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Social Services Worker (SSPG)

Ontario College Diploma | 4 semesters | Barrydowne

In this program, you will learn to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities who are experiencing barriers to wellness, stable housing, education, employment, health care, and social services. Through intensive coursework, in person skills practice, and immersive field experiences, you will be provided with opportunities to learn and practice interpersonal skills, to develop supportive helping skills, to better understand the context of social services work, and to situate yourself within this context. 

Program Highlights

  • 2 years – 4 semesters (with part-time and fast-track options*)
  • In-person delivery
  • Opportunity to obtain a microcertificate in Indigenous Studies or Health and Wellness 
  • Highly skills-based 
  • Hands-on learning with many opportunities to observe and practice skills
  • 2 immersive field placements
  • Dynamic course delivery that includes experiential learning, case studies, theoretical concepts, and real-world experience

Criteria for success

The program is well-suited for students who:

  • are committed to EDI and social justice issues
  • enjoy working in groups and are team-oriented
  • are able to deal with stressful situations effectively
  • adhere to the code of conduct and standards of practice set by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers
  • are committed to personal growth
  • have strong English language skills (written and oral)

*The program is full-time and is two-years in length. You may also be eligible to fast-track if you have a degree or diploma in a related field. To discuss part-time or fast-track options, please connect with the program coordinator. 

Fieldwork/Placement

Students who meet the requirements will have the opportunity to complete two full time community placements: one 160-hour placement in the final four weeks of the 2nd semester and one 600-hour placement that spans their entire 4th semester (January - April). Placements are completed in Sudbury or students may have opportunities for placements in their home region. 

Agencies will require students to have medical and non-medical documents prior to beginning their placement.  Students will be responsible for any expenses incurred related to placement. Required prerequisites for placement will include:

  • Criminal Record Check (CPIC) - Vulnerable Sector Screening (obtained at least two months before placement)
  • Health documentation (e.g. up-to-date immunization records, Two-step TB test, Free of Communicable Disease Form/verification)
  • Standard First Aid & CPR (Level HCP)
  • WHMIS certification
  •  

Registration to Practice

Individuals who wish to use the title Social Service Worker or Registered Social Service Worker must be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Cambrian's program is recognized by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Graduation from our program qualifies you to register as a Social Service Worker in Ontario. Students and graduates are also eligible to become members of the Ontario Social Service Worker Association. 

Quick Links

How to Apply

Community Services

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission to the SSPG program, students must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or they must qualify for mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

Missing an Admission Requirement?  We can help! APPLY NOW!
Visit https://www.cambriancollege.ca/upgrading/ for more information about our FREE Academic Upgrading Program.1

Additional Requirements

  • To participate in Field Placements, students will need Synergy Basic clearance including: First Aid, CPR C, 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.
  • See the Field Placement manual for more information.
APPLY NOW!
 

1 Please note Academic Upgrading is only available for domestic students.

Program Delivery

2023-2024

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Winter Term Start

  1. SEMESTER 1 Winter 2024
  2. SEMESTER 2 Spring 2024
  3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2024
  4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2025

2024-2025

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Fall Term Start

  1. SEMESTER 1 Fall 2024
  2. SEMESTER 2 Winter 2025
  3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2025
  4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2026

Winter Term Start

  1. SEMESTER 1 Winter 2025
  2. SEMESTER 2 Spring 2025
  3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2025
  4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2026

For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule on our website.

Program of Study for 2024-25 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ENG 1002 College Communications 3
WES 1001 Prof SSW Communication I 3
PSY 1003 Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions 3
WES 1110 Social Work Practice I 4
WES 1115 Social Services I 3
IND 1003 Introduction to Indigenous Studies 3
One General Education Course. 1 3
 Credits22
Semester 2
ENG 1242 Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I 3
WES 1210 Social Work Practice II 4
WES 2330 Family Dynamics 3
WES 1240 Prof SSW Communication II 3
WES 1295 Field Work I 2
One General Education courses: 1 3
 Credits18
Semester 3
WES 1251 Ethics 3
WES 1215 Social Services II 3
WES 2320 Group Dynamics 3
WES 2053 Community Development 3
WES 2310 Social Work Practice III 4
One General Education course. 1 3
 Credits19
Semester 4
WES 2491 Field Work II 20
 Credits20
 Total Credits79
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition and Ancillary Fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books & Supplies

Booklists will be available upon registration. There are no additional costs for supplies. 

Graduate Options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates may seek employment in various positions within the following sectors:

  • Social service agencies of the municipal, provincial, and federal governments
  • Childcare agencies
  • Charitable organizations
  • Immigration and refugee services
  • Residential and group homes 
  • Long-term care and retirement homes
  • Employment services
  • Disability services
  • Education
  • Indigenous communities and services
  • Homelessness/Poverty/Housing Services
  • Addiction and mental health agencies
  • Child welfare agencies 
  • Children, youth, and family services
  • Health care 
  • Policy and program development
  • Research

College/University Degree Opportunities

Graduates from this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior college education.

Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.

Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.