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.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
3 Semesters (12 Months)
Starts
May
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.
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
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
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Develop and maintain professional relationships which adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
- Identify strengths, resources, and challenges of individuals, families, groups, and communities to assist them in achieving their goals.
- Recognize diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families, and communities to promote accessible and responsive programs and services.
- Identify current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, and/or economic systems and their impacts on service delivery.
- Advocate for appropriate access to resources to assist individuals, families, groups, and communities.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners.
- Develop strategies and plans that lead to the promotion of self-care, improved job performance, and enhanced work relationships.
- Integrate social group work and group facilitation skills across a wide range of environments, supporting growth and development of individuals, families, and communities.
- Work in communities to advocate for change strategies that promote social and economic justice and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination.
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.
