Social Service Worker

Our Program

Humber's Social Service Worker diploma program consistently receives excellent ratings from students, graduates and employers alike. Program faculty effectively deliver social services work education and successfully prepare students to work with people experiencing distressing events – both from an individual perspective, and in a way that examines society's contribution to these crises. Students are taught how to help people assert their rights and meet their responsibilities in ways that empower them.

The curriculum is updated frequently to ensure that content is current and relevant. Skilled, committed faculty with real-life work experience in the human services field deliver social services worker training with a special focus on promoting equality to address disadvantages people face on the basis of race, disabilities, gender, or sexual orientation.

Course content also includes: human behaviour and development, improving communication, interviewing and counselling skills, and how to work with groups and communities so they can better support their members. Field placement lets students participate in at least two different types of human service agencies where they have supervised contact with clients. Graduates are able to intervene in crisis situations, and to work with a broad range of people including those experiencing domestic violence, alcoholism and drug abuse, child abuse, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, and shock due to traumatic life events.

Note: Optional information sessions may be held throughout the year for applicants who wish to learn more about this program. For dates, call 416.675.6622 ext. 3484.

Your Career

Career opportunities exist within Children's Aid Societies, community centres, refugee centres, youth employment agencies, hostels, drop-in centres for homeless people, other social assistance agencies, group homes, and agencies with clients who have psychiatric issues, developmental delays or disabilities, as well as agencies in the field of corrections.

Graduates may secure employment in the capacity of intake workers, case managers, residential counsellors, community/family support workers, mental health or outreach workers.

Work Placement

Three unpaid field placements are decided upon by the school in consultation with the student.

First-year placement in the winter semester: two days per week. Second-year fall placement: two days per week, with a one-week block in October. Second-year winter placement: two days per week, with a one-week block in March.

Our Industry Partnerships

Humber has successful partnerships with an extensive list of agencies that provide placements and/or employment opportunities for students/graduates: Canadian Mental Health Association – Court Support, Victim Services of Peel, Bayview Community Services, Toronto Bail Program, Toronto Association for Community Living, LAMP, Probation and Parole, and Native Child and Family Services.

The Advisory Committee is comprised of people with extensive experience in the social service work profession, representing a variety of settings that employ Social Service Worker graduates. Many are members of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Social Services Workers.

Your Future Study Options

Qualified graduates of this program may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study at many postsecondary institutions. For detailed information, visit humber.ca/transferguide.

Professional Accreditation, Endorsement and Recognition

Graduates may apply for membership in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers, visit ocswssw.org.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U). If English is not your first language, refer to the English Language Proficiency Policy
Three Grade 11 or Grade 12C, U or M courses in addition to those listed above
Applicants who do not possess the required courses may complete admission testing to determine equivalencies. Invitation and booking of admission testing is done using the email address provided on the online application
Attendance at an orientation/assessment session on campus that will include:
- completion of a questionnaire
- completion of a writing sample, which will be assessed for English proficiency
- submission of a minimum of 40 hours of documented volunteer or paid experience in a recognized social services agency
- two letters of reference – one from someone who supervised your paid/volunteer work completed in a social services agency and one character reference from a person in authority who knows you well (i.e. employer, teacher, guidance counsellor, etc.). Secondary school co-op experience will considered lieu of volunteer experience if it is done in a social/human services setting. Refer to 211toronto.ca for a list of services agencies.

Note: For further information, refer to the Selection Procedures.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Additional Requirements

Employers who provide field placement opportunities may require students to undergo a police record check for criminal offences, and mandatory bonding is a requirement for some sectors of the corrections field. It is important for potential students to understand that the requirements noted above are beyond the control of Humber and may prevent students from completing the full program, including the field placement component, and/or securing employment. Applicants are advised to check the requirements for specific positions in which they are interested before enrolling in this program.

Note: A police record check will be requested during your program of study. In respect of the 90-day limit on validity of record checks and the types of checks required by the various agencies, please do not attain a police record check prior to being accepted to the program. Faculty will support students upon arrival to the program to ensure they apply for the correct type of police documentation at the appropriate time.

Fees / Scholarships

The 2013/2014 fee for two semesters is

domestic $3,550.08
international $12,950.

Amounts listed are the total of tuition, lab and material fees, student service and auxiliary fees for the first two semesters of the 2013/2014 academic year. Fees are subject to change. For more information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance.

Additional Costs

$400 – supplies (per semester), transportation costs to and from field placement (varies).

