- A significant number of field placements require students to be at least 19 years of age in order to assume a beginning level of professional responsibility.
- The professional responsibility applies to matters identified in the Code of Ethics of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. The code describes a social service worker’s responsibilities related to confidentiality, conflict of interest, personal boundaries and other areas. The code is available at ocswssw.org.
- Those who are below 19 years of age could have their field placement options limited, which in turn could delay graduation.
About this program
-
Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
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Campus: Welland
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Code: 0123 P0123
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Delivery Length: 2 Years
Application Deadlines
This program is competitive and has important application deadlines, which can be found at niagaracollege.ca/deadlines/.
What is a competitive program?
A competitive program is a program where the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number required to fill the program. Applicants of competitive programs will be ranked for admission.
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Who are you?
- I am a domestic applicant. *
- I am an international applicant.
Your education at Niagara College begins with your application. We're here to help make the process easy!
- Carefully read the Admission Requirements tab to make sure you meet the program requirements.
- Check the Availability tab to see whether or not the program is accepting applications, and what start dates are available.
- This program is competitive, which means the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number required to fill the program. Applicants of competitive programs are ranked for admission, and competitive programs have important application deadlines Check the competitive programs application deadlines at niagaracollege.ca/deadlines/.
- Complete an application online through ontariocolleges.ca.
- Our Admissions Office will acknowledge your application has been received and will provide you with your NC Student ID number and details on your next steps.
Sorry, international applications are not accepted for this program.
* Domestic applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Convention refugees.
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Reach out to us using our contact form and we'll respond within regular business hours.
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Register for an Info SessionOverview
Are you passionate about social equity and want to have a meaningful impact on disadvantaged individuals, groups and communities in a variety of social service settings?
As a Social Service Worker, you assist clients in dealing with personal and social problems by delivering counselling, community services and social support programs.
Graduates are prepared for membership in the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Work. This regulatory body established the vocational learning outcomes for the program. The Social Services Worker program is structured through a group supervision model that requires regular attendance and engagement in on-campus classes.
NC Preferred Admission
This program grants preferred admission to qualified graduates from:
For detailed information, requirements and eligibility visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.
Information Sessions
Interested in the Social Service Worker program? Attend a presentation to meet and greet with current students, learn about articulation agreements and the types of activities that the program features. Scheduled information sessions and sign-up information will be below, if available.
No sessions scheduled? Book an Information Session or take a Campus Tour instead.
Courses
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAPL1199 | Computer Applications | 3 |
| SOCL1430 | Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada | 3 |
| SOWK1100 | Methods I (Case Work) | 4 |
| SOWK1102 | Community Orientation and Practice Issues | 2 |
| SOWK1103 | Methods I (Group Work) | 4 |
| SOWK1105 | Social Services I | 3 |
| COMM1140 | Essential Communication Skills for Community Services | 3 |
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK1200 | Methods II (Case Work) | 4 |
| SOWK1202 | Practice Integration and Issues I | 3 |
| SOWK1203 | Methods II (Group Work and Research) | 3 |
| SOWK1205 | Social Services II | 4 |
| PRAC1202 | Field Placement I - Social Service Worker | 5 |
| Elective Information | ||
|
Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required |
||
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK1300 | Methods III (Case Work) | 4 |
| SOWK1302 | Practice Integration and Issues II | 3 |
| SOWK1303 | Methods III (Group Work and Community Organization) | 4 |
| SOWK1305 | Social Services III | 3 |
| PRAC1302 | Field Placement II - Social Service Worker | 4 |
| COMM1240 | Advanced Report Writing Strategies | 3 |
| Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK1400 | Methods IV (Case Work) | 3 |
| SOWK1401 | Social Services IV | 2 |
| SOWK1402 | Practice Integration and Issues III | 3 |
| SOWK1404 | Leadership in the Workplace | 3 |
| PRAC1402 | Field Placement III - Social Service Worker | 6 |
Program Outcomes Term: 1244
Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
Record information accurately and communicate effectively in written, digital, verbal and non-verbal ways, in adherence to privacy and freedom of information legislation, in accordance with professional and workplace standards.
Integrate a practice framework within a service delivery continuum, addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities at micro, mezzo, macro and global levels, and work with them in achieving their goals.
Plan and implement accessible and responsive programs and services, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities, and meeting these needs.
Examine current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, historical, and/or economic systems and their impacts for individuals and communities when delivering services to the user/client.
Develop strategies and approaches that support individual clients, groups, families and communities in building the capacity for self-advocacy, while affirming their dignity and self-worth.
Work from an anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice, recognizing the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals and communities when responding to the diverse needs of marginalized or vulnerable populations to act as allies and advocates.
Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human service profession.
Work with individuals, groups, families and their communities to ensure that service provider strategies promote social and economic justice, and challenge patterns of oppression, discrimination and harassment, and sexual violence with clients, coworkers and communities.
Develop the capacity to work with the Indigenous individual, families, groups and communities while respecting their inherent rights to self-determine, and to identify and address systemic barriers that produce ill-effects, developing appropriate responses using approaches such as trauma informed care practice.
