Social Service Worker (Kingston) at St. Lawrence College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-10-27

Program overview

The Social Service Worker program at Kingston Campus is a two-year Ontario College Diploma designed to prepare students for practical front-line service roles in various social service settings. This program equips students with the skills to support diverse populations facing challenges such as mental health issues, substance dependence, poverty, and trauma. By engaging with real-world scenarios, students learn to provide effective assistance and develop a deep understanding of the social service landscape.

Program structure

The Social Service Worker program is structured as follows:

Program Length: 2 Years
Delivery: Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026

This program includes various options for practical experience, such as:

Field placements that allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Opportunities to work with diverse populations and in various social service environments.

Students will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that prepares them for the challenges of the social service field, ensuring they are well-equipped to make a positive impact in their communities.

Featured Experiences

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

Field Placement Opportunities: Students gain hands-on experience in various settings, including shelters, mental health services, and community programs.
Practical Training: The program emphasizes real-world application of skills through supervised placements, allowing students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practice.
Community Engagement: Students participate in community projects that foster collaboration and address social issues.
Workshops and Seminars: Regular seminars provide a platform for discussing current issues in social services and reflect on field experiences.

Career Options

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

Program Leader at Youth Centres: Oversee and facilitate programs for youth, providing guidance and support in a community setting.
Residential Staff in Shelters: Work directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, providing support and resources to help them transition to stable housing.
Recreation Staff in Retirement/Long Term Care Homes: Plan and implement recreational activities for seniors, enhancing their quality of life and social engagement.
Housing Case Manager: Assist clients in finding and maintaining stable housing, addressing barriers to housing stability.
Employment Counsellor: Support individuals in job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation to enhance their employability.

These roles allow graduates to make a significant impact in their communities, helping individuals navigate challenges and improve their overall well-being.

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

Visit St. Lawrence College official website

Last updated on 2025-10-27

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Social Service Worker program at Kingston requires the following academic qualifications for admission:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U, or M level, including:
- Grade 12 English at the C or U level
- Grade 11 Math

If you are missing prerequisite courses, you can enroll in the Career/College Prep program, which is free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.

For international students, if your transcripts are from outside of Canada, please ensure to have them evaluated. Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Additionally, all applicants must complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC) conducted by the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) as it is required for programs with field or clinical placements. Certain criminal convictions may prevent participation in placements, and program completion may not be possible. It is the responsibility of the student to attain and pay for a CBC and Vulnerable Sector Screening (OPP), which may need to be renewed every three to six months.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

All applicants must be fluent enough in English to understand instructors and the technical language used in their subject area.

To meet the English proficiency requirement for the Social Service Worker (Kingston) Diploma program, applicants can demonstrate their proficiency through the following accepted English proficiency tests:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Overall 6.0 with no band less than 5.5
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) or Home Edition: 78
TOEFL Computer-based Test: 213
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): Overall 60
EIKEN (Test in Practical English Proficiency): Pre-1
The Michigan English Test: Overall 58 with no individual score below 56
Pearson Test of English - Academic: 55
Cambridge English Proficiency: 173
Oxford English Language Level Test: 6
Duolingo (Temporarily accepted): Overall 110 with no sub score less than 85

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!