2 Years - 4 Semesters
Ontario College Diploma
Campus: Sault Ste. Marie
Start Dates: Sep 2024
Program Code: 1203

Overview

We know you’ll make a difference as a Social Service Worker! Yeah, we’re that confident. The Social Service Worker program will provide you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to support and empower individuals, families, groups and communities! Become a part of a profession that creates social justice and change!

Learn how to incite real change with diverse individuals and families by building collaborative, culturally safe and strengths-based relationships!    Gain an understanding of social problems such as family violence, addictions, mental health and poverty!  You will learn tools to create compassionate solutions from an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice approach.

This two-year program is about jump-starting your career as a Social Service Worker with the skills and knowledge to make an impact. Gain real-world experience with over 400 hours of field placements, allowing you to apply classroom learning in a community-based environment.

As a graduate of the Sault College Social Service Worker program, you`ll meet the requirements for registration to become a regulated professional Social Service Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)


Making a difference is your passion. You will find it here.

Requirements & Program Information

Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status. You are encouraged to look at the High School Program Pathway Chart available online in the Program Overview for recommended courses that will help you be more prepared for the SSW program. Missing any requirements? Get them for free from Academic Upgrading.

Educational Paths

Social Service Worker graduates can pursue further education through a variety of pathways. University education can be pursued at Algoma University and other select Ontario universities through established articulation agreements. Graduates have pursued degrees in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Community Development, and other areas. For further information on the options, visit the Algoma University website at www.algomau.ca.

University of Windsor also offers a block transfer with an overall B average into their Honours BA in Disability Studies program. For further information, see the University of Windsor website, or contact Shelagh Towson at towson@uwindsor.ca.

SSW graduates can also earn a three year Child and Youth Care diploma in only two years. This dual diploma option is available using a predetermined educational map that provides you with advanced standing. For further information, contact the CYC or SSW coordinators and refer to the laddering options section.

Clinical/Lab and Field Placement Requirements

There is a field placement component to the program during the second year of the program which involves 14 hours per week in the third, fall semester and 21 hours per week in the fourth, winter semester.


All students will be required to submit documentation of completion of the placement eligibility procedures prior to entering field placement. If the appropriate documentation is not received by the SSW program deadline in the second semester, you may not be registered in the fieldwork component. To be eligible for fieldwork and in accordance with SSW community partners that facilitate the learning opportunities, all students must complete the following (all costs associated with these requirements are the responsibility of the student):

(I) A current Police Record Check – Vulnerable Sector Check. This is required by students as you will be participating in a placement during which you may have unsupervised access to vulnerable persons. For detailed information about the Vulnerable Sector Check requirement or if you are a person with a police record or charge, please refer to the Criminal Record Check Policy

(II) Immunization & Health Record Form: This form includes the following immunization requirements:

a) Immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella.
b) Current tetanus-diphtheria.

We strongly recommend that students, for their own personal safety, have the Hepatitis B vaccine. Students are also encouraged to have a current influenza immunization as this may be a requirement of some fieldwork settings.

(III) Current Certification in Standard First Aid & CPR Level C.

(IV) Completion of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015, and additional health and safety certificates, all free of charge, and offered through the College once a student is registered).

(V) Obtain and maintain an overall 2.0 GPA in their academic studies.

(VI) The student must also sign a SSW Program Statement of Confidentiality Form prior to field placement.

Career Path

Within the province of Ontario, Social Service Work is a regulated profession. Upon your successful graduation from the program, you will receive a Social Service Worker diploma, and be eligible for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

 

Social Service Workers are employed in community-based organizations, social service agencies, educational, health and corrections settings. Past graduates have been employed with developmental services, educational settings, social services, income security programs, mental health, addictions and concurrent disorder programs, long term care facilities, and others. 

 

We recommend you consider obtaining your driver’s licence early on in the program as it’s a requirement for many potential future employers in the social service work field.

 

SSW graduates are well prepared to apply the generic Social Service Work skills learned to the job market, responding to the unique mandate of each organization. For further information on the profession and potential employment opportunities, visit the OCSWSSW website at www.ocswssw.org.

Fees & Costs

DomesticInternational
TuitionAncillaryTuitionAncillary
$2,648.20$1,150.00$15,120.30$1,800.00

These fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year (year 1 of study), and are subject to change. Please visit your Student Portal to view your Schedule of Fees.

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