SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER

PROGRAM DETAILS

Program Code: 1203 Start Date: Fall, Winter

School: School of Community and Health Studies Location: Ashtonbee Campus

Credential: Ontario College Diploma Email:

[email protected]
Program Type: Post-secondary program
Telephone: 416-289-5000, ext. 57450
Program Length: 2 years/ 4 semesters

PROGRAM AVAILABILITY

Date Domestic Availability International Availability

January 2025 Available Available

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Students enrolled in this program are eligible to register for our Specialized Academic Certificate, Indigenous
Knowledges: First Peoples in Canada, and earn an additional credential. A fee may apply. For more information,
click here.
The Centennial College Social Service Worker program prepares you to be a critical practitioner, advocate,
problem solver and agent of social change. You will learn about the Social Service Workers’ expanding professional
roles and responsibilities within a rapidly changing society. You will develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, values,
and ethics that are required to work with diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities.

The two-year college diploma program integrates Social Service Work principles, attitudes, skills, and theories from
an anti-oppressive and social justice framework. You will examine themes related to anti-Black racism, Indigenous
approaches, power, privilege, and oppression, interpersonal communication, counselling, community development,
advocacy, social movements, social policy, and essential skills that will be the foundation of your career as a future
Social Service Worker. Through critical thinking and reflective practice, you will identify how values and ideologies
contribute to the construction of social problems and solutions.

When you leave our program, you will be fully prepared to start your journey of social change.

As a Social Service Worker, you will be employed in many different types of settings. You may work in community
agencies that service adults, children, or seniors with a variety of social issues and needs. You may work in
homeless shelters, shelters for women and children, shelters for families or youth shelters. You may work with
adults or children with different developmental disabilities or adults and children who are on the autism spectrum.
You may work in food banks, employment agencies or settlement agencies. This is just a small sample. With a
Social Service Worker Diploma, you have what it takes to work in many, many different types of settings.

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW)

As a graduate of the Social Service Worker program, you will meet the educational requirements for registration as
a social service worker in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA)

As a graduate, you may apply to become a member of the Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA).

Successfully completing the Social Service Worker program will give you the ability to:

1. Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional,
legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human
service profession.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Develop creative approaches to social service work practice that meet social enterprise objectives and the
needs of a changing workforce.

COURSES

Semester 1

Course Code Course Title

COMM-160/COMM-161 College Communications 1

GNED General Education Elective

 SSWR-101 Power, Privilege and Oppression

SSWR-102 Relational and Reflective Skills for Social Service

Workers

SSWR-103 Introduction to Social Service Work Practice

SSWR-104 Fundamentals for Success as a Social Service

Worker

Semester 2

Course Code Course Title

COMM-170/171 College Communication 2

GNED-500 Global Citizenship: From Social Analysis to Social

Action

SSWR-201 Social Issues and Political Process

SSWR-203 Power and Social Movements

SSWR-204 Preparation for Practice

SSWR-205 Indigenous Approaches to Social Service Work

Semester 3

Course Code Course Title

ENGL-206 Report Presentation for Community Service Workers

SSWR-301 Social Policy and Legislation

SSWR-302 Community Development

SSWR-303 Essential Skills and Practice

SSWR-304 Field Placement 1

Semester 4

Course Code Course Title

GNED General Education Elective

SSWR-401 Field Seminar

 SSWR-402 Field Placement 2

CAREER OPTIONS AND EDUCATION PATHWAYS

Companies Offering Jobs

Toronto and GTA agencies that have hired Social Service Worker program graduates include: Agincourt
Community Services, Central Neighborhood House, City of Toronto, Springboard, Senior Link, Tropicana
Community Services, Toronto Social Services, Woodgreen Community Centre, and Touchstone Youth Services,
among others.

Program Highlights
The Social Service Worker program curriculum is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure courses are current,
relevant, and based on evidence-based research and best practices in the field.

Program faculty members are all trained in social service work and social work practice, and have extensive
knowledge, expertise and field experience.

During your two years in the program, you'll have the opportunity to obtain a Stackable Certificate in Indigenous
Studies: First Peoples in Canada.

Two specialized field placements will provide you with valuable opportunities to integrate classroom learning,
knowledge and skills in professional practice. Facilitated two days per week in the third semester and four days
per week in the fourth semester, these experiences may include a variety of settings (governmental services,
community centres, settlement agencies, social service agencies, shelters, residential group homes,
employment counselling agencies and educational institutions, among others).

As a Social Service Worker student, you'll have the opportunity to apply for an international field placement in
your final semester. The program has a history of strong partnerships with global organizations.

Learning experiences will include community engagement, developing and writing funding proposals, social
action plans as well as simulated client interviews and assessments.

You'll have the opportunity to engage in interprofessional collaboration and practice with other programs within
the College community, such as Early Childhood Education, Police Foundations, Community and Justice
Services, and Nursing.

Career Outlook
Intake Worker

Policy Intern

Youth Worker

Youth Program Coordinator

Employment Counsellor

Mental Health Worker

Community Facilitator

Case Manager

Community Outreach Worker

Shelter Worker
 Shelter Supervisor

Residential Case Worker

Residential Supervisor

Settlement Worker

Youth Worker

Education Pathways
Successful graduates of the Social Service Worker diploma program have the opportunity to apply their learning for
credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are the degrees from partnering institutions that are
available for this program.

