COURSE CURRICULUM

The Social Service Worker program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for effective practice in diverse social service settings. In Semester One, students develop foundational skills through courses like College Writing Skills, Development Across the Lifespan, Sociological Foundations of Social Service Work, and Relational Approach to Awareness, which emphasizes anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice and holistic self-care. Courses like Theory of Relationship Development and Becoming a Global Changemaker further enhance interpersonal skills and global perspectives. In Semester Two, students deepen their understanding of diversity, ethics, and professional development with courses such as Diversity, Marginalization & Oppression, Ethical Considerations & Professional Development, and Foundational Concepts in Interviewing & Counselling, alongside Mental Health studies and Professional Communications to refine essential communication and career readiness skills. Semester Three focuses on applied learning with courses like Applied Concepts: Interviewing & Counselling and Case Management, emphasizing client-centered empowerment approaches. Delivering Human Services teaches advocacy and resource brokering, while Working with Families explores family dynamics and service delivery. Students also engage in Field Practicum 1, gaining supervised practical experience. Semester Four advances community capacity building, Indigenous perspectives, and legal frameworks in courses like Building Community Capacity, Indigenous Perspectives for Social Service Work, and Law & Legislation for Social Service Workers. Field Practicum 2 provides further hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings under supervision. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, cultural competency, ethical decision-making, and practical skills necessary to empower individuals and communities, while preparing for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). This well-rounded program equips graduates to create meaningful, positive social change across a variety of professional environments.