Social Services Worker (SSPG)

Support individuals in overcoming barriers to social justice

Learn to work with individuals, families, and groups who face barriers to stable housing, education, employment, health care, and social services. Through intensive coursework, in-person intensive skills practice, and immersive field experiences, you’ll be provided with opportunities to learn and practice interpersonal skills, develop supportive helping skills for individuals and groups, and better understand the context of social services work. As a graduate, you qualify to register as a Social Service Worker in Ontario. 

If you are committed to EDI and social justice issues, enjoy working with groups and are team oriented, can deal with stressful and emotionally challenging situations effectively, and have strong English language communication skills, this program is for you!

Program highlights

• Professional program recognized by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) 
• Small, in-person classes with a focus on skill development, real-world experience, and personal growth 
• Customized part-time program completion options are available 
• Opportunity to take classes alongside the Social Service Worker – Indigenous Specialization program 
• Fast-track or reduced course load options for those with prior academic or related professional experience 
• Comprehensive Field Seminar course to prepare for fieldwork and 610 placement hours

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

Recommendations

Students are responsible for obtaining the requirements for their placements by the end of their first term: updated vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Two-step TB), and Certification in First Aid CPR with HCP. There may be an additional cost associated with these requirements. It is recommended that students begin obtaining these requirements once they have accepted an offer of admission to the program. 

Placement requirements also include a vulnerable sector criminal record check (those without a clear record check may not be eligible to go on placement). Those without a clear criminal record check will not be able to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. 

Program delivery

2027-28

Fall term start

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

Winter term start

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

Registration to practice / additional testing

After graduating from the Social Services Worker Program, using the title Social Service Worker (SSW) or Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) requires registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW). As of the Fall of 2027, students will be required to write an entrance exam to become a member of the OCSWSSW. Our program is recognized by the OCSWSSW and therefore graduation from our program and the successful completion of the exam qualifies you for registration.  

This registration requires following a code of ethics and standards of practice, an annual registration fee, strong English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 7.0), and additional criteria. It is recommended that students review the OCSWSSW website for further information about what it means to be a RSSW in Ontario and the criteria for registration with the OCSWSSW.

Students and graduates are also eligible to become members of the Ontario Social Service Worker Association. 

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

There are many opportunities for graduates to continue their education, including:

• Post-graduate certification in Addictions and Mental Health (ADMH) or Community and Health Services Navigation (CHSN) at Cambrian
• Fast track into the Developmental Services Worker (DSWP) or Child and Youth Care (CYCP) diploma at Cambrian
• Fast track into the Honours Bachelor Applied Psychology at Cambrian
• Pathway into a social work or other related degrees (refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information) 

Employment options

As social services work is a generalist practice, graduates may seek employment in various positions within many different sectors, including:

• Social service agencies of the municipal, provincial, and federal governments
• Childcare agencies
• Charitable organizations
• Disability services
• Gender and sexually diverse services
• Justice and victim services
• Indigenous communities and services
• Residential and group homes 
• Long-term care and retirement homes
• Employment services
• Homelessness/poverty/housing services
• Addiction and mental health agencies
• Child welfare agencies 
• Children, youth, and family services
• Health care 
• Education
• Immigration and refugee services
• Policy development and research 

• Counselling agencies