Social Service Worker

The Social Service Worker program at Sheridan College is a two-year Ontario College Diploma offered at the Davis Campus in Brampton, Ontario. Designed for individuals interested in helping others navigate life's challenges, the program focuses on practical, hands-on training in social service principles, ethics, and intervention strategies. Sheridan's curriculum emphasizes real-world application, blending classroom learning with fieldwork placements to ensure graduates are job-ready.

Key highlights of the Social Service Worker program description include:

• Duration and Structure: The program spans four semesters (two years full-time), with a total of approximately 60 credits. It starts in September, January, or May, offering flexibility for students. Courses are delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and experiential learning.

• Core Curriculum: Students delve into topics such as human development, social welfare policy, crisis intervention, and cultural competency. Sample courses include:

  • Introduction to Social Service Work
  • Counseling Skills and Techniques
  • Community Development and Advocacy
  • Mental Health and Addictions
  • Group Dynamics and Facilitation
  • Field Placement Preparation and Integration

  The program incorporates trauma-informed practices and anti-oppressive frameworks, ensuring graduates can work effectively with diverse populations, including Indigenous communities, immigrants, and those facing socioeconomic barriers.

• Field Placements: A standout feature is the mandatory 600+ hours of supervised fieldwork across two placements. These occur in community agencies, shelters, hospitals, or schools, allowing students to apply theory in real settings. Placements help build professional networks and often lead to employment opportunities post-graduation.

• Anti-Oppressive Framework: The curriculum is built on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring you are prepared to work respectfully with marginalized communities (e.g., Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ individuals, newcomers).

• Hands-On Field Placement: You will complete over 600 hours of practicum experience in your second year. This is not just observation; you will work directly in agencies (schools, shelters, hospitals) under professional supervision, often leading to job offers before graduation.

• Mental Health & Addiction Focus: Core modules cover Crisis Intervention, Mental Health First Aid, and Addiction Counseling, equipping you with the "hard skills" needed for today's most demanding social roles.

• Professional Registration: Graduates are eligible to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), a mandatory designation for many employers in Ontario.