Social Service Worker

Students needing a year of Introductory English may choose to take English 110/111 or English 112/114. English 112/114 focuses on reading and interpretation of literature, and is an attractive alternative to English 110/111 for students wishing to continue in the study of Arts or Humanities.

English 110: College Composition is designed to enable the student to produce clear, coherent and fully developed essays. The course covers academic writing styles, rhetorical modes, editing techniques and research practices.

Prerequisites:

A “C” or better in ENGL 12 or equivalent or LPI level 4.

This course is available via Distance Education.

This course is designed to provide students with a variety of theoretical perspectives to understanding families. It considers the diversity of families including exploration of cultural differences, same-sex parents, single parents and blended families. The role of marriage is examined, as well as childbearing and socialization. Issues such as middle age, empty nest, aging in the family, and special concerns such as chronic illness, disability, alcoholism, violence, and poverty are introduced.

Prerequisites:

ENGL 12 or equivalent.

Provides the student with an opportunity to examine personal goals, values and attitudes; develop and practice listening and responding skills, and become more aware of personal strengths and limitations. Designed to help gain self-understanding in order to be more effective in working with people.

An introduction to the methods, theory and practice of psychology as a science. Among others, topics will include motivation and emotion, learning and memory, biological foundations, sensation and perception. Other topics are added at the discretion of the individual instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.

Prerequisites:

ENGL 12 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better or written permission of the Instructor and School Chair.

This course is available via Distance Education.

This course is designed to introduce students to the practice of social work considering the ideological and historical influences which have shaped social work in Canada. The value, knowledge and skill foundations to this challenging profession are investigated. Further, it explores the roles of social workers and their methods of intervention based on several practice frameworks, including systems, strengths perspectives, structural, feminist and Aboriginal approaches. Throughout the course, the present trends and directions of the profession and field are discussed.

Prerequisites:

ENGL 12 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.

This course is designed to provide an orientation to professionals and agencies providing social services in the West Kootenay as well as to prepare students for practicum activities. Students visit a variety of settings where services are available to deal with a wide range of issues. Resource people are brought in to furnish workshops and information which supplements the course content. The course is an introduction to the notion of applying theory to practice. These experiences should assist students in making their choice of field placement for the winter term as well as increasing their understanding of the depth and breadth of the social service system in this area. Data collection, observation and analytical skills will be developed and demonstrated through this course.

This course is designed as an introduction to the study of addiction, both substance and behavioural. Current research in the pharmacological, physiological, social and spiritual causes of addiction are considered as well as current models for understanding dependence, recovery and relapse. Students learn how the addictive process is assessed and treated based on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the client. Family support, self-help programs, harm reduction and current trends in addictive substances and behaviours are also explored.

Prerequisites:

ENGL 12 or equivalent.

Students needing a year of introductory English may choose to take English 110/111 or English 112/114. English 112/114 focuses on reading and interpretation of literature, and is an attractive alternative to English 110/111 for students wishing to continue in the study of Arts or Humanities.

English 111 is a one-semester introduction to literary genres through the study of drama, poetry, the short story, and the novel. The course will give students the opportunity to read, discuss, and write about texts in the different genres.

Prerequisites:

ENGL 110 with a grade of "C" or better.

This course is available via Distance Education.

Topics include thinking and other cognitive processes, development of the individual, personality, behaviour disorders, health and social psychology. Other topics are added at the discretion of the instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts.

Prerequisites:

PSYC 100 with a grade of "C" or better or written permission of the Instructor and School Chair.

This course is available via Distance Education.

Effective social service workers need a good understanding of groups and group skills. This knowledge and skill development can be applied to a large number of settings: in the workplace as a team member; working with specific client groups including children, adolescents, families, special interest groups, learning and discussion groups; planning, implementing and evaluating community development work. Students will work in groups to gain first-hand experience in group dynamics.

Social issues confront us every day in our dealings with people and governments. This course will examine some of the issues and how they have developed, how they are handled politically, what services exist to meet social problems we all encounter (e.g. gender issues, First Nation issues, poverty, child abuse, alcoholism, crime, families in conflict, etc.) and what might be done to improve the human condition.

Prerequisites:

ENGL 110 or equivalent.

This Winter semester of practical experience in a social service organization involves a one week orientation followed by one day a week in the field placement. Required competencies must be demonstrated at an appropriate level in order to advance to final practicum course.

Prerequisites:

Completion of all first semester courses.

This weekly on-line seminar in the Winter semester is for students enroled in SSW 163. Discussions will focus on field placement activities. The emphasis of the course is on applying the theory of social services to its practice.

A full time work study program for five weeks after Winter semester that affords the student an opportunity to practice the skills learned in the previous two semesters. Field work provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate competency required for permanent employment in Social Service Agencies. On-line weekly seminars will support this practicum.

Prerequisites:

SSW 163 and completion of all program courses.