SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER
Program Outline
OCAS Identifier: SSWK
Length: 2 Years
Delivery: 4 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Orillia
Start: Fall + Winter
Description
The Social Service Worker Program will provide the opportunity for students to gain knowledge and skill development required to effectively assume the role of a helping professional in the diverse and complex field of social services. Students will be challenged to examine their own beliefs and values; to develop their interpersonal communication skills; and to promote the values of social justice, human dignity, and equality.
The program philosophy is based upon the fundamental belief in the dignity, worth and potential of all people. Graduates of the program will have an understanding of and a commitment to the values and ethics that lead to a philosophy of empowering individuals and communities to utilize their own strengths to solve problems, access resources and promote social justice and equality.
Our program emphasizes core knowledge and skill development in the following key areas: interviewing, counselling and relationship building; effective membership and leadership in group settings; working with families; and creating and maintaining helping relationships. Students will practice the processes involved in case management, community development and advocating for social change.
Fieldwork is seen as an essential component in the employment preparation process. By blending theory with application (concurrent field placement with academics), students will be prepared to effectively facilitate personal growth in individuals and empower them to affect changes in their lives and in the environment that surrounds them.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will meet the educational requirements for registration as a Social Service Worker in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
A variety of career opportunities are available to graduates. Job placement has consistently been a strength of Georgian's programs with most graduates finding employment in their field. Many employment opportunities for this occupation are found in non-institutional health services such as community mental health and addictions clinics. A significant number of jobs are also affiliated with government and not for profit agencies in areas such as family service organizations, income maintenance, drop-in and community centres, shelters, educational settings, hospitals and corrections. The primary career categories include:
* Programs serving children and families
* Community Shelters
* Mental Health Services
* Disability Support Services
* Community Housing Resource Centres
* Drug and alcohol addiction centers
* Community development agencies
* Employment Resource Centres
*Community Education Services
*Community Information Services
*Seniors' Programs and Services
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- develop and maintain professional relationships which adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work;
- identify strengths, resources, and challenges of individuals, groups, families, and communities to assist them in achieving their goals;
- recognize diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families, and communities, to promote accessible and responsive programs and services;
- identify current social policy; relevant legislation; and political, social, and/or economic systems, and their impacts on service delivery;
- advocate for appropriate access to resources to assist individuals, families, groups and communities;
- develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners;
- develop strategies and plans that lead to the promotion of self care, improved job performance and enhanced work relationships;
- integrate social group work and group facilitation skills across a wide range of environments, supporting growth and development of individuals, families and communities;
- work in communities to advocate for change strategies that promote social and economic justice and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination.
Program Progression
Fall Intake
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Winter Intake
Sem 1 - Winter 2012
Sem 2 - Summer 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Note: To confirm Winter (January) start, contact the Office of the Registrar.
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/articulations/.
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. OSS applicants must also have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U).
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.
Criminal Reference Check
Field placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to the start of the program. Students should obtain their criminal reference check no sooner than one month prior to the beginning of the school year; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. Students are required to provide these checks prior to program start.
NOTE: A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent the student from completing graduation requirements.
Additional Information
Applicants must have an up-to-date immunization record, Standard First Aid and CPR certification before proceeding on field placement. It is recommended that First Aid training is completed prior to program entry.
Graduation Requirements
18 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
2 Field Placements
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
GNED2016 Social Psychology
GNED2035 Abnormal Psychology
PSYL1001 Introduction to Psychology
SSWK1000 Human Development Across the Lifespan
SSWK1001 Introduction to Social Service Worker Practice
SSWK1002 Families in the Twenty-First Century
SSWK1003 The Principles of a Helping Relationship
SSWK1005 Dynamics and Processes of Group Counselling
SSWK1006 Process and Practices for Social Service Workers
SSWK1009 Field Placement Preparation
SSWK2000 Social Work Practices Across Peoples and Cultures
SSWK2001 Practical Techniques in the Helping Relationship
SSWK2002 Administrative Issues for Social Services
SSWK2005 Ethics, Professionalism and Wellness in the Social Services
SSWK2006 Community Development: Advocacy for Social and Economic Justice
SSWK2007 Consolidating Techniques in the Counselling Relationship
SSWK2009 Field Placement Seminar 1
SSWK2010 Field Placement Seminar 2
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list
(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
Field Placements
SSWK2011 Field Placement 1
SSWK2012 Field Placement 2
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
GNED2016 Social Psychology 42.0 Hours
This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the central theories and everyday application of social psychology. Students will explore the ways others affect our personal and professional lives by focusing on both classic and contemporary studies in perception, cognition, group dynamics, interpersonal attraction, race relations, and aggression. As a result, social psychology will provide students with sound insights to help them understand and manage their interpersonal relationships in both work and social life.
