COURSE CURRICULUM

The Social Service Worker program designed to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills required to support diverse populations in various social service settings. In the first semester, courses focus on foundational communication skills, human development from conception to death, and an introduction to social service practice emphasizing ethics, professional standards, and client relationships. Students study the impact of addictions, the Canadian social welfare system, and develop interviewing and counselling skills essential for effective client support. Semester two prepares students for field placement while exploring mental health and pharmacology, community resources and case management, and working with diverse populations. Professional communication and documentation skills are also developed, including report writing and grant proposals. In semester three, students deepen their crisis intervention techniques, including suicide risk assessment and de-escalation strategies, alongside understanding family violence and its prevention. Group work theory and practice, intervention strategies within a multicultural framework, community development, and social service legislation form critical components of this semester’s curriculum. The final semester includes two field placements where students gain supervised, practical experience, applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings while developing clinical, professional, and interpersonal skills. Seminar courses run concurrently to support reflection on field experiences, foster self-care strategies, and prepare students for employment. Throughout the program, students engage with contemporary social issues, policies, and best practices, ensuring a well-rounded preparation to enter the social service workforce confidently. The program emphasizes collaboration, ethical practice, critical thinking, and cultural competence, equipping graduates to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.