Social Service Worker (Intensive)
Pursue a fulfilling career working on the frontline of social services.
- Accelerated and intensive model of the two year diploma which can be completed in three terms
- Program has the highest placement hours in the province with one placement totaling almost 300 hours completed in a variety of settings
- Graduates are eligible to register as a Social Service Worker through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The Social Service Worker (Intensive) program, comprised of three terms, is an accelerated model of the two-year Social Service Worker program. This program is available for students who have completed prior post-secondary education in a related field (six courses in psychology, anthropology, and/or sociology).
Through theory and practical experiences, the program prepares you to support a wide range of client groups and communities who are in the process of change or growth, including those impacted by issues such as:...(read more)
Overview
Pursue a fulfilling career working on the frontline of social services.
The Social Service Worker (Intensive) program, comprised of three terms, is an accelerated model of the two-year Social Service Worker program. This program is available for students who have completed prior post-secondary education in a related field (six courses in psychology, anthropology, and/or sociology).
Through theory and practical experiences, the program prepares you to support a wide range of client groups and communities who are in the process of change or growth, including those impacted by issues such as:
- loss and separation
- family crisis
- poverty
- violence
- homelessness
- addiction
- disability
- unemployment
- oppression
- resettlement issues
As a student, you complete one field placement experience totaling more than 350 hours. You identify, practice and incorporate theoretical knowledge at a level that provides top client service. As well, you strengthen the bond between yourself and the community by participating in various applied research projects and direct practice opportunities. With these opportunities, you are ready to work on the front line of social services.
Graduates may secure employment as Social Service Workers in provincial, municipal and private social service agencies including:
- drop-in centres
- employment services
- addiction and mental health services
- schools and youth services
- community health and resource centres
- shelters
- residential treatment programs
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Have effective interpersonal skills.
- Are committed to addressing social issues, such as poverty, homelessness, oppression and human rights.
- Understand the importance of effective communication with clients and community partners.
- Are team-oriented and enjoy working with others.
- Deal effectively with stressful situations.
- Have resolved personal issue and challenges.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
FAM1401
Course Name:
Foundations of Social Welfare in Canada
Course Description:
Students study the historical progress of the social welfare system in Canada. In addition, the fundamentals of inequity, poverty, homelessn... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM1403
Course Name:
Human Development I
Course Description:
Understanding how we develop from the pre-natal stage to adolescence is essential in understanding the needs of children and parents and suc... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1407
Course Name:
Ethics of Social Service Work
Course Description:
Establishing effective client service in the community for social service workers is essential when facing a bewildering array of ethical an... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1422
Course Name:
Interviewing and Recording in Social Service Work
Course Description:
Gathering information through the interview process helps identify the strengths, resources and challenges of individuals, families, groups ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM1427
Course Name:
Theories of Intervention
Course Description:
Theory informs the social service worker's (SSW) approach to meeting clients' needs across a wide spectrum of circumstances. In order to fac... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM1434
Course Name:
Addictions
Course Description:
Addictions affect people from all walks of life, in virtually all practice areas. Students gain basic knowledge regarding substance abuse an... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM1435
Course Name:
Working with Families
Course Description:
Understanding family systems is essential to providing optimum support to families. Students are grounded in family systems theory and explo... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1405
Course Name:
Preparation for Field
Course Description:
The ability to understand one's professional roles and responsibilities in the workplace is foundational to success. Students explore their ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1406
Course Name:
Group Work
Course Description:
Working in groups is part of many social service work settings. Making use of a simulated exercise, students have the opportunity to practic... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1417
Course Name:
Human Development II
Course Description:
Understanding how we develop from adolescence to the time of our death is essential in understanding the needs of clients and their families... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1418
Course Name:
Community Development
Course Description:
Community development focuses on systemic issues that create social problems. It involves working to achieve social justice through structur... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM1424
Course Name:
Crisis Intervention in Social Service Work Practice
Course Description:
One's ability to function in a professional manner in crisis situations is essential in the field of social service work. Students differen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM1425
Course Name:
Legislation and Political Issues in Social Service Work
Course Description:
All social service work practice takes place within a broader context of international, federal and provincial legislation, policies and pro... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM1426
Course Name:
Mental Health
Course Description:
Mental health is an increasing concern in Canada today and impacts all areas of social service work. Students explore a variety of mental he... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM0065
Course Name:
Field Placement
Course Description:
Students are provided an opportunity to hone their skills by fully integrating theory and practice. Students identify, practise, adapt and i... + Read More
Hours:
364.0
Code:
FAM1428
Course Name:
Placement Seminar
Course Description:
Professional development of social service worker students continues with the extension of the learning opportunities that integrate theory ... + Read More
Hours:
21.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
The program prepares you for your career by providing you with the opportunity to apply for professional accreditation in the field of social services. Upon graduating, you must register as a Social Service Worker through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers in order to be recognized as such.
