Social Service Worker

Program Description

The Social Service Worker Program provides the knowledge and skill development required to effectively assume the role of a helping person in the human service field. Students will be challenged to examine their own beliefs and values, develop their interpersonal communication skills, and to promote social justice, human dignity and equality. Successful completion of the program is based upon the student’s ability to engage in growth and change, as well as academic performance.

This program emphasizes skill and knowledge development in the following key areas: interviewing; counselling and relationship building capabilities; effective membership and leadership in group settings; working with families; the creation and maintenance of helping relationships; and practice in such specialized areas as case management, community development and social policy.

Reflected throughout the curriculum is the importance of training social service workers who are committed to social justice and antioppression principles. Program graduates will possess a comprehensive set of human service skills which are transferable to a wide range of settings. The program promotes group interaction, as well as independent problem solving and research. A variety of classroom, seminar and experiential modalities are used to integrate field placement experience with theoretical knowledge. Field work is seen as an essential component in the employment preparation process.

Advanced Standing and Prior Learning Assessment opportunities are available to students. An official transcript and subject outlines for the courses that students wish to present for consideration for advanced standing, must accompany such requests. Only courses from recognized post-secondary institutions where the student has achieved at least a final mark of 60%, will be considered for advanced standing.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older).
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U).

Applicant Selection:

• In the event of over subscription, applications will be selected on the basis of a reading comprehension and English test, usually administered at a College orientation session. This assessment, along with previous academic achievement will provide the basis upon which the selection of applicants is determined.

Your Career

Graduates find employment in youth, women’s, and ‘disabled’ persons programs as well as in housing, community development, rehabilitation, mental health and many other settings. As the Social Service field broadens, students are working with increasing responsibility in program planning and evaluation, community resource assessment and service delivery co-ordination. Graduates must be prepared to be flexible in applying the generic skills of social service work to the changing job markets. Graduates of the SSW program are eligible for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Field Work

In order to be eligible for field work, students must meet the eligibility criteria as set out in the “Social Service Worker Program Student Code of Conduct”. Students assume the role of a ‘beginning professional’ in supervised field placement settings. This role reflects the responsibilities and expectations of an employer-employee relationship.

It involves supervision, specified hours and duties and student accountability to both the College and agency representative. Field work is a mutually agreed contract for which students are evaluated by the field placement supervisor. The minimum commitment is the successful completion of specific periods as set out in the Field Placement Student Contract.

These periods are typically:

• The equivalent of 2 full days per week in Semesters 2, 3 and 4;
• Full week block placements as scheduled throughout the program duration.

The Social Service Worker Program subjects are lecture and tutorial-based utilizing assigned texts; some are practice-oriented, stressing interpersonal skills and group dynamics. Students can expect to spend 20 to 25 hours each week on assignments, as well as two days per week in field placement.

Note: Individuals considering the Social Service Worker Program should carefully evaluate their reasons for entering this field. The work calls for a person mature enough to examine his/her own values and beliefs while focusing upon the needs of vulnerable populations.

A current Police Reference check is REQUIRED for entry into the field placement component of this program.

Diploma to Degree ...and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at other post-secondary institutions.

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

U.S.

International

Curriculum

For More Information, Contact: