COURSE CURRICULUM

The nine-month Certificate in Social Service Worker at Langara College prepares students for entry-level roles in social service and health-related agencies through a combination of academic coursework, experiential learning, and community-based practice. Students complete eight courses per term, including Arts and Science support courses, focusing on practical skills such as interviewing, problem-solving, teamwork, self-care, assessment, and referral. Upon finishing two four-month terms and a five-week practicum, students earn the certificate, while those who complete an additional 30 credits of university-transferable courses at Langara receive the Diploma in Social Service Worker (Co-ordinated). Graduates find employment in a wide range of organizations, including youth and family agencies, immigrant services, rehabilitation centers, First Nations councils, advocacy groups, and government ministries. The program requires a criminal record check (CRC), completed through College-provided forms and subject to a fee. The diploma builds on the certificate by adding coursework in science, social science, humanities, and other Langara-approved electives, ensuring students gain a comprehensive education that prepares them for diverse roles in social services, meeting the changing needs of communities and organizations across British Columbia and beyond.