Social Service Worker

Program overview

The Social Service Worker program is designed to jump-start your career in the field of social services. Over the course of this two-year diploma, you will acquire essential knowledge and skills to support and empower individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program emphasizes creating social justice and change, equipping you to address social issues such as family violence, addictions, mental health, and poverty. With a focus on building collaborative, culturally safe, and strengths-based relationships, you will learn to implement compassionate solutions through an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice approach. This program not only prepares you for a rewarding career but also meets the requirements for registration as a regulated professional Social Service Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Program structure

The Social Service Worker program spans two years and consists of four semesters. Throughout this time, students will engage in a variety of learning experiences, including:

• Over 400 hours of field placements, providing real-world experience in community-based environments.
• Opportunities to apply classroom learning in practical settings.
• Comprehensive training that prepares students for the challenges of the social service field.

Students will also have the chance to explore various pathways for further education, including options to transfer credits to partner universities for degree completion. The program is structured to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce and can meet the demands of the social service sector.

Featured Experiences

The Social Service Worker program offers a range of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

• Field placements that allow students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
• Workplace-related safety certificates and professional training opportunities available free of charge.
• Standard First Aid and CPR training, essential for working in the social service field.
• Police Record Check - Vulnerable Sector Check, required for placements involving vulnerable persons.
• Immunization record requirements to ensure student safety during field placements.

Career Options

Graduates of the Social Service Worker program can pursue a variety of career paths within Ontario, including:

• Community Service Worker: Support individuals and families in accessing community resources and services.
• Mental Health Worker: Assist clients dealing with mental health issues, providing support and guidance.
• Addictions Counselor: Help individuals struggling with substance abuse to achieve recovery and maintain sobriety.
• Social Services Coordinator: Oversee programs and services within social service agencies, ensuring effective delivery.
• Child and Youth Worker: Work with children and adolescents in various settings, providing support and intervention.

These roles allow graduates to apply their skills in diverse environments, contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities across Ontario.

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