Pursue a rewarding career in social work

Program code SSWK

Duration 2 Years

Credential Ontario College Diploma

Program Delivery Full-time

Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

In this program, students develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively assume the role of a helping professional in the diverse and complex field of social services. Students are challenged to examine their beliefs and values and to promote social justice, human dignity, and equity when working with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Through the use of counselling labs, students practice communication skills and develop practical skills in assessment, interviewing, relationship building, group facilitation, and the use of various therapeutic approaches. Students gain knowledge about their role as social service workers through the study and application of the code of ethics and standards of practice, and evidenced-based decision-making in the field of social service work. Faculty are committed to a teaching and learning practice that embraces and promotes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, with an emphasis on Indigenous knowledge and learning. Other areas of study include mental health, trauma-informed practice, crisis intervention, community development, anti-oppressive practice, advocacy, social change, and social innovation. Students have the opportunity to engage with the community through experiential learning, social change initiatives and two field placements.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Fall 2025	Orangeville, Orillia
Winter 2026	Orillia
Summer 2026	Orillia

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

This program includes a field placement component where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a setting relevant to your program.
Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

What are the admission requirements for the Social Service Worker program?

Social Service Worker admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with mature student status
Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Additional information

Applicants may be asked to provide community agencies with proof of completion of Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification as well as an up-to-date immunization record with a two-step TB test in some circumstances to proceed with field placement. Students are required to review agency requirements provided by the field placement office. Proof of completion of the Ontario Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Awareness training must also be provided before proceeding on field placement.

What career paths can I take in social work?

Your Social Service Worker diploma gives you many career opportunities

Graduates gain an understanding of the values and ethics that lead to the empowerment of individuals and communities, and they also meet the educational requirements for registration as a Social Service Worker in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and Ontario Social Service Worker Association. Employment opportunities are affiliated with community mental health, government, and non-profit agencies. Primary career categories include programs serving children and families, community shelters, mental health and addictions, disability services, employment resources, gender-based violence, seniors’ services and programs, community health and information resource centres, housing, and education services.

What courses are included in the Social Service Worker diploma program?

Course overview

17 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
2 Field Placements
3 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Social Service Worker program outline.