| Program Code: SSW | Campus: Seneca@York, King |
| Duration: 4 Semesters (2 Years) | Start Dates: Fall Start dates are subject to change |
| Credential Awarded: Ontario College Diploma | |
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.
Program Eligibility:
Applicant Selection:
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.
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 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.
Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at other post-secondary institutions.
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| Ryerson University | • Bachelor of Social Work |
| Tyndale University College | • Bachelor of Arts – Human Services or Bachelor of Religious Education, Post Diploma |
| York University | • Bachelor of Social Work • Any relevant major |
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| Algoma University | • Bachelor of Arts |
| Carleton University | • Bachelor of Social Work |
| King’s University College at The University of Western Ontario | • Bachelor of Art, Arts or Social Science |
| Lakehead University | • Honours Bachelor of Social Work |
| Nipissing University | • Bachelor of Arts |
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| University of New Brunswick | • Bachelor of Applied Management |
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| University at Buffalo | • Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Interdisciplinary with a concentration in Health and Human Services with an optional Master of Social Work combined degree |
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| Griffith University | • Bachelor of Human Services • Bachelor of Social Work |
| Monash University | • Bachelor of Social and Community Welfare |
| Semester 1 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|
| EAC150 | College English | 3 |
| ICA001 | Introduction to Computers and Applications | 2 |
| SLL307 | Sociology: A Practical Approach | 3 |
| SSW101 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| SSW102 | Diversity: Awareness and Practice | 3 |
| SSW147 | Field Work Seminar | 3 |
| SWL136 | Introduction to Social Problems | 3 |
| Semester 2 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| SSW201 | Group Dynamics for Social Service Professionals | 3 |
| SSW202 | Interviewing for Human Services | 3 |
| SWL206 | Human Development for Social Service Professionals | 3 |
| SWL227 | Community Studies - Families in Change | 3 |
| SWL247 | Field Work Seminar II | 2 |
| SWL257 | Field Work (2 days per week) | 14 |
| XXXXXX | General Education Option | 3 |
| Semester 3 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| SSW301 | Case Management | 3 |
| SSW302 | Principles of Counselling | 3 |
| SSW347 | Social Service Work Seminar | 2 |
| SSW357 | Social Service Field Work | 14 |
| XXXXXX | General Education Option | 3 |
| Students take one of the following subjects: | ||
| SSW371 | Selected Issues: Intimate Partner Abuse and Violence | 3 |
| SSW372 | Selected Issues: Addictions | 3 |
| SSW373 | Selected Issues: Mental Health | 3 |
| SSW374 | Selected Issues: Child Welfare | 3 |
| Semester 4 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| SSW402 | Community Practice | 3 |
| SSW447 | Social Service Work Seminar | 2 |
| SSW457 | Social Service Field Work (2 days per week) | 14 |
| SWL401 | Social Policy | 3 |
| XXXXXX | General Education Option | 3 |
| King Campus: Admissions & Records Contact: |
Daniela Zarpellon Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 5026 Email: daniela.zarpellon@senecac.on.ca |
| Seneca@York Campus: Admissions Advisor: |
Salaha Fatima Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 2127 Email: salaha.fatima@senecac.on.ca |
| Seneca@York: Registration Contact: |
Heather Lilley Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 3003 Email: Heather.Lilley@senecac.on.ca |
| Program Coordinator: | David Sernick Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 5273 Email: David.Sernick@senecac.on.ca |
| Program Chair: | John Struthers Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 5002 Email: John.Struthers@senecac.on.ca |
“Seneca College provided me with the opportunity to challenge myself in a safe and supportive environment, where I was encouraged daily by my professors and colleagues. Not only did I learn valuable information, I was taught how to apply the things I learned effectively in my chosen field.”
Katie Keating,
Street Outreach Worker,
Scarborough Homelessness Committee,
Graduate, Social Service Worker Program
Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology