Social Services Worker - Indigenous Specialization (SSIS)

Impact the lives of Anishnabek/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 an effective social services worker within all levels of practice in the human services field. Through theory-based and hands-on practice sessions, you will learn to demonstrate consistent ethical, legal, and professional responsibility while adhering to the Seven Grandfather Teachings and social work values and principles. Case studies, presentations, skill practice sessions, guest speakers, supervised social service fieldwork, and access to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and culturally relevant support, teachings, and events 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 community. The program is transformative as students frequently report they cannot believe how much they have grown and changed as a result of this experience. 

Program highlights

• Learn interprofessional skills in social service work from an Anishnabek/Indigenous holistic perspective 
• Gain experience in the field with an extensive supervised field placement within a community organization 
• Be eligible to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers 
• Graduates will have an extended knowledge of Anishnabek/Indigenous history and cultural understanding to better support Indigenous clients and communities
• Be qualified as a registered social service worker in Ontario after graduation 
• Graduates will have the skills and knowledge to work effectively in all communities, with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations 
• Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just one year when you graduate   

Program of study for 2027-28 Academic Year 

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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For 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)

International students English language requirements: IELTS: 6.5 (no band under 6.0); TOEFL: 570 (paper-based test), 84 (internet-based test); PTE (Pearson): 61; Duolingo: 120+

See English Language Requirements

Additional admission requirements

To participate in field placement, students will need Synergy Basic clearance including: First Aid, CPR, CPIC Vulnerable Sector Check, WHIMIS, AODA, Workplace Health and 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.

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

2027-2028

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2027
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2028
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2028
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2029

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