Campus
Duration
3 Semesters (12 Months)
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma

Program and course delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

About the Program

This accelerated one-year Social Service Worker program provides you with knowledge and essential skills for the human service field. Throughout the fast-paced program, you will be encouraged to examine your belief systems as they relate to the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Based on a framework of equity, social justice and anti-oppression principles, the courses cover practical interventions and strengths-based approaches to support marginalized populations and communities experiencing trauma and difficult life events.

To qualify for this accelerated program, you must have completed an undergraduate degree with some related course work, or an advanced community college diploma in a directly related discipline. Students with a bachelor of arts in social sciences or a similar undergraduate degree will be given priority. This program consists of a seven-week, intensive summer semester starting in early May, followed by a regular academic year starting the day after Labour Day and concluding in mid-April. 

Please note that due to the short duration of the first semester, the first semester of the program does not qualify for OSAP funding. Subsequent semesters are eligible. For more information, please contact Financial Aid

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • advocacy to promote social justice, human dignity and equity
  • interpersonal communication
  • counselling 
  • group facilitation
  • case management
  • community development

Work Experience

Field Placement

As a student of this program, if you meet all the academic requirements, you will have the opportunity to participate in a field placement. Field placements are similar in length to an academic semester and typically involve full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid.

In order to be eligible for field work, you will be required to meet the criteria as set out in the "Social Service Worker Program Student Code of Conduct". In the placement, you will benefit from supervision and have specified hours, duties and accountabilities to both the college and agency representative.  

The minimum commitment is the successful completion of specific periods as set out in the field placement student contract.

You can expect to spend 20 to 25 hours each week on assignments, as well as two days per week in field placement in semester two as well as two days per week in semester three.

Your Career

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:

  • Shelters, group homes, community centres  
  • Social assistance agencies

  • Community development 

  • Rehabilitation and mental health organizations

Success Stories

"I decided to pursue the Social Service Worker program at Seneca because I wasn’t exactly sure which avenue of education to go down. After some research, I found that social work was the ideal discipline to dive into more niche areas of study. This program gave me the time and experience I needed to explore what I really wanted to do with my life on a professional scale.”

Alex Pley
Graduate, Social Service Worker & Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health

Read Alex’s Success Story


"My experience at Seneca has been instrumental in my success within the field, allowing me to step into a vast range of roles with confidence. The SSW program offers such an intentional and relevant curriculum that I find myself referring to often now as I have begun my career. The faculty are leaders within the field who offer diverse experiences and challenge student’s learning in a profound way.”

Meghan Napier
Graduate, Social Service Worker (Accelerated)

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