A social service worker holding a notepad and pen while sitting across from a family

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 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 dateCampus
Winter 2025 Orillia
Summer 2025 Orillia
Fall 2025 Orangeville, Orillia, South Georgian Bay

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

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.

  • 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.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

A Child and Youth Care practitioner engaging in a discussion with a youth client while taking notes

Child and Youth Care

Practise your skills in our interactive simulation labs. Cutting-edge community placements. Graduate job-ready or pursue further studies.

A Developmental Services Worker providing support to a youth client using a laptop

Developmental Services Worker

100% graduate satisfaction. Small class sizes. Caring, knowledgeable faculty. Lots of hands-on learning. Active community partners/employers.

A group of people sitting on chairs in a circle with pens and notebooks during a group counselling or intervention session

Community and Justice Services

Knowledge is built upon a foundation of strong experiences. Learn from experts and build the skills to change your community.

A group therapy session with the counsellor and five attendees sitting in a circle and chatting

Honours Bachelor of Counselling Psychology

Broad range of counselling theories and techniques. Promote mental health in diverse populations. Strong foundation in research and theory. Field placements to practise skills.

Do you have questions about Social Service Worker? Contact us!

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