Social Service Workers focus on promoting equality, and addressing disadvantages that people face on the basis of race, disability, gender or age. They use their knowledge of human behaviour and development, communication, interviewing and counseling skills, to work with groups and/or communities to help them become more caring and capable of supporting their communities.
This program prepares students to work with people who are experiencing stressful events in their lives from an individual, family and community perspective. Students will learn how to intervene in crisis situations and will develop skills needed to assist individual clients, groups, families and communities to better meet their challenges and to enhance their social functioning. Clinical practice labs and field placements provide a milieu where students are able to apply theory into practice through interviewing, case assessment and planning. Students must be able to apply skills, such as teamwork and group work outside of class. They may also be required to seek feedback from agency professionals for lab work and video assignments. Northern College values lifelong learning in an effort to maintain the current competencies outlined by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. The College assists learners in developing competent skills, attitudes and an interest in the social service profession egalitarian and supportive relationships with our professors and facilitators facilitate adult learning and development.
Alternate Delivery
This program is available to students on campus and to students studying at a distance by e-learning/Contact North format.
Career Opportunities
Social Service Workers are commonly employed by government agencies and social service agencies. Graduates are eligible to register with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Provincial Registration
In order to practice in Ontario as a “Social Service Worker” or a “Registered Social Service Worker”, graduates must apply for registration in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Graduates of the SSW program will meet the education requirement for registration.
Expected January 2025
Northern College
Timmins Campus,
4715 Highway 101 East,
SOUTH PORCUPINE,
Ontario (ON),
P0N 1H0, Canada
Expected January 2025
Moosonee Campus
First Avenue Box 130,
MOOSONEE,
Ontario (ON),
P0L 1Y0, Canada
To be eligible you must possess the equivalent of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate
English Proficiency (we will require one of the following): IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System: a minimum overall score of 6.0 must be achieved with only one band at 5.5; TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Computer-based overall minimum score of 79; PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic – Graduate Diploma: 58+.