Campus
Duration
3 Semesters (12 Months)
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma

Program and course delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements.

About the Program

This accelerated one-year Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees program prepares you to succeed as a social service provider to support immigrants and refugees from diverse backgrounds. Throughout the fast-paced program, your success will be measured by your ability to grow, change and challenge your own beliefs. Based on a framework of equity, social justice and anti-oppression principles, this program will provide insight and understanding of migration trajectories and how to effectively aid clients with their settlement and integration processes.

To qualify for this accelerated program, you must have completed an undergraduate degree. Students with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences or a similar undergraduate degree will be given priority. This program consists of a seven-week, intensive summer semester starting in early May, followed by a regular academic year starting the day after Labour Day and concluding in mid-April.

Please note that due to the short duration of the first semester, this program does not qualify for OSAP funding (subsequent semesters are eligible). For more information, please contact Financial Aid.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • International and national migration policies
  • Settlement counselling
  • Case management 
  • Community development
  • Advocacy
  • Fundraising and proposal writing
  • Program planning
  • Development and evaluation

Work Experience

Field Placement

Students who meet all academic requirements will complete 400 hours of field placement during semesters three and four in a professional setting. Unpaid field placements will take place two days a week during each semester.

Your Career

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:

  • Settlement agencies
  • Schools
  • Refugee shelters
  • Community centres
  • Criminal justice system
  • Women’s programs, shelters and agencies offering services for immigrant youth

Based on your skills, interests and professional background you will qualify to work as:

  • Job search workshop facilitator
  • Host program worker
  • Settlement worker
  • Housing worker
  • School settlement worker