Social Service Worker

The Social Service Worker program at Selkirk College is a challenging, exciting program that introduces students to the helping professions. Social Work values form the foundation of this beneficial and rewarding program. Graduates of the Social Service Worker program are prepared to practice in a number of Community Service agencies, institutions and schools. Students gain a firm and appropriate base for continuing their professional education in either Child and Youth Care or Social Work.

Students are introduced to the profession of social work, to social policy, and the theoretical underpinnings of human service practice. The program teaches practical interviewing and counselling skills that include individual, group and family strategies. There is an emphasis on both written and oral communication as well as on the promotion of self awareness, personal growth and readiness for practice. Critical thinking, team building and problem solving skills are integral parts of the training. Feminist and First Nations approaches to practice are modeled and taught as well as an appreciation for diversity of people and practices. Anti-oppressive perspectives are promoted.

Practicum provides an opportunity to explore a variety of services and programs serving a wide range of populations that includes people who are poor, are young, are old, have a mental illness, have behavioral problems, or other issues that interfere with their ability to cope successfully in a demanding society. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate skills that include advocacy, child and youth care, employment supports, substance abuse awareness, group facilitation, community support, individual support, problem-solving and communication skills. The program prepares students to work as entry level practitioners in the Human Services field. A commitment to life-long learning is emphasized and modeled in the Social Service Worker program.