The two-year Social Service Worker Program focuses on a generalist approach to social service education as an introduction to the field of social work. We offer a large field placement component in a variety of agencies where students gain experience working with all population groups - from young children to senior citizens. Upon graduation students are ready to work as a professional in the community. It is strongly recommended applicants have previous volunteer experience in community service.
Note: Graduates are eligible to apply for membership in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Employment Opportunities:
A graduate of the program may expect employment with public welfare agencies at various levels of government, as well as with private agencies in the fields of child and family services, substance abuse, mental health, community development, domestic violence and many others.
Career Categories can include prospective positions such as Social Service Worker (only members of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers may use this title), Outreach Worker, Case Manager, Intake Worker, Support Worker, Facilitator, Family Worker or Program Coordinator
Admission Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels.
- or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
- or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).
And Course Required: Grade 12 College or University preparation English.
If you do not meet these admission requirements, we encourage you to consider our College Access or General Arts and Science programs; if you successfully complete one of these programs, you will be eligible to apply to programs in the Community Services area.
Other Requirements:
1. Immunization and TB skin test
Students continuing on to second year and placement must have their immunization up to date as well as a current two step TB skin. .
Immunization and Communicable Disease’s Form
2. Criminal Record Check (Police Record Check)
To be eligible for participation in second year field placement of the Social Services Worker program, a student must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which the student has not yet been pardoned. An unpardoned criminal record could result in the student not being able to participate in field placement courses and therefore prevent the student from graduating. A recent and valid criminal reference check (CRC) is therefore required to enable the student to progress through this program.
Note: Procedures and regulations for obtaining criminal record search documents are controlled by the RCMP and the Government of Canada. These procedures and regulations may change at any time without notification. Confederation College will endeavour to notify students of any changes when they come to our attention. As of March 1, 2011 the following reflects the current procedures and regulations of the RCMP with regard to Vulnerable Sector Verifications.
The RCMP identified a means to enhance vulnerable sector checks to make the searches more rigorous. In the interest of public safety, the enhancements were quickly implemented to protect vulnerable members of society. As a result of the enhancement, a Vulnerable Sector Verification now requires the submission of fingerprints whenever the gender and date of birth of an applicant match to an existing pardoned sex offender record. This is not an accusation of criminality, but a requirement for a thorough verification to confirm identity and protect personal privacy. This process will take at least four months.
Any costs associated with acquiring a Criminal Reference Check (CRC) will be the responsibility of the student applicant.
Program Continuation Criteria:
1. Minimal Grade Requirements for Continuation
To proceed into a subsequent semester and to graduate, the student must have a minimum 60% grade in all previous semester courses.
NOTE: A significant number of field placement agencies require students to be at least 19 years of age in order to offer full professional responsibilities. Those under age 19 could have their field placement options limited.
2. Volunteer Hours:
Prior to completion of first year and to be eligible to proceed to second year, during first year the student must complete 30 hours of volunteer community service in the area of human services or community development. Hours completed prior to coming in the program and/or community services hours obtained as part of secondary school requirements do not qualify. If uncertain about possible volunteer opportunities, the student shoud consult with the Program Coordinator.
3. Standard CPR / First Aid Certification
Prior to completion of first year, the student is required to obtain a Standard First Aid with Level C CPR certification. Information about training can be obtained through the Canadian Red Cross or St. John's Ambulance websites.
Articulation Agreements:
Graduates from this program are eligible to access articulation agreements with the following universities:
- Lakehead University
- Athabasca University
For more information on Articulation Agreements
Accelerated Program:
1-year, Ontario College Diploma Program (0154)
Each year, a limited number of seats will be available to people with a university degree in Psychology, Sociology, Women's Studies, Gerontology or equivalent, or a community college graduate with a diploma from a human service program. Students with other degrees and diplomas who also have relevant employment experience may be considered. Students must apply to ontariocolleges.ca and are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or a B average and provide a transcript in order to enter the program.
NOTE: A current Criminal Reference check and First Aid and CPR are required for entry into this program. (see above)
Students must take SS116 Social Welfare I as a pre-entry requirement and achieve a C grade in order to proceed to the fall semester. Transfer credits are available for any student who has equivalent credits from another postsecondary institution for any of the course requirements in the program except field placement. Assessments are also available through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition at the cost approximately $100.00 per course. For more information, contact the Program Coordinator.
Students must achieve a C grade or better in all courses in order to continue in the program and graduate.
The program is comprised of courses from first and second year of the program. The duration is 2 semesters from September to May. For additional information, see the list of courses under Program Courses.
1450 Nakina Drive, P.O. Box 398, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7C 4W1 [ 
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