Please note that each pathway has specific requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed
by the partner institution.

Partner Institution Degree

Algoma University Bachelor of Arts in Community Development

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Community Economic and Social Development

(3 years)

Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice

Bachelor of Social Work (4 years)

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Athabasca University Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services

Brock University Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies

Carleton University Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors

Bachelor of Social Work

Conestoga College Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Early Learining Program Development

Griffith University Bachelor of Human Services

Humber College Bachelor of Behavioural Science

Honours Bachelor of Community Development

Lakehead University Honours Bachelor of Social Work

Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in any major

 Laurentian University Honours Bachelor of Social Work in Indigenous Social Work

Bachelor of Arts in Gerentology

Bachelor of Social Work

Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors

Nipissing University Bachelor of Arts (3 or 4 year) with Specialization or Major

Bachelor of Arts with Honours Specialization or Specialization in Social Welfare

and Social Development

Bachelor of Social Work

Ontario Tech University Honours Bachelor of Commerce (bridge)

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Eductational Studies

Seneca College Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health

Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Toronto Metropolitan Bachelor of Social Work

University
Bachelor Health Administration degree completion

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies

Trent University Honours Bachelor of Social Work

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Policing and Community Well-Being

Wilfrid Laurier University Honours Bachelor of Social Work

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors

Windsor, University of Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies for CAAT Graduates

York University, Glendon Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Sociology or any Bachelor of Arts Degree
College
Bachelor of Health Studies (3 years)

Honours Bachelor of Public Administration

Please visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on articulation

agreements.

For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONCAT.

Educational Partners
Qualified graduates of the Social Service Worker program at Centennial College may apply to continue their post-
secondary education with select universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow you
to apply for academic credit for learning obtained at Centennial College.

Social Service Worker graduates are also eligible to apply for advanced standing in Bachelor of Social Work
programs.

Our partners include:

Brock University

Carleton University

Lakehead University

Laurentian University

Nipissing University

Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

Trent University

Ontario Tech University

University of Windsor

Wilfred Laurier University

York University

Professional Associations
To practice in Ontario as a Social Service Worker or a Registered Social Service Worker, graduates must apply for
registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). As a graduate of
the SSW program at Centennial College, you will meet the educational requirements for registration. For more
information, please visit www.ocswssw.org.

Placement Partners
Our Field Placement partners include: Agincourt Community Services, Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf, City of
Toronto, Community Living Toronto, Distress Centre Durham, East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club, Native Child
and Family Services, Pathways to Education, Riverdale Immigrant Women's Centre, Springboard, Toronto District
School Board, Toronto Employment Social Services, WoodGreen Community Services, YMCA of Greater Toronto,
YWCA Girls' Centre, among many others.

Areas of Employment
Graduates from the Centennial College Social Service Worker Program are well recognized in the helping field
because of their anti-oppressive framework and understanding, their professional competencies and job readiness.

There is a high demand for Social Service Workers in:

Social service organizations

Settlement services

Residential programs

Group homes
 Governmental organizations

Addiction and mental health services

Shelters and housing services

Community health centres

Employment centres

Community development organizations

Family service organizations

Crisis centres

Advocacy coalitions

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Academic Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)

Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission
Test

Additional Requirements
English language proficiency

Semester Requirements
A C Grade is required in all core courses as well as COMM-160/161 and COMM-170/171.

Field Placement Requirements

After admission but prior to beginning each Field Placement, students will need to be aware that most field
placement agencies require a criminal reference check prior to student placement. Certain criminal convictions may
disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible.

Questions regarding criminal reference checks may be directed to the program contact by calling 416-289-5303.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Apply Online
If you are applying through the Second Career Strategy, please apply at the Employment Training Centre for
Second Career (Progress Campus). Second Career Strategy is a funding initiative for those who have been laid-off
and are in need of training. For more information go to Second Career Strategy.

If you have previously attended a full time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program
Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.

All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $125 must
accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in person to
Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
2. Submit Documents
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor
that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College
via Ontariocolleges.ca.

Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for
requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.

Applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission
requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as
World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS).

For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.

3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission

Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your
account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.

You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.

You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be
given to another applicant.

When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your
personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and
see your class timetable.

4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email
account. Fees statements are not mailed.

You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be
given to another applicant.

5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)

Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.

Fall registration begins mid-July

January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April

Your web-registration will not open if:

You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.

Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through
myCentennial.

TUITION AND FEES

Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2023.
 Student Tuition (2 Semesters) Ancillary Fees Total

Canadian $2,721.00 $1,116.24 $3,837.24

International $16,164.00 $1,625.24 $17,789.24

PROGRAM VOCATIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do
with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs
of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform
these outcomes before graduating.

Successfully completing the Social Service Worker program will give you the ability to:

1. Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional,
legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human
service profession.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Develop creative approaches to social service work practice that meet social enterprise objectives and the
needs of a changing workforce.

ADVISING SERVICES

https://www.centennialcollege.ca/student-life/student-services/centennial-advising-and-pathways-services/
INDIGENOUS STUDIES

https://www.centennialcollege.ca/programs-courses/schools/school-of-advancement/programs/stackable-
credentials/indigenous-studies-first-peoples-in-canada-certificate/