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 2026
No
Schedule
Coming soon - a schedule that will show when each Level of the program will be delivered. See the Courses tab for further details on the Levels within this program.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
CIP Code(s): 44.0000
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...(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
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:
FAM1114
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:
FAM1115
Course Name:
Social Service Worker Interviewing
Course Description:
Gathering information through the interview process helps identify the strengths, resources and challenges of individuals, families, groups ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1254
Course Name:
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:
FAM1294
Course Name:
Mental Health and Addictions 1
Course Description:
Instances of substance misuse are higher amongst those experiencing mental health challenges. Students become familiar with the nature of ad... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1295
Course Name:
Relations and Relationships with the First Peoples of Canada
Course Description:
As human service practitioners, it is imperative that Social Service Workers have specific knowledge of the history and resiliency of Indige... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1382
Course Name:
Social Service Worker Ethics
Course Description:
Ethics is the cornerstone for providing effective Social Service Work. Students examine the principles of the Code of Ethics and Standards o... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1121
Course Name:
Group Work
Course Description:
Working in groups is part of many social service work settings. Making use of a simulated exercise, students practice skills involved in the... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1263
Course Name:
Crisis Intervention
Course Description:
One's ability to function in a professional manner in crisis situations is essential in the field of social service work. Students different... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FAM1280
Course Name:
Applied Social Service Work Practice
Course Description:
Social service work practice is the foundation for meeting human needs in our society. Students apply core values, ethics and helping skills... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1283
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:
FAM1301
Course Name:
Legislation in Social Service Work
Course Description:
As social service workers, the profession is guided under legislation. Students explore the governance and legislative acts in Canada. Throu... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1302
Course Name:
Mental Health and Addictions 2
Course Description:
Deeper knowledge of mental health, addiction and concurrent disorders allows social service workers to guide individuals to the services and... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1436
Course Name:
Aging in Society
Course Description:
Canada has an aging population where the need for mental health, housing, income security, health care and recreation supports and intervent... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
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:
FAM1260
Course Name:
Assessment, Planning and Practice in Social Service Work
Course Description:
Assessment and intervention are core skills for qualified social service workers and are fundamental learning requirements for practice in t... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
FAM1272
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:
FAM1440
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:
14.0
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 or 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.
2026/2027 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) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 88, with a minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4.5, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4.5; Listening 4.5; Speaking 4.5; Writing 4.5; 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
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.my.site.com/myac360/s/
For further information on the admissions process, please visit:
Admissions - Registrar's Office https://algonquincollege.com/ro/admissions/
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/policies.
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/plar. 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
For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator, Vicky Green at 613 727-4723 ex 6852 or greenv@algonquincollege.com.