Program Overview

Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees (SSWI)

Program Overview

The two-year SSWI program is the first of its kind in Ontario, offering an in-depth understanding of the evolving landscape of newcomer reception and support in Canada. Learning through a critical and anti-oppressive lens, you will graduate prepared to support immigrants and refugees from diverse backgrounds. The program, which is grounded in equity, social justice and anti-oppression principles, provides insights into pre-migration conditions and how to offer meaningful support to individuals and families throughout the migration and integration process.

Program Details

• Duration: 4 Semesters (2 Years)
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• School: School of Community Services
• Campus: Seneca@York
• Delivery: Hybrid

Program Options

• Social Service Worker Specialization Options:
  • Social Service Worker (SSW) – The generalized SSW option allows students to explore the breadth of social service work and apply for a variety of SSW jobs upon graduation.
  • Social Service Worker – Gerontology (SSWG) – The specialized SSWG option focuses on supporting older adults to maintain independence and a good quality of life.
  • Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees (SSWI) – The specialized SSWI option focuses on supporting individuals and families who are new to Canada and/or undergoing the settlement process.
• Accelerated Programs:
  • Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (SSWA)
  • Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees (Accelerated) (SSIA)

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• Trauma-informed settlement counselling and practice across the lifespan
• Case management
• Community development and program planning
• Fundraising and proposal writing
• Referrals, intakes, assessment and evaluation
• Interpersonal communication and interviewing
• Group dynamics and facilitation
• Advocacy, system navigation and familiarity of international and national migration policies

Work Experience

You will complete two unpaid placements specifically within immigration, migration and settlement services. Your first placement will take place during your second semester, for 200 hours. You will then complete a 400-hour placement within a different organization or program during your third and fourth semesters. These placements will provide you with the opportunity to practice the skills and theoretical concepts you have learned in the classroom, preparing you for entry into the field with a specialization in settlement services.

Program Availability

• Start in: September 2025
• Location: Seneca@York
• Availability: Open

Professional Accreditation

Graduates of the SSWI diploma are eligible for registration with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Services Work (OCSWSSW).

Career Options

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:

• Trauma-informed settlement counselling and practice across the lifespan
• Settlement agencies
• School settlement worker
• Refugee shelters
• Community health organizations
• Criminal justice system
• Women’s programs, shelters and agencies offering services for immigrant youth
• Community mental health and addiction non-profit organizations
• Agencies that support income, food and housing security
• Newcomer reception agencies

Degree Pathways

Every Seneca diploma has a degree pathway. You have the opportunity to continue your studies and complete a degree at Seneca or a partner institution.

Experiential Learning

Graduate career-ready and world-ready. This program has a field placement to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.

Career Support

Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking and more.

The Service Hub

The Service Hub is your one-stop source of information about everything from registering and paying fees to student services and life on campus.