You may find work in:
- drop-in centres
- employment services
- addiction and mental health services
- schools and youth services
- community health and resource centres
- shelters
- residential treatment programs
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
- Record information accurately and communicate effectively in written, digital, verbal and non-verbal ways, in adherence to privacy and freedom of information legislation, in accordance with professional and workplace standards.
- Integrate a practice framework within a service delivery continuum, addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities at micro, mezzo, macro and global levels, and work with them in achieving their goals.
- Plan and implement accessible and responsive programs and services, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities, and meeting these needs.
- Examine current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, historical, and/or economic systems and their impacts for individuals and communities when delivering services to the user/client.
- Develop strategies and approaches that support individual clients, groups, families and communities in building the capacity for self-advocacy, while affirming their dignity and self-worth.
- Work from an anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice, recognizing the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals and communities when responding to the diverse needs of marginalized or vulnerable populations to act as allies and advocates.
- Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human service profession.
- Work with individuals, groups, families and their communities to ensure that service provider strategies promote social and economic justice, and challenge patterns of oppression, discrimination and harassment, and sexual violence with clients, coworkers and communities.
- Develop the capacity to work with the Indigenous individual, families, groups and communities while respecting their inherent rights to self-determine, and to identify and address systemic barriers that produce ill-effects, developing appropriate responses using approaches such as trauma informed care practice.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books and supplies cost approximately $1,400 for the program duration and can be purchased from the campus store. For more information visit www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials.
- Additional expenses related to verification for field placement requirements. ParaMed clearance, police records check and health immunizations and first aid are the responsibility of the student. The ParaMed documentation clearance fee is approximately $60 and set by ParaMed a third-party provider.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
Program Eligibility
- Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma or Degree or equivalent in Social Services.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Health Requirements:
The physical and emotional health of each applicant to the program must be such that he or she can successfully cope with the program of instruction including the demands of field placement (e.g. stress and time management). Individuals who have concerns about their ability to meet these requirements should contact the coordinator of the program prior to submitting an application.
Police Records Check Documentation:
Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Records Check program requirements.
Students must provide the College with a current Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) prior to the deadline identified by the department and students are responsible for any associated costs. If this documentation is not submitted on time, students may not be placed and registration in the program will be jeopardized. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate and will be asked to withdraw.
Field Placement Eligibility:
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of PRVCS, and complete immunizations through ParaMed. ParaMed services are the third-party provider who collects all field placement documentation for the Community Studies department.
Application Information
SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER (INTENSIVE)
Program Code 0432Z05FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
The Social Service Worker Intensive program consists of courses that are delivered in a variety of formats including face-to-face in a classroom, hybrid (combination of classroom and online learning) and online courses. Students participate in all three types of learning. Students also participate in field placement learning activities. Class schedules vary from term to term and courses may be scheduled between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday. There is no flexibility in the assigned timetable. There is a significant workload in the program and students need to be prepared to make a full-time commitment to their studies and field placement in order to be successful.
Students may apply for transfer of academic credits from Algonquin College (internal transfer) or from other institutions (external transfer). College Policies AA09 and AA10 apply to transfer of credits. For more information visit: www.algonquincollege.com/directives.
Students may apply for credit by challenging courses using Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). College Policy AA06 applies to PLAR. Students pay a fee for each course they wish to be exempt from and, through either a portfolio or challenge examination, a PLAR may lead to the acceptance of work and life experience in lieu of taking certain courses. For more information visit: www.algonquincollege.com/col/plar.html. Please note: We do not PLAR any of our placements.
Social Service Worker is a registered professional title which may only be used by members in good standing of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). This relates to Ontario legislation called The Social Work and Social Service Worker Act. Graduates of the Social Service Worker Intensive program are required by law to join the OCSWSSW after graduation in order to use this professional title. The OCSWSSW grants or denies membership. For more information see: www.ocswssw.org.