Social Services Worker - Indigenous Specialization (SSIS)

Impact the lives of Indigenous individuals and communities

This interactive program delivers a client-centered approach that is culturally relevant. The Anishnabek/Indigenous perspective is embedded in the program and will prepare you to become effective social services workers within all levels of practice in the human services field. Through theory-based and hands-on practice sessions, you’ll learn to demonstrate consistent ethical, legal, and professional responsibility while adhering to social work values and principles. Case studies, presentations, practice sessions, guest speakers, supervised social service fieldwork, and access to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and culturally relevant support and teachings will ensure you are job-ready.

The Indigenous specialization will set you apart in the social services field, providing you with enhanced knowledge and the wisdom to help create a culturally safe environment for clients and the community.

Program highlights

• Learn interprofessional skills in Social Service Work from an Anishnabek/Indigenous holistic perspective 
• Gain experience in the field with two extensive field placements within community organizations 
• Be eligible to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers 
• Be qualified as a Registered Social Service Worker in Ontario after graduation 
• Graduates have the skills and knowledge to work effectively in all communities with an extended knowledge of Anishnabek/Indigenous communities  
• Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just one year when you graduate 

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

or graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

Additional admission requirements

To participate in field placements, students will need Synergy Basic clearance including: First Aid, CPR, CPIC Vulnerable Sector Check, WHIMIS, AODA, Workplace Health & Safety, Workplace Violence & Prevention, and a WSIB Student Agreement

• Additional medical clearance may be required for some placement sites which support vulnerable populations, including MMR, TB Step 1 and 2, Varicella, Tetanus/ Diphtheria (Td), Pertussis, Polio, and Hepatitis B.
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Synergy will provide a list of requirements, and there is a cost associated with this. It will also take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to complete this process. See the Field Placement manual for more information.

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2027

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university, and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates may seek employment for casework and counselling positions within:

• First Nations
• Indigenous sector and communities
• Long term care and older adult services
• Residential services and treatment centres 
• Children, youth, family, and Elders services
• Women’s and LGBTQ2S+ services
• Justice and victims services
• Health, mental health, and addiction services
• Immigration and refugee services
• Employment and education programs

• Government