Curriculum (View the 2012/13 Curriculum)

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name
GNED 101	An Introduction to Arts and Science An Introduction to Arts and Science Course Code: GNED 101 The humanities course focuses on fundamental questions individuals ask of themselves as they proceed through life. Why are we the way we are? Do we have free will or are we prisoners of our past experience or our biological inheritance? What motivates societies to change? Why do societal changes so often divide people into opposing camps? Why do so many people find contemporary life at home, at work, and in the community unfulfilling? What constitutes good government? How should injustice be fought? Can nations successfully deal with global problems? What is science and how does it differ from other kinds of inquiry? Can scientists provide solutions to the problems we face? What is art and does it offer answers of its own? What is its relationship to beauty, to knowledge, and to ethics? Is objectivity about art (or anything) possible? These questions are organized into units that begin with issues concerning the nature of the individual and then extend outward to various social, cultural and physical contexts. The issues explored in this course are too complex to have any one right answer. Rather, individuals must search for answers that make sense of their experiences via various theoretical perspectives. The humanities course supports this endeavour through study of different thinkers presented in the readings and exploration of different points of view explored in class discussions.
SSW 101	Urban Sociology Urban Sociology Course Code: SSW 101 In this course students will develop a basic sociological framework within which to define and analyze social problems, their causes, and their relationships to particular groups and sub-populations living in urban areas. Students will examine how social problems can have an impact upon the life and life chances of individuals and groups in the larger Canadian society. How individuals and groups cope with these social problems, and what experts say can be done to address them will also be discussed. Socio-economic and environmental factors will be considered from the perspective of how they contribute to - or detract from - people's lives, as will deeper structures such as race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability. How social services workers can apply these analytical skills to their work with clients who live in urban areas will be an important part of class discussions.
SSW 102	Human Growth and Behaviour Human Growth and Behaviour Course Code: SSW 102 A combination of human growth developmental theory and family dynamics theory will begin this course. Growth patterns will be studied as a framework for differentiating typical and atypical behaviour. Development beginning with conception/genetics and ending with adolescence will be discussed. Woven throughout this material will be family dynamic issues and struggles; family scripts, legacies and secrets. The impact of family structure, boundaries, attachment, traditions and cultural issues will be explored.
SSW 103	Orientation to Human Services Orientation to Human Services Course Code: SSW 103 This course introduces first-semester students to the purpose, value base, principles, and methods of generalist social work practice. Students will have the opportunity to explore their own personal values and life experiences in the context of social work and the broader society.
SSW 104	Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal Skills Course Code: SSW 104 This course is designed to introduce students to the communications processes that characterize the human services field and to professional practice issues tied to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers. This course will focus on effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills which are essential in order to function effectively as a social service worker. Focus will be on the factors that influence the ways in which professionals are seen by clients and fellow workers. Boundary issues, anger and conflict resolution, giving constructive feedback, practicing tolerance and suspending judgment, taking personal responsibility for behaviour, and learning how to express difficult emotions appropriately will all be covered. In addition, there will be discussions of how students can begin the process of self-reflection in order to provide more effective support to clients and gain insights into their own behaviour and attitudes. The impact of cultural and gender issues on interpersonal skills will be discussed throughout the course.
SSW 105	Field Practice Orientation Field Practice Orientation Course Code: SSW 105 The purpose of this course is for students to become familiar with the field of social services and their role as future social services workers. Students will learn skills that they will need for their field practice placements that include the Social Work Standards of Practice, the scope of practice, impression management, effective communication, presentation and the effective use of community resources to assist clients. Students will be learning and practicing the ongoing process of becoming more self-aware and of recognizing the significance of this skill as a social services worker.
