Ontario College Diploma in Social Service Worker

A Social Service Worker assists individuals who are experiencing social and personal challenges. Acknowledging the root causes may be societal in nature, resulting from the social determinants of health such as marginalization, oppression, stigma, colonization, and intergenerational trauma. Having acquired knowledge of human behaviour and development, the worker, through supportive counselling helps empower service recipients to make positive change that affects individuals, groups, and communities. The SSW uses helper skills to empower individuals in obtaining resources that may enable them to improve upon their existing strengths. Services may include financial aid, counselling and life skills supports. Practical is experience acquired through simulation, case studies, applied learning, field trips, skills practice, role play, and field placements. This allows the graduate to practice skills and methods of helping through case management, group, or community outreach. A Social Service Worker may specialize in a particular field such as health, welfare, family services, immigration, employment, children's services, education, gerontology, community outreach, addictions, mental health, income supports, or correctional services.

Admission requirements
Required academic preparation
OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent
OR

Mature applicant
Additional requirements
Standard First Aid and Level C CPR certification.
Current criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
Prospective students with special needs or limitations that may affect their practicum/field placement or potential employment opportunities are encouraged to discuss their program and career goals with faculty prior to admission.
Strong computer and communication skills (written and oral) are critical.
You must be prepared for full-time studies and placement, and a heavy workload. The program is academically and emotionally demanding. The field of social service work requires proficiency in time management and stress management.



IELTS - 6.0 overall with one band at 5.5 (generic category)
TOEFL- (paper-based test) - Overall 550
TOEFL- IBT - Overall 80 with minimums of 20.