
Pursue a rewarding career in social work
Social Service Worker Ontario College Diploma program
Make a difference! Channel your passion for helping others. Develop clinical skills. Advocate for human rights. Empower communities.
Program information
Program description
In this program, students are provided the opportunity to gain 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; to develop interpersonal communication skills; and to promote values of social justice, human dignity, and equity. Students gain knowledge and skill development in interviewing, communication, and relationship building; effective membership and leadership in groups; working with families; and utilizing evidence-based decision-making. Faculty continue to be committed to a teaching and learning practice that embraces and promotes equity and inclusion, with a current emphasis on Indigenous awareness and gerontological issues. There are opportunities to engage in the community through community service learning and field placement.
Intake information
Start date | Campus |
---|---|
Fall 2022 | Orangeville, Orillia, South Georgian Bay |
Winter 2023 | Orillia |
Summer 2023 | 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 will gain practical, hands-on work experience in a setting relevant to your program.
What are the admission requirements for the Social Service Worker program?
Social Service Worker admission requirements
OSSD or equivalent with
- 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 Transfer Centre 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.
Admission details
Applicants must have an up-to-date immunization record, Standard First Aid and CPR certification before proceeding on field placement. It is recommended that First Aid training is completed prior to program entry.
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. 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 disability services, employment resources, seniors’ programs, 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.
- SSWK 1000 – Human Development Across the Lifespan
- SSWK 1001 – Introduction to Social Service Work
- SSWK 1002 – Family Sociology for Social Service Work
- SSWK 1003 – Principles of a Helping Relationship
- SSWK 1010 – Field Placement Preparation
- Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
Do you have questions about Social Service Worker? Contact us!
Thinking about applying to Georgian?
Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.
- 705.722.5152
- [email protected]
Already applied to Georgian?
Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.
- 705.722.1511
- [email protected]
Are you an international student?
Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian.
- 705.728.1968, ext. 1218
- [email protected]
Ways to connect
Attend a virtual Get to Know Georgian
session: June 14, July 12 or Aug. 9.
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