WRIT 100	College Reading and Writing Skills College Reading and Writing Skills Course Code: WRIT 100 College Writing Skills emphasizes elements of the writing process. Although subject matter and format may change from one program to another, the skills necessary for effective writing remain the same, as do the professional standards that all Humber students are expected to attain. Students will practice the reading and writing skills that will be valuable in their college programs and build a strong base for professional business writing. Those students who plan to further their studies will develop the fundamental skills for writing acceptable academic English. To help students reach these goals, the course covers the following: analytical reading and critical thinking; essay organization and development; and the elements of clear writing, including grammar and punctuation skills. To complete WRIT 100 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the attached criterion sheet.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name
SSW 150	Field Practice 1 Field Practice 1 Course Code: SSW 150 Group work is an important part of social services work, whatever the setting. Individuals, small groups, and communities may become empowered through working in groups. This course provides the opportunity to develop the self-awareness, knowledge and skills to work effectively in small groups.
SSW 151	Integrative Seminar 1 Integrative Seminar 1 Course Code: SSW 151 This course will introduce students to theoretical concepts and practical skills necessary to assist clients in defining their problems and identifying desired outcomes. Students will be introduced to the theoretical foundations of various models of counselling, as well as basic active listening skills. Focus will be placed on learning how to help clients identify and emphasize their strengths, through searching for positive assets related to concerns, issues and problem resolution. Learning to facilitate client self-empowerment and development will be done by acquiring additional skills in the effective use of questions, observation and reflection of feelings, and a broader understanding of the client's behaviour and communication style. Learning outcomes will be achieved through the use of lecture, discussion, experiential exercises and presentation of audiovisual resources.
SSW 152	Group Work Skills Group Work Skills Course Code: SSW 152 In Field Practice 1 students will have the opportunity to take part in the day-to-day operations of a social services agency. They will work under the direct supervision of a professional staff person, have the opportunity to observe social services procedures and practices, and take part in serving clients with direction from agency staff. Students will also be expected to maintain a record of their placement activities through the submission of a field contract, time sheets, and bi-weekly logs.
SSW 153	Interviewing Skills 1 Interviewing Skills 1 Course Code: SSW 153 The dynamics of healthy families and those that are struggling, family scripts and family legacies will be explored in this course. The impact of power relationships and how these contribute to family violence will also be outlined. How families are structured, boundary and attachment issues, as well as cultural issues and traditions will also be examined. How marital relationships can contribute to or detract from children's functioning will also be explored. The dark power of family secrets, scapegoating, and grief issues in families will be discussed, as well as divorce and its aftermath.
SSW 154	Family Dynamics Family Dynamics Course Code: SSW 154 Integrative Seminar provides an opportunity for students to discuss problems, issues, situations, and developments that occur in field practice, and to integrate learning acquired from academic courses with practical experiences in the field. In a peer setting, students are able to share experiences, problem solve, and provide each other with feedback and support.
SSW 155	Cross-Cultural Skills Cross-Cultural Skills Course Code: SSW 155 This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to appreciate and understand the knowledge, attitudes, and basic skills that are necessary in the development and delivery of effective social services to a diverse urban population. Students will learn about how culture influences their own personal values and beliefs as well as that of their clients and how similarities and differences in values and beliefs can lead to conflict. To promote effective interventions that promote advocacy and client empowerment students will examine both the multi-cultural as well as the anti-oppression frameworks to service delivery and intervention.
WRIT 200	Workplace Writing Skills Workplace Writing Skills Course Code: WRIT 200 Business Writing Skills introduces students to the strategies of effective written workplace communication. This course is designed to build on and reinforce the writing skills developed in WRIT 100 and requires students to apply these skills to vocationally relevant assignments. Students will learn how to select and organize pertinent information according to purpose and audience and will practise presenting their ideas clearly, precisely, and effectively in various written formats. To complete WRIT 200 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the criterion sheet.