GNED2035 Abnormal Psychology 42.0 hours
This course provides an introduction to the psychology of abnormal behaviour. It includes mood disorders and suicide, schizophrenia, disorders of childhood, sexual deviance and variants, personality disorders and organic brain disorders.
PSYL1001 Introduction to Psychology 42.0 Hours
This course provides an introduction to the concepts and theories of psychology, and how these can be applied to the human condition. Topics include sensation, perception, consciousness, stress and coping, learning, memory, motivation and emotions (includes history, major trends, states of consciousness, learning principles, research methods, sensation and perception, stress and coping, memory and theories of motivation and emotion).
SSWK1000 Human Development Across the Lifespan 42.0 Hours
Students will explore the individual, relational and cultural influences on identity formation over the lifespan. Students will examine how a variety of factors influence identity formation. The work of major historical developmental theorists will be explored and contrasted with the work of newer theorists who view adult development and identity formation as dynamic and multifaceted, reflecting the multiple and varied roles each person adopts in adulthood.
SSWK1001 Introduction to Social Service Worker Practice 42.0 Hours
This course introduces the continuum of social services available in our communities and the role of the professional Social Service Worker in delivering these services. Students recognize and access appropriate resources for professional practice including the body of knowledge that informs the profession. Students discover the legal and ethical rights and responsibilities of the Social Service Worker. Students are encouraged to develop a fundamental belief in the dignity, worth and potential of all people.
SSWK1002 Families in the Twenty-First Century 42.0 Hours
The multiple variations in family structure, as well as the problems and issues facing families in the twenty-first century will be addressed. Family development and family functions will be examined in the context of environment; work, school and leisure. Approaches to prevention of family violence, sexual abuse and elder abuse will be explored. Students will be encouraged to conceptualize the study of family dynamics from a perspective of strength and resiliency using a systems framework.
SSWK1003 The Principles of a Helping Relationship 42.0 Hours
Using the counseling labs, students will explore the qualities embedded in an effective professional helping relationship. Using a problem management and opportunity for development based model of counselling, students will view the helping relationship as a planned, purposeful process, and will examine the use of self including verbal and non-verbal communication skills in the problem solving relationship. Emphasis will be placed on the values forming the basis of supportive counselling: respect, genuineness empathy and empowerment.
SSWK1005 Dynamics and Processes of Group Counselling 56.0 Hours
Fundamental theories, techniques and dimensions of group work will be examined. Using the labs, role playing, case studies and simulations, students will experience the stages of group development. Students will examine the impact of interpersonal communication skills, including feedback and self-disclosure skills, and the impact of intervention techniques and conflict resolution strategies on the effectiveness of a working group. Students will identify personal strategies that contribute to effective group work.
SSWK1006 Process and Practices for Social Service Workers 42.0 Hours
This course examines professional processes and practices in the context of the human service organization. Included are principles and applications of interviewing and assessment, documentation, report writing and appropriate referral protocols. Students will continue to examine the legal and ethical rights and responsibilities of consumers and workers in the field of Social Services.
SSWK1009 Field Placement Preparation 28.0 hours
Students will examine the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers Code of Ethics to identify and reliably display the skills, values and knowledge required to be a successful, professional Social Service Worker. Students will develop personal learning goals and research community agencies to serve as field placements to help further individual goals. Students will develop an administrative portfolio and complete required documentation in preparation for field placement.
