Program Overview

Social Service Worker (SSW)

Program Overview

The two-year SSW program provides students with the professional knowledge and skills to excel within the human services field. Practical interventions and strength-based approaches will equip you to promote equity and support populations experiencing trauma and challenging life events. You will be encouraged to examine your belief systems and inherent biases in relation to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice set out by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

Program Details

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

Program 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: Accelerated programs are also available for eligible students with prior education or experience.
  • Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (SSWA)
  • Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees (Accelerated) (SSIA)
• Part-time Option: Part-time option is available.

Skills

Throughout this program, you will develop the following skills:

• Trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and strength-based supportive counselling
• Group facilitation (in-person and virtual)
• Advocacy to promote social justice, human dignity, and equity
• Interpersonal communication and teamwork
• Ability to work with children, youth, individuals, families, and older adults across the lifespan
• Intake and referrals, assessments, and case management
• Creating, implementing, and evaluating community-based programs and projects
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies with the ability to implement social change
• Community development, research, and education

Work Experience

Apply skills and theoretical concepts learned within the classroom and build your network in two unpaid field placements. Your first field placement will be during your second semester, for 200 hours. You will then complete a 400-hour field placement within a different organization or program over your third and fourth semesters.

Program Availability

• Start in: January, September
• Location: King, Seneca@York
• Availability: Open, Waitlist, Limited, Closed (subject to change)

Professional Accreditation

Graduates of the SSW 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:

• Agencies serving individuals, groups, and communities experiencing challenging life events
• Shelters
• Schools
• Criminal justice system
• Mental health and substance misuse services
• Developmental services
• Food and income security programs
• Residential programs

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.

Student Life

Join a diverse and welcoming community of peers and supporters, offering you a blend of academic excellence and vibrant urban life.

Testimonials

• Vee Maru: "Enrolling in the SSW program at Seneca was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It not only enriched my knowledge around social justice issues but also connected me with a supportive community of like-minded individuals."
• Meghan Napier: "My experience at Seneca has been instrumental in my success within the field, allowing me to step into a vast range of roles with confidence."
• Alex Pley: "I decided to pursue the Social Service Worker program at Seneca because I wasn’t exactly sure which avenue of education to go down. After some research, I found that social work was the ideal discipline to dive into more niche areas of study."
• Xio Rivera: "I decided to study at Seneca because of the practical program they offer. Being able to start placement in the second semester has really helped me put my interpersonal skills into practice."