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name
GNED	General Education Elective General Education Elective Course Code: GNED The following courses represent the GNED General Education electives that you can choose from as part of your program's curriculum. Introduction to Liberal Arts and Sciences GNED 101 An Introduction to Arts and Sciences Anthropology ANTH 202 Physical Anthropology ANTH 205 Cultural Anthropology Arts ARTS 138 Understanding Movies: An Introduction to Film Studies ARTS 229 Musical Pioneers ARTS 241 Exploring Music and Film ARTS 246 Art and Artists - Money, Madness and Masterpieces Cultural Studies CULT 211 Conspiracy Theories and Critical Thinking CULT 214 AlterNative Pathways: Aboriginal People in Canada CULT 217 Encounter with Latin America CULT 228 Pop Culture: Shaping How We Live CULT 236 China: The Next Superpower CULT 239 Digital Culture CULT 242 Culture, Technology and Identity CULT 243 Crossing Borders: Migration and Culture CULT 244 Gender, Race and Ethnicity CULT 245 The Body: Beauty, Sex and Consumerism CULT 248 Women and Popular Culture Economics ECON 110 Real Life Economics ECON 204 People, Money and Markets ECON 206 The History of Money English ENGE 110 Literature: An Introduction ENGL 239 Dark Days Ahead ENGL 242 Pulp Fiction ENGL 246 Contemporary Fiction ENGL 247 Life Stories ENGL 248 Voices from the Underground Geography GEOG 210 The Nature of Ontario GEOG 212 Political Geography History HIST 110 Canada: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly HIST 203 Monsters of the 20th Century HIST 217 History of War HIST 218 The Making of the Modern World HIST 222 The Age of Europe: From the Enlightenment to 1989 Humanities HUMA 137 Art Matters: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art HUMA 226 The Arts and the 21st Century Imagination: Longing for Paradise HUMA 235 World Religions HUMA 241 Risky Business: Living in a Dangerous World HUMA 242 Vampires: In Film and Literature HUMA 244 Ordinary Heroes: Extraordinary Lives! HUMA 250 God, Science and Religion Languages SPAN 110 Introductory Spanish 1 Philosophy PHIL 100 Ideas: An Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 110 The Love of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 217 Ethical Issues PHIL 225 Philosophy of Love and Sex PHIL 227 Business Ethics PHIL 228 Success: Philosophical Perspectives PHIL 229 Violence, Order and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy PHIL 230 Environmental Ethics Political Science POLS 110 Introduction to Politics POLS 204 Morality, Democracy and Politics POLS 219 Globalization POLS 223 War and Terrorism POLS 224 Justice, Equality and Rights POLS 225 Environmental Policy and Economics Psychology PSYC 110 Psychology - An Introduction PSYC 205 Applied Psychology and Leadership PSYC 207 Psychology of Sport PSYC 210 Psychology - Developmental PSYC 220 Psychology - Social PSYC 230 Psychology - Abnormal Science SCIE 110 The Science of Everything SCIE 208 Water: A Life or Death Issue SCIE 213 Astronomy: The Evolving Universe SCIE 216 Origins of Life SCIE 219 Dangerous Earth SCIE 221 The Environment SCIE 223 Astrobiology: Life in the Universe SCIE 224 Discovering Dinosaurs Sociology SOCE 100 Canadian Society and Culture SOCI 110 Sociology: Introduction SOCI 205 Social Entrepreneurship: Profit, People and the Planet SOCI 219 Sport and Society SOCI 232 Gender, Power and Society SOCI 233 Sociology of Cultural Difference SOCI 234 Society and Conflict SOCI 236 Issues in Crime SOCI 237 Sociology of Fashion SOCI 238 Sociology of Food SOCI 239 Citizenship, Immigration, and Democracy SOCI 240 Sociology of the Family SOCI 246 Sociology of Emotions SOCI 247 Leadership SOCI 249 Imagining the City SOCI 257 Canada Today SOCI 277 Sexual Diversity: Contemporary Social Issues
SSW 200	Field Practice 2 Field Practice 2 Course Code: SSW 200 Field Practice 2 is intended to provide students with an in-depth experience of front-line work in a human services agency under direct supervision. Students will learn how their agency works, how to serve clients effectively, how to develop work habits which make them an asset to the agency, and how to navigate moral, ethical, clinical, and political issues as they emerge in their placements. Students will learn how to work well as part of a team, and how to effectively use supervision. Students will be expected to maintain a record of their placement activities through the submission of a field learning contract, time sheets and regular journals.
SSW 201	Integrative Seminar 2 Integrative Seminar 2 Course Code: SSW 201 This course is designed to provide a basic introduction to the issues of power and wealth in Canadian society, and their relationship to the formal political system of government. The course will examine the interplay between government decision makers and the different influencers on government decision-makers outside of government, and the resulting political decisions which shape people's everyday lives and communities.
SSW 202	Political Process Political Process Course Code: SSW 202 The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the personal and structural issues confronting people who have special needs. Using an empowerment approach which stresses the perspective of labelled or otherwise disadvantaged people, students will learn about how to work effectively with older adults, and people with labels like: psychiatric disorder, physical disability, developmental disability, cognitive disorder, eating disorder, substance abuse, and family violence survivor. Students will be expected to conform to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics in the classroom and in their coursework.
SSW 203	Special Needs Populations Special Needs Populations Course Code: SSW 203 Integrative Seminar 2 is intended to give students in field placement the opportunity to meet every other week to discuss issues, concerns and developments in their field placements. Students will be asked to discuss issues related to their professional practice, how they perform as social service workers in placement, how they relate to their supervisors and co-workers and how to address clinical or practical issues as they arise. Students will take responsibility for much of the material in this course by raising their own placement issues; however, faculty will ensure that specific practice issues, as outlined below, are covered during the seminar period.
SSW 204	Interviewing Skills 2 Interviewing Skills 2 Course Code: SSW 204 Students in this course will be introduced to theoretical concepts and skills to assist their clients in defining their strengths, identifying needs and desired personal outcomes from within an anti-oppression framework. Basic active listening skills for counselling to help clients identify their strengths, foster self-advocacy and self-determination by engaging in positive assets search will be central to this course. Emphasis will be placed on barrier analysis as well as learning how to focus on clients' concerns, and issues, and specifically on processes of facilitating resolution by accessing appropriate resources. Learning to facilitate client self-empowerment and development will involve students in analyzing contextual, structural or psychosocial factors from within an integrated anti-oppression framework. This course will provide opportunities to integrate theory and application of concepts and skills through experiential exercises and role-plays.
SSW 205	Community Development Community Development Course Code: SSW 205 The purpose of this course is to enable students to acquire the skills needed to achieve constructive social change through the process of community organizing. Both theories and practical applications will be discussed with a focus on the values of community work, power and how social structures are maintained and challenged, key objectives and approaches to organizing and the practical skills needed to organize around local and global issues.

Semester 4

Course Code	Course Name
SSW 250	Field Practice 3 Field Practice 3 Course Code: SSW 250 An opportunity for students to practice social service work on a regular basis in an agency setting under the supervision of a practitioner in the human service field. Students will also learn how to clearly and objectively record their activities.
SSW 251	Integrative Seminar 3 Integrative Seminar 3 Course Code: SSW 251 The Agency Administration and Fundraising course will provide students with an overview of the non-profit sector and an understanding of how social services agencies are governed and managed. The course will review the structure of funding, as it currently exists in Ontario, and how to access government, corporations, and foundations as part of an organization's overall funding strategy. Students will learn how to prepare fundraising plans and funding proposals.
SSW 252	Agency Administration and Fundraising Agency Administration and Fundraising Course Code: SSW 252 This course is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the current status and future choices concerning Canada's social welfare system. The course will encourage students to understand current social and economic trends and their impacts on social welfare programs within a historical context. Students will learn how to analyze social policies and their consequences for community members, social service workers, nonprofit organizations, and government.
SSW 253	Current Social Policy Issues Current Social Policy Issues Course Code: SSW 253 This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the role of the law in social work, and to equip them with sufficient knowledge of the law to assist them in their roles as advocates or case managers. Students will learn to recognize when someone's legal rights or their rights to dignity and equality have been violated and how to challenge these violations effectively. Students will learn what their rights and obligations are as defined by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers.
SSW 254	Legislation in Human Services Legislation in Human Services Course Code: SSW 254 Integrative Seminar provides an opportunity for students to discuss problems and situations that arise in field practice, and to integrate learning acquired from academic courses with practical experiences. It is an opportunity to discuss a range of topics, which will include, but not be limited to the following: legal and ethical issues in social work practice; using supervision appropriately; boundary issues with clients and co-workers; broader systemic issues; dealing with personal and professional limitations; and self-care. Students will also reflect upon how their field practice work can be presented to potential employers in the field.
SSW 255	Case Management/Advocacy Case Management/Advocacy Course Code: SSW 255 Learners will be taught the skills required to effectively promote the full integration of disadvantaged people into the mainstream of community life, using an empowerment model of case management. This involves introducing learners to empowerment theory and its implications for practice, highlighting legal and ethical issues, and developing critical awareness of systemic issues. Empowerment practices taught in this course will include the development of an empowerment plan based upon clients' strengths, as well as building informal supports and increasing community capacity for inclusion. Students will also learn advocacy skills that include an understanding of power relations, and recognize the importance of self-care as an ethical issue in case management and advocacy practice.

Diploma to Degree

Humber offers pathways from Ontario college diplomas to Humber degrees. Find out where your diploma can take you.

You can also choose another postsecondary institution. Humber has formal articulation agreements indicating the specific transfer arrangements from a Humber program to a particular degree program, as well as general policies on admissions at specific institutions. Click here to find out more.

May 2013 Program Availability

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Social Service Worker

School of Social & Community Services

Our Program

Your Career

Work Placement

Our Industry Partnerships

Your Future Study Options

Professional Accreditation, Endorsement and Recognition

Admission Requirements

Additional Requirements

Fees / Scholarships

Additional Costs

Curriculum (View the 2012/13 Curriculum)

Semester 1

An Introduction to Arts and Science

Urban Sociology

Human Growth and Behaviour

Orientation to Human Services

Interpersonal Skills

Field Practice Orientation

College Reading and Writing Skills

Semester 2

Field Practice 1

Integrative Seminar 1

Group Work Skills

Interviewing Skills 1

Family Dynamics

Cross-Cultural Skills

Workplace Writing Skills

Semester 3

General Education Elective

Field Practice 2

Integrative Seminar 2

Political Process

Special Needs Populations

Interviewing Skills 2

Community Development

Semester 4

Field Practice 3

Integrative Seminar 3

Agency Administration and Fundraising

Current Social Policy Issues

Legislation in Human Services

Case Management/Advocacy

Diploma to Degree