Social Service Worker (Ontario College Diploma)

A Social Service Worker assists individuals who are experiencing a social and personal challenges. Acknowledging the root causes may be societal in nature, resulting from the social determinants of health such as marginalization, oppression, stigma, colonization, and intergenerational trauma. Having acquired knowledge of human behaviour and development, the worker, through supportive counselling helps empower service recipients to make positive change that effects individuals, groups, and communities. The SSW uses helper skills to empower individuals in obtaining resources that may enable them to improve upon their existing strengths. Services may include financial aid, counselling and life skills supports.

Practical is experience acquired through simulation, case studies, applied learning, field trips, skills practice, role play, and field placements. This allows the graduate to practice skills and methods of helping through case management, group, or community outreach. A Social Service Worker may specialize in a particular field such as health, welfare, family services, immigration, employment, children’s services, education, gerontology, community outreach, addictions, mental health, income supports, or correctional services.

Experiential learning

• Incorporate theory and practice with extensive group work.
• Develop essential skills in human relations, interpersonal communication, needs assessment and critical thinking.
• Practise interviewing and counselling skills in a soundproof lab with a two-way mirror for observation and feedback.
• As well as faculty instruction, the opportunity to learn from guest speakers working in probation and parole, crisis shelters, seniors' facilities, Ontario Works and other community agencies.
• Rate your strengths and areas of greater focus with ongoing self-assessment.