COURSE CURRICULUM

The Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees (SSWI) program is a two-year diploma designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and professional values necessary to support newcomers in Canada, focusing on settlement, integration, and advocacy. Through a curriculum grounded in equity, social justice, and anti-oppression principles, students learn to address the complex needs of immigrants and refugees, including pre-migration experiences, systemic violence, and trauma. The program develops practical competencies in settlement counselling, case management, and community development, emphasizing co-creation and collaboration with community members to identify service gaps and implement effective programs. Students also gain expertise in service coordination, advocacy, non-profit funding, grant writing, and program planning, development, and evaluation, enabling them to design impactful interventions that respond to the needs of diverse populations. Courses cover interpersonal communication, group dynamics, resiliency, migration policies, and trauma-informed approaches, and students engage in field seminars and placements to apply theory in real-world contexts. A mix of in-person, hybrid, and flexible learning formats ensures students develop strong professional and interpersonal skills, while general education courses support critical thinking and broader perspectives. Graduates are prepared to work in social service agencies, community organizations, and government programs, effectively supporting immigrants and refugees through equitable, ethical, and culturally sensitive practices.