Social Service Worker at Algonquin College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Program Overview

The Social Service Worker Ontario College Diploma program is a two-year course designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to work effectively in social services. This program focuses on helping individuals, groups, and communities facing various personal and social challenges. Students will learn to support clients dealing with issues such as loss, family crises, poverty, violence, homelessness, addiction, and more. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to make a positive impact in the field of social services.

Program Structure

The Social Service Worker program spans a duration of two years and is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on field placements. Key features of the program structure include:

Field Placement: Students complete three semesters of field placements, totaling almost 700 hours, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Community-Based Learning: The program incorporates community service learning projects, enhancing students' practical skills while addressing local social issues.
Experiential Learning: Students engage in various applied research projects and direct practice opportunities, fostering a strong connection with the community.
Intensive Options: An intensive program is available for those who have completed a degree or diploma in the humanities, allowing for a faster track to graduation.

This well-rounded approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also equipped to handle the complexities of social service work.

Featured Experiences

The Social Service Worker program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

High Placement Hours: The program boasts the highest placement hours in the province, providing extensive hands-on experience.
Role Play and Case Studies: Students participate in role-playing exercises and case studies to develop practical skills in interviewing and client interaction.
Applied Research Projects: Opportunities to engage in research projects that address real community needs.
Direct Practice Opportunities: Students gain firsthand experience in various social service settings, preparing them for frontline work.

Career Options

Graduates of the Social Service Worker program can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada, including:

Social Service Worker: Work in provincial, municipal, and private social service agencies, providing support to individuals and families in need.
Addictions Counsellor: Help clients struggling with substance abuse issues, providing guidance and support for recovery.
Case Manager: Coordinate services and resources for clients, ensuring they receive the necessary support for their unique situations.
Crisis Worker: Respond to individuals in crisis, providing immediate support and intervention to stabilize situations.
Disability Support Worker: Assist individuals with disabilities in accessing services and achieving their personal goals.

These career options reflect the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Algonquin College official website

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Academic Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility:

English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Health Requirements:

The physical and emotional health of each applicant to the program must be such that he or she can successfully cope with the program of instruction including the demands of field placement (e.g. stress and time management). Individuals who have concerns about their ability to meet these requirements should contact the coordinator of the program prior to submitting an application.

Students accepted into the Social Service Worker program must meet the following health requirements: Provide evidence of full and complete immunizations. The Algonquin College Health Services will review the student’s record of immunization and provide authorization for entry into field placement. Field placement agencies require the Hepatitis B vaccine and the Influenza vaccine.

Police Records Check:

Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Record Check program requirements.

Successful completion of field placement is a requirement for graduation from the Social Service Worker program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities may require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program and do not have a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.

Field Placement Eligibility:

To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of a PRCSVS, which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.

It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. It may take a long time to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Chair.

Students must obtain First Aid and CPR level C certificate prior to April 30th in order to be eligible for field placement.

For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

For the Social Service Worker program, the following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band
TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22;
Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview