Social Service Worker - Human Services Diploma
Overview
This is the second year of training in the Social Service Worker Program and prepares students for work in a variety of multi-disciplinary settings.
Practicum experience in community agencies develops your working knowledge of partnerships, hands-on training in the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and employment opportunities within your client group.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate professionalism in practice consistent with the code of ethics and standards of practice of their respective disciplines
- Use effective interpersonal skills, including active listening, collaboration, self-awareness and conflict resolution within multi-faceted roles and contexts
- Understand and respect cultural differences and multiple ways of knowing
- Practice from an ethic of inclusivity
- Establish and maintain wellness strategies to assure work/life balance both personally and professionally
- Engage in critical thinking, problem-solving and reflective practice
Admission Requirements
- Completion of English Studies 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 60% or higher
- A minimum of 30 hours paid or voluntary work experience with appropriate groups
- Applicants who have previously completed a related certificate and are returning for entry into the second year of a Human Services Diploma are required to provide evidence of completion of a certificate in ECCE, EACSW, SSW or equivalent within the last five years. Acceptance for those who graduated prior to five years will be based on evidence of work in the human service field and/or professional development.
- Applicants with 30 university transfer credits related to human services work, work experience in a related field, and the personal suitability requirements of the certificate programs will be considered for entry into the second year of a Human Services diploma on an individual basis.
- An official copy of all secondary and post-secondary transcripts
- Two completed Human Services reference forms
- A 30-hour work experience form completed by a supervisor who has observed the applicant in a volunteer or paid work situation is required
- Proof of a negative tuberculosis test or of a clear chest X-ray that is less than 6 months old for those who have been requested to have this from our community partners
- A current criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice. Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit acceptance in field placement; acceptance into field placement is a requirement for program promotion.
- Current resumé
- Personal statement of interest (250 words)
- An orientation session is required and will be arranged by the program designate
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. CERTIFICATE, ADVANCED CERTIFICATE& DIPLOMA PROGRAMS
Students applying to the diploma program immediately following completion of a Human Services Certificate Program, may request that the contents of their file be transferred.
2. PART-TIME STUDIES IN HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS
a) Acceptance to an individual course does not constitute admission to the program. All program admissions will be considered according to Part I, A: Admissions Requirements.
b) The ECCE, EACSW, SSW Certificate programs and the Human Services Diploma program may be completed on a part-time basis depending on number of spaces available. Students choosing to complete a program on a part time basis must meet with a program coordinator, councillor and/or School Chair at the time of acceptance to plan a course of studies.
c) Students who have been accepted for part time studies and are in good standing academically will normally be accepted upon re-application to the next term. Refer to Part II, Section B, Promotions re: academic requirements.
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
B. PROMOTION
1. In order to progress to the next semester, the following requirements must be met.
a) Completion of all courses in the semester with a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.00 and a grade of a “C” or better in all semester courses.
b) Promotion to the second year of the Diploma program requires a cumulative GPA of 2.33 during the first year of studies or School Chair approval
2. Promotion to practicum will be determined by the following criteria:
a) A grade of "C" or better in all required courses as defined in Part II, C, Graduation Requirements.
b) Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit a student's acceptance in field placement agencies. Ability to be accepted into field placement is a requirement for admission and promotion.
3. A student’s performance will be reviewed by program faculty when:
a) Grades in one or more courses fall below a “C”.
b) Unacceptable behaviour, inappropriate interpersonal skills, and/or patterns of absence are displayed (as outlined in program policies).
c) On probation.
4. Considerations for practicum placement:
a) Practicum placements are normally completed within the College region.
b) To avoid a conflict of interest, students are expected to inform instructors of agencies where family and/or personal connections exist.
c) Practicum placements will be arranged by a program instructor.
d) Agency staff will be informed if a student has refused to sign a waiver authorizing the College to share personal information about the student with agency staff.
5. Students will not be placed in practicum based on the following:
a) The student has not demonstrated readiness for practicum placement.
b) Two agencies refuse to accept the student in practicum placement.
c) The student lacks means of transportation.
6. Practicum evaluation will be based on:
a) A review of the student's performance in relation to stated course competencies.
b) A joint review comprised of college instructor, agency supervisor and student.
c) Completed practicum assignments.
In order to graduate with Honors students must meet all program requirements with no grades less than a B- and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Courses
HSER254 - Core Concepts in Human Services
HSER 254 Core Concepts in Human Services introduces students to the concepts of theory and practice in Human Services and the interrelationship between the two. A number of theoretical perspectives on change are explored from both a Child and Youth Care and Social Service Worker orientation, including multicultural, feminist, developmental and post modern perspectives. Each of the theoretical perspectives studied offer a basis for understanding the helping relationship and personal change processes. An emphasis will be placed on psychodynamic, humanist, cognitive/behavioural, systemic and solution-focused/narrative approaches to practice.
HSER258 - Fundamentals of Change I
HSER 258 Fundamentals of Change I is designed to assist the student in developing self-awareness as a helper, and in developing both an understanding and a beginning level of skill. Students are required to participate in exercises, role plays, simulations and video taping of interviews and counselling sessions, in order to accomplish the course objectives.
INDG287 - Introduction to Indigenous Teachings and Practices
INDG 287 Introduction to Indigenous Teachings and Practices. This course will provide students with an introduction to Indigenous studies, including key concepts, themes and topics relevant to Indigenous histories and contemporary practices. The history and impact of colonialism, residential schools and oppression will be explored. We will explore Indigenous Worldview and ways in which we can respectfully participate in creating a future vision which embodies respect for cultural diversity and the health of our planet. Local wisdom keepers will be invited to share stories.
PSYC240 - Child Development
PSYC 240 Child Development is an introduction to normal child development; this course explores selected aspects of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and moral development of children from birth to middle childhood; and examines the major theories of child development.
HSER255 - Professional Foundations for Human Services
HSER 255 Professional Foundations for Human Services explores foundations of Human Service Worker professional practice through an examination of the issues surrounding professional identity, ethical practice, and the interdisciplinary team approach. The skills required for communicating as a professional and as a team member, both oral and written, are developed throughout the course.
HSER259 - Fundamentals of Change II
HSER 259 Fundamentals of Change II is designed to assist students to build advanced helping skills on the base developed in HSER 258. Students will learn to use their helping relationships and interpersonal communication skills within the framework of the helping process model. Students are required to demonstrate their skill development on video tape, as well as demonstrate analytical skills which will require both self-awareness and knowledge of the helping model. The focus is on the skills required to carry out action planning, support of action and evaluation of outcomes in helping interventions.
HSER281 - Directed Studies Methods
HSER 281 Directed Studies Methods is a self directed course where students are expected to demonstrate a basic understanding of the specific theoretical approaches to working with a specific client population. Further, students are expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the specific concerns and issues related to this distinctive group, and demonstrate an understanding of the specific approaches and skills used with this group. Learning strategies include library research, exploration of relevant journals, interviewing practitioners and other individual's small group discussions with the instructor and presentation of results. Typical focus areas may include, but are not limited to, people with specific disabilities, people dealing with substance use/addictions, people who experience violence, community-based advocacy, people who perpetrate violence, people with mental illnesses, people with co-occurring disorders, family preservation and support, individual counselling, geriatrics, preparing people for employment, specific ethnic populations, multicultural work, children and adolescents and First Nations work.
HSER280 - Advanced Human Service Practicum
HSER 280 Advanced Human Service Practicum. A second level or advanced practicum for individuals who have completed a previous block practicum or have demonstrated those skills through a PLA. After an orientation to the agency, students are expected to provide direct services, assuming full responsibility with appropriate supervision, to specified clients, or client groups. Students will develop competence in providing a specific service and in participating as a team member in the agency. The practicum is normally 250 hours.
Tuition & Fees
Find Out More
We look forward to connecting with you! Fill out this form and we'll reach out to you.