SSWK2000 Social Work Practices Across Peoples and Cultures 42.0 Hours
Cultural concerns, the changing nature of the family, community, gender age, race, disability, ethnicity as well as issues of concern to aboriginal peoples will be examined within the context of the social service delivery. Students will gain knowledge of the National and Provincial Human Rights Codes, and will investigate systemic barriers facing vulnerable populations. Students will examine how a variety of issues affect access and utilization of social services in Canadian society.
SSWK2001 Practical Techniques in the Helping Relationship 56.0 Hours
Students will continue to integrate the skills of establishing consumer centred helping relationships. In the lab setting, students will be exposed to the theoretical and practical skills necessary to properly assess situations and intervene appropriately. Intervention strategies for crisis intervention, suicide prevention and for people dealing with mental health problems, drug and alcohol addiction, cognitive impairment and sexual abuse will be examined and practiced in the labs.
SSWK2002 Administrative Issues for Social Services 42.0 Hours
This course will provide an overview of the funding, structure and administration of community organizations and social services that operate within Ontario and Canada. The course will give students an overview of the roles and responsibilities of administrators in the non-profit sector. Topics of study will include The Human Rights Codes, volunteer recruitment and management, fundraising, budgeting and human resource functions. Students will learn about and practice writing proposals for grant applications
SSWK2005 Ethics, Professionalism and Wellness in the Social Services 42.0 hours This course will promote self-awareness through analysis of students' values, beliefs, biases and fears. Establishing realistic professional goals while creating balance in one's life will be emphasized. An introduction to Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) will provide the basis for understanding wellness in terms of the mind-body connection and will lead to an examination of the impact of the spiritual perspective. Cultural, ethical, legal and gender issues that relate to professionalism will be examined.
SSWK2006 Community Development: Advocacy for Social and Economic Justice 42.0 Hours
Canada's social policy framework, and community development models, will be examined. Students will be encouraged to think of innovative and creative ways to involve individuals, groups and communities in advocacy and social change processes. Students will practice writing proposals for grant applications. Students will be expected to examine the vulnerable populations in their own community and apply advocacy and community development strategies to create an effective action plan with one or more of these groups.
SSWK2007 Consolidating Techniques in the Counselling Relationship 42.0 Hours Working in the labs, students will refine and consolidate more advanced helping skills. The student will demonstrate effective and contributory skills as a member of a learning group. Students will focus on assessment, intervention, consumer welfare and ethical issues. Students will consolidate listening and feedback skills, reframing and intervention strategies, and will concentrate on developing appropriate problem solving plans that build on the individual's or community's strengths and resources to meet those identified needs.
SSWK2009 Field Placement Seminar 1 42.0 hours
Students will begin to articulate their own strengths and limitations and will be encouraged to integrate theory with practice. The role of supervision and personal responsibility in problem solving will be examined. Through discussion of examples from actual experience, students will develop their assessment, planning and problem solving skills in the context of their field placement. Students will reliably and consistently demonstrate professional and ethical conduct consistent with the values of social service work.
SSWK 2010 Field Placement Seminar 2 42 hours
This seminar allows students to consolidate problem solving, and self assessment skills. Application to the Ontario College of Social Service Workers will complement development of a final professional portfolio that will assist students to apply for positions in the field. This seminar will focus on the student's transition from practicing to becoming a professional Social Service Worker, and the student will reliably and consistently demonstrate the professional behaviour expected of a Social Service Worker.
SSWK2011 Field Placement 1 245.0 Hours
Students will identify with the demands of a professional Social Service Worker by integrating theory with the values, attitudes and professional behaviours required by the agency. Students reliably and consistently demonstrate an understanding of the expectations of the placement agency, while working collaboratively and communicating effectively with colleagues and consumers of the agency's services. Students will focus on solutions to problem areas related to the field experience through effective use of supervision.
SSWK 2012 Field Placement 2 245 hours
Students are expected to build on their previous field experience. Students are expected to assume increasing levels of responsibility and to develop their abilities to apply classroom skills, ethics, values and knowledge with the consumer group, the agency teams and other community agencies. Professional attitudes, skills and abilities will be displayed by the student, and the student will demonstrate the ability to use more sophisticated counselling, communication, planning and problem solving skills.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: March 08, 2012.