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.
Courses
| CMM235 - 3 S.S.W. Documentation and Record Keeping |
| SSW207 - 3 SSW Community Resources & Fieldwork Preparation |
| SSW212 - 3 SSW Group Practice Skills |
| SSW221 - 3 Ethics and Professionalism |
| SSW227 - 3 SSW Essential Practice Skills |
| PSY120 - 3 Lifespan Development |
| GEN110 - 3 Student Selected General Education |
| Note: *This student-selected general education course code indicates a general-education course is taken in this semester. Students will choose from a selection of courses (details) prior to the semester in which the student-selected general education course is to be taken. |
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.
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.
There are also developed pathways with Queensland, Australia, leading to Bachelor of Social Work or Human Services degrees. For further information, click here.
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 applicants 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 Records Search. This is required by students as they will be enrolled in a program during which they may have unsupervised access to vulnerable persons. For detailed information regarding the specifics and process, please refer to the link titled Criminal Records Check/Placement requirements.
(II) Immunization & Health Record Form: This form includes the following immunization requirements:
a)Two-step TB test 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 prior to entering into the program. Students are also encouraged to have a current influenza immunization as this may be a requirement of some fieldwork settings.
(III) Current Certification in CPR (Level C) and First Aid
(IV) Completion of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)(IV) The student must also sign a SSW Program Statement of Confidentiality Form prior to field placement.
We recommend you consider applying/obtaining your driver`s licence early on in the program as it`s a requirement for some of our field placements and potential future employers in the social service work field.
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. 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
| Domestic | International | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Ancillary | Tuition | Ancillary |
| $2,648.20 | $1,150.00 | $15,120.30 | $1,800.00 |
These fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year (year 1 of study), and are subject to change. Please visit your Student Portal to view your Schedule of Fees.
Contact
Program Coordinator: Leanne Murray, (705) 759-2554 ext 2567, leanne.murray@saultcollege.ca