Social Service Workers focus on promoting equality, and addressing disadvantages that people face on the basis of race, disability, gender or age. They use their knowledge of human behaviour and development, and their communication, interviewing and counseling skills, to work with groups and/or communities to help them become more caring and capable of supporting those who live there.

This program prepares students to work with people who are experiencing stressful events in their lives from an individual, family and community perspective. Students will learn how to intervene in crisis situations and will develop skills needed to assist individual clients, groups, families and communities to better meet their challenges and to enhance their social functioning. Clinical practice labs and field placements provide a milieu where students are able to apply theory into practice through interviewing, case assessment and planning. Students must be able to apply skills, such as teamwork and group work outside of class. They may also be required to seek feedback from agency professionals for lab work and video assignments.

Northern College values lifelong learning in an effort to maintain the current competencies outlined by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. To assist learners in developing competent skills, attitudes and an interest in the social service profession egalitarian and supportive relationships with our professors and facilitators facilitate adult learning and development.

Alternate Delivery

The Social Service Worker diploma program is offered through alternate modes of delivery in Kirkland Lake and Haileybury and in other communities through Contact North. For more information on programs offered through alternate modes of delivery, please contact the Admissions Office, 705-235-7222.

Employment Opportunities

Social service workers are commonly employed by government agencies (e.g. Ministry of Community and Social Services), and social service agencies (e.g. child and family services, mental health associations, municipal social assistance offices, etc.)

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, M, U) (Minimum 60% GPA required.)
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets), web search engines and e-mail systems. Students may assess whether or not they meet the computer proficiency expectations for this program by taking the free online assessment at www.northernc.on.ca/admissions/tool.html.

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program and demonstrate equivalency with admission requirements in English. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Post-Secondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Other Requirements for Admission to Field Work Placement

• Physician’s medical report as per guide supplied by the College
• Proof of current immunization*, including Hepatitis B; 2-step Mantoux (with follow-up chest x-ray if the Mantoux test is positive)
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (C.P.R. – Level C)
• Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
• WHMIS Certificate (may be obtained at a minimal cost through the College)
• A recent criminal reference - Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC) - (within 3 months) is required in the second year of the program prior to the start of classes in September***

* Note: Students who do not comply with the immunization requirements may not be allowed into the field work settings and as such may not be able to complete the placements required for graduation from the program.

**Note: CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. Students will not be allowed on placement if documentation is not completed.

***Note: To be eligible for participation in field work practice, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which they have not been pardoned. An unpardoned criminal record will result in inability to participate in fieldwork practice courses and will prevent the student from graduating.

Note: Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the applicant.

It is important to note that this program requires a field work component. While the intent is for placements to be arranged in the student’s own community, when this is not possible, alternate communities will need to be considered. Students are responsible for the costs of travel to and from field work placement sites, parking costs, etc. A dress code is in effect during all lab practice sessions and during the field work component of the programs. All theory and lab course work must be successfully completed prior to field work placements. Students enrolled in the Social Service Worker program through Contact North or elearnnetwork.ca are required to travel to attend the a lab during the winter semester in the first year of the program.

A passing grade of 60% is required for all Human Services core courses and electives. To succeed in this program, students must be highly motivated, highly committed and physically and mentally fit.

Post-acceptance into the program, a questionnaire outlining previous experience, volunteer activities and interests must be completed and returned to the College.

Students must sign a behavioural contract that outlines and commits them to standards of conduct for this program.

Program of Studies

Semester I
AA1083 Introduction to Research
CM1913-B Communications I
NA1403 Social Work and First Nations Peoples
PS1053 Introduction to Social Psychology
PS1163 Developmental Psychology
SW1023 Introduction to Social Welfare
SW1053 Social Work Practice I
HS1012 Human Services Orientation

Semester II
CM2913-B Communications II
SW2013 Social Work Practice II - Lab**
SW2023 Conflict Resolution/Mediation
SW2043 Social Work: Community Practice
SW2053 Social Work Practice II
SW2063 Introduction to Children’s Resources
SW2033 Crisis Intervention

**travel is required for Contact North/elearnnetwork.ca students

Semester III
CM3033 Report Writing
DA3003 Community Organization
PS3023 Abnormal Psychology
SW3011 SW Fieldwork Placement I
SW3013 SSW Reflective Practice
SW3003 Group Processes
SW3053 Gerontology

Semester IV
SW4011 Fieldwork Placement II (15 wks)
SW4021 Fieldwork Placement II - Seminar

For program information:
Kirkland Lake and Haileybury campuses
Kathy Smith
Program Coordinator
705-672-3376 ext. 8821
smithk@northern.on.ca

Porcupine Campus
Joanne Hagger-Perritt
Program Coordinator
705-235-3211 ext. 2284
perrittj@northern.on.ca