Statistics Canada reports that people over the age of 65 account for nearly 20 percent of the total population. This has created a demand for trained professionals to work with older adults. A lot of our students have multiple career opportunities to pursue upon graduation. This two-year diploma program combines the knowledge, professional values and skill sets of social service to assist older adults to maintain independence and a good quality of life. The program focuses on a holistic strength-based approach, current legislation and best practices.
Along with your studies in mandated government initiatives and service delivery models for working with seniors, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a 220-hour field placement and participate in additional educational training. You will engage in personal reflection and growth, work within a team, apply professional ethics, and successfully achieve the Ministry Vocational Learning outcomes so you can confidently enter the workforce. Once you complete the program, you are eligible to apply for registration in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (see below for more details).
Please note: The SSWG program that starts in January at King Campus runs consecutively through the summer and students will complete the two-year diploma in one and a half years.
As a graduate of this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you are eligible to pursue Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction program. This unique pathway allows you to earn a degree within two years (4 semesters plus a work-term) after completion of a summer bridging stream.
Completion of the summer bridging stream includes the following courses:
As a graduate of this program, you will meet the educational requirements to be eligible to apply for registration in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). To practice in Ontario as a "Social Service Worker" or a "Registered Social Service Worker," you must apply for registration. For more information, please visit ocswssw.org
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters (2 Years)
January, September
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.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
Students in this program will have the opportunity to participate in a field placement. During your placement, you will gain hands-on experience and establish valuable networking connections. Many students in this program receive multiple high-paying job offers in anticipation of completing their studies.
Throughout your placement, you will work in a professional capacity and your performance will be evaluated based on an approved three-part learning contract. This contract will be agreed upon by you, the approved fieldwork agency and the Seneca SSWG program. Your Field Placement Coordinator will provide support and assistance throughout the process, enabling you to secure a placement that aligns with your career goals.
Fieldwork commitments typically involve:
Two full days per week during semesters two, three and four, amounting to approximately 220 hours per semester.
Block placements scheduled throughout the program, where you will engage in full-time work for one week at a time.
One placement at a residential setting and another placement at a community agency that offers services to seniors. This arrangement allows you to gain diverse experience in different environments, further enhancing your understanding and skills in the field.
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:
Program of Study
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
| or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) | |
| GWL137 | Introduction to Aging | 3 |
| GWL147 | Gerontology Field Work Seminar | 3 |
| SLL307 | Sociology: A Practical Approach 1 | 3 |
| SSW101 | Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| SSW102 | Anti Oppressive Practice | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| GWL208 | Gerontological Group and Activation Techniques | 3 |
| GWL212 | Interviewing and Assessing Older Adults | 3 |
| GWL219 | The Retirement Home Industry - Overview and Skills | 3 |
| GWL247 | Integrative Field Work Seminar | 3 |
| GWL257 | Gerontology Field Work | 14 |
| GWL261 | Therapeutic Program Planning | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| GWL318 | Therapeutic Interventions for Dementia | 3 |
| GWL347 | Integrative Field Work Seminar | 3 |
| GWL357 | Gerontology Field Work | 14 |
| GWL377 | Volunteer Program Management | 3 |
| SSW311 | Service Coordination and Advocacy | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| GWL407 | Death, Dying, Grief and Bereavement | 3 |
| GWL447 | Integrative Field Work Seminar | 3 |
| GWL457 | Gerontology Field Work | 14 |
| SSW402 | Community Practice | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (2) | 6 | |
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:
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
Recommended upgrading for applicants who do not meet academic subject requirements.
After admission but before beginning field placement, you must obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
You will also need a flu shot and TB test for your placement at long-term care facilities.
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
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.
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