Social Service Worker

Program Overview

Sheridan College's Social Service Worker program equips students with the skills and knowledge to work in community service environments. Through hands-on experience, field placements, and expert instruction, students develop competencies in assessment, intervention, and advocacy. The program emphasizes critical thinking, government regulations, and the scope of practice, preparing graduates for frontline positions in various social service settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Overview:

The Social Service Worker program at Sheridan College provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a wide range of community service environments. The program emphasizes critical training, hands-on experience, and opportunities for further education.

Objectives:

• Develop skills in conducting effective assessments, managing interventions, and developing advocacy strategies.
• Gain an understanding of government regulations and service availability.
• Become aware of the scope of practice and when to refer clients.

Program Description:

• Students learn from experienced professors and guest speakers in fields such as family therapy, policy development, and social justice.
• A laboratory practicum provides a solid skills foundation for the Year 2 practicum.
• Students complete over 600 hours of field placement in a social service setting, reinforcing classroom learning.
• The program maintains connections with hundreds of organizations for practicum placements.

Outline:

Courses:

Semester 1:

• Community Development and Fundraising
• Social Service Practice
• Introduction to Social Services and Field Practicum
• Psychology Core Concepts
• Social Diversity in Contemporary Canada
• Essential Communications

Semester 2:

• The Helping Process
• Human Development Lifespan
• Introduction to Applied Research in Social Services
• Field Preparation: SSW
• Social Policy, Social Justice and Change
• Migration and Settlement Studies

Semester 3:

• Crisis Intervention & Trauma Informed Practice
• Group Methods and Facilitation
• Professional Practice 1: SSW
• General Education Elective

Semester 4:

• Professional Practice 2: SSW
• General Education Elective
• Advanced Settlement Counselling (or Advanced Helping Skills)

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the Social Service Worker program are eligible for frontline positions in the field, such as:

• Crisis centers
• Drop-in centers
• Employment centers
• Food banks
• Group home and mental health settings
• Homeless shelters
• Newcomer centers
• Women's shelters