Admission Requirements
Important: Admissions Dates and Deadlines
This program is
competitive
and has important application deadlines, which can be found at niagaracollege.ca/deadlines/.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
- English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:
These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.
- Related volunteer and or cooperative/work experience
- Equity and Social Justice: From Theory to Practice – Grade 12 (C) or (U)
- Families in Canada – Grade 12 (C)
- Contemporary Indigenous Issues and Perspectives in a Global Context – Grade 12 (C) or (U)
- Canadian and World Issues – Grade 12 (U)
- Dynamics of Human Relationships – Grade 11 (O)
- Human Development Throughout the Lifespan – Grade 12 (C) or (U)
- Challenge and Change in Society – Grade 12 (U)
Selection and Ranking
Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.
In the event the number of qualified applicants exceeds the available seats in the program, selection will be based on Ontario residency and the most senior level final grade available in required courses at the time of ranking.
Learn more about admission decisions for competitive programs.
Program Requirements
Criminal Record Check
- A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (CRC-VSS) which is less than 6 months old is required at the beginning of Term 2.
- Students with criminal charges for convictions will be significantly limited in placement, clinical, and/or employment opportunities in this field. The decision of whether a student with criminal charges or convictions is eligible to secure a field placement ultimately lies with the field placement agency.
- Field placements must be completed in order to graduate.
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Students will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) in order to be cleared for placement/clinical. Please note, in order to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS), students must be 18 years of age or older. If a student is not 18 years of age or older at the start of this program, they will experience delays in progression through the program.
Communicable Disease Surveillance
- The confidential Communicable Disease Surveillance (CDS) Form must be completed and submitted to Student Health Services prior to the start of the program.
- Please view the CDS Form and Checklist for health requirements at niagaracollege.ca/cdsform/.
- This process may take up to 10 weeks or more and requires a visit to your personal physician and/or a Public Health Department.
- If the CDS process is not completed your placement, clinic or co-op opportunity will be denied.
Transportation
- Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
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Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
- Many placements require students to visit clients at home or in other locations to carry out their placement work. Therefore, provision of transportation for work placement will require access to a private vehicle.
Computer/Technology Requirements
Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:
- A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
- Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
- An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
- Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.
Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.
Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program. (learn more)
The technology requirements indicate there is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products. Can I still take my program if I have a Macbook or Chromebook?
For most programs, the recommendation is to have a MS Windows 10 computer (as outlined in the "Computer/Technology Requirements" section on this page) for an optimal experience and for ease of downloading academic software. The reliability of remote connections to college computers and software cannot be guaranteed for Macbook and Chromebook users.
The Microsoft Office suite products that are available free to Niagara College students though Office 365 do have versions that work with Macbooks and Chromebooks, and the majority of internet-based applications will work as well. However, some program-specific software is designed to run on Windows 10, and the successful download of these applications cannot be guaranteed. Our Learning Management System (LMS) at Niagara College is Blackboard, and while students can access Blackboard through an internet browser, for some assignments and tests there is a layer of security that uses a proctored browser. The proctored browser will not function on Macbooks nor Chromebooks.
Students assume the risk of a compromised virtual experience if they choose to participate without the recommended technology.
Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.
All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
Back to TopAvailability
Important: Admissions Dates and Deadlines
This program is
competitive
and has important application deadlines, which can be found at niagaracollege.ca/deadlines/.
Domestic Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open
Accepting applications
Waitlisted
Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list
Closed
Not accepting applications
Suspended
No longer offered this term
International Applicants
Sorry, international applications are not accepted for this program.
Pathways
Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Social Service Worker program below.
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From NC toGriffith University — Bachelor of Human Services Australia
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From NC toNiagara University — Bachelor of Science in Social Work United States
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From NC toSeneca College — Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction Canada
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From NC toThompson Rivers University — Bachelor of General Studies Canada
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From NC toThompson Rivers University — Bachelor of Health Science Canada
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From NC toTrent University — Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) Canada
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NC PathwayThis program grants Preferred Admission to qualified graduates of:Niagara College — Pre-Community Services
For detailed information about these pathway options visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.
Did you know?
Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.
Tuition
The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.
Year: 2023-2024
Start Term: Fall
Year 1
Level one $2,723.60
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,179.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$186.16
|
|
Level one Total
|
$2,723.60
|
Level two $2,114.44
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$756.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level two Total
|
$2,114.44
|
Year 1 Total: $4,838.04
Year 2
Level three $2,394.44
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$1,036.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level three Total
|
$2,394.44
|
Level four $2,074.44
| Fee Type | Fee Cost |
|
Tuition
|
$1,357.49
|
|
Ancillary Fees
|
$716.95
|
|
Material Fees
|
$0.00
|
|
Level four Total
|
$2,074.44
|
Year 2 Total: $4,468.88
Estimated Program Total:
$9,306.92
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Your tuition estimation includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees based on a program and term. Fees may vary upon enrolment into specific courses that are outside of the core curriculum or elective courses. Fees for future terms (where fees have yet to be published) are estimates based on the current academic year fee structure.
Additional fees include textbooks and a parking pass (if parking on campus). Additional costs may be incurred for optional field trips, learning materials, equipment or clothing. All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.
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