWSSW, 2008). Where necessary, I provide patients with the most complete and accurate information available to assist in the attainment of care from a peer or other professional (OCSWSSW, 2008)
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Documentation:
I maintain records that are clear, concise, and secure, and respect a patient's right to access their own personal health information (OCSWSSW, 2008).
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Maintenance of and respect for confidentiality:
I take all measures to protect patient privacy, while also understanding that limits to confidentiality do exist, and that I must know what those are so they can be explained to patients prior to initiating service (CASW, 2005; OCSWSSW, 2008).
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References
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Canadian Association of Social Workers (2005). Code of ethics. https://www.casw-acts.ca/files/documents/casw_code_of_ethics.pdf
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Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (n.d.). Local Health Integration Networks. https://health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/lhin/default.aspx
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (2008). Code of ethics and standards of practice handbook (2nd ed.). https://www.ocswssw.org/ocswssw-resources/code-of-ethics-and-standards-of-practice/
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Patient Care/Team Assistant
Ontario Health atHome (Waterloo Wellington)
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As a Patient Care/Team Assistant with Ontario Health atHome Waterloo Wellington I am overseen by and responsible to Ontario Health and to our provincial Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, n.d.) In my role specifically, I am accountable to my employer, as well as to patients in receipt of service, and those in their circle of care. Guided by Ministry and workplace policies, and in keeping with the values and ethics related to my professional designation, I endeavour to provide information and assistance that is timely, complete, correct, and well-matched to patient and family needs.
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I achieve these aims through committment to the following:
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Active and reciprocal communication:
I communicate clearly with patients, families, and colleagues, while also listening and responding to questions, concerns, and complaints in a way that projects empathy, and reflects a patient-first approach (CASW, 2005).
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Use of a team approach:
I respect and utilize the knowledge and skill of those around me, and recognize that optimal patient care cannot be achieved by one person alone.
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Integrity:
I maintain an awareness of the limits of my own professional knowledge, refer patients to others where necessary, and regularly seek answers, clarification and correction in an effort to improve. (CASW, 2005; OCSWSSW, 2008)
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Continuing competence:
I undertake regular training related to professional competence, and seek opportunities to cross-train in areas that may impact or benefit my work (OCSWSSW, 2008).
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Documentation:
I complete immediate documentation of interactions effecting patient care and ensure it is complete and correct, and shared as necessary and appropriate (OCSWSSW, 2008).
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Maintenance of and respect for confidentiality:
I take all measures to protect patient privacy and the security of personal health information. I communicate the limits of confidentiality clearly and immediately ensure understanding and the establishment of clear boundaries (CASW, 2005; OCSWSSW, 2008)
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