Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (SSWA)

About the Program

This one-year SSWA accelerated option allows you to build on your current credentials, upgrading your education or choosing a career specialization. This program consists of a seven-week summer semester starting in early May, followed by a regular academic year starting the day after Labour Day and concluding in mid-April.

The SSWA program provides students with the professional knowledge and skills to support the needs of the community and our most vulnerable citizens. Practical interventions and strength-based approaches will equip you to promote equity and support populations experiencing trauma and challenging life events. You will be encouraged to examine your belief systems and inherent biases in relation to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice set out by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

The curriculum covers key areas such as mental health, crisis management, and examining privileges and biases that influence professional practice. You will also learn about supportive counselling, community development, and relevant legislation. Learning methods include seminars, collaborative projects, guest lectures and experiential learning opportunities.

Please note that due to the nature of this program and profession, some course work and field placements are held in-person to adequately form interpersonal communication skills.

Graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to pursue many different educational pathways including Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction (BMHA) program.

Please note that due to the short duration of the first semester, the first semester 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:

Trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and strength-based supportive counselling
Group facilitation (in-person and virtual)
Advocacy to promote social justice, human dignity and equity
Interpersonal communication and teamwork
Ability to work with children, youth, individuals, families and older adults across the lifespan
Intake and referrals, assessments, and case management
Creating, implementing and evaluating community-based programs and projects
Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies with ability to implement social change
Community development, research and education

Work Experience

Apply skills and theoretical concepts learned within the classroom and build your network in one unpaid field placement over your second and third semesters. Completion of this placement will support your entry into the field of social service work.

Your Career

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

Agencies serving individuals, groups and communities experiencing challenging life events
Shelters
Schools
Criminal justice system
Mental health and substance misuse services
Developmental services
Food and income security programs
Residential programs

Professional Accreditation

Graduates of the SSWA diploma are eligible for registration with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Services Work (OCSWSSW).

Program of Study

Course List
Course Code	Course Name	Weekly Hours
Semester 1
SSW101	Interpersonal Communications	3
SSW102	Anti Oppressive Practice	3
SSW147	Preparation for Social Service Work Practice	3
SSW201	Group Dynamics	3
SSW212	Interviewing Skills and Principles	3
Semester 2
SSW311	Service Coordination and Advocacy	3
SSW312	Supportive Counselling	3
SSW347	Field Seminar II	3
SSW357	Field Practicum II	3
plus: Professional Options (1)		3
Semester 3
SSW227	Families in Change	3
SSW401	Social Welfare and Policy	3
SSW402	Community Practice	3
SSW447	Field Seminar III	3
SSW457	Field Practicum III	3

Professional Options

Course List
Course Code	Course Name	Weekly Hours
BHS204	Autism and Developmental Disabilities	3
GWL137	Introduction to Aging	3
GWL377	Volunteer Program Management	3
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
SSW380	Homelessness in Canada	3

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.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course

To take advantage of this accelerated program option, the following prior education is required:

Ontario university or college degree or equivalent, or an Ontario college diploma or equivalent

Applicants with at least two years of successful completion of postsecondary credits may also be considered. If you are a high school applicant or have not previously studied at a postsecondary institution, explore our Social Service Worker (SSW) program.

Internationally Educated Domestic Applicants

Applicants with credentials from outside of Canada must provide a "course-by-course" credential assessment from a recognized agency such as WES (World Education Services) or ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service), including a Postsecondary English course or equivalent.

Postsecondary English course equivalency can be demonstrated through the following:

If your credential is from an institution and country where English is the primary language (Canada or one of the countries listed here), you can use your completed postsecondary credential to demonstrate English course equivalency
If your credential is from a country where English is not the primary language, you may be eligible to take COM101 to meet the English language requirement

If you have any questions, please contact our team by email or call 416.764.0555.

Additional Information

After admission but before field placement, you must obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check.