Duration
4 Semesters (2 Years)
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma

Program and course delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible 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. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.

About the Program

In this two-year Social Service Worker diploma program, you will gain professional knowledge and skills for the human service field. You will learn how historical, systemic and sociopolitical marginalization can affect access to resources and social or health services. Practical interventions and strengths-based approaches will equip you with skills to promote equity and support under-served populations experiencing trauma and challenging life events.  

You will learn about everything from mental health to crisis management. In addition, studies will cover counselling, community development and legislation. The program includes seminars, collaborative projects and guest presentations that provide real-world experiences. Upon graduation, you’ll have a comprehensive set of human service skills that can be used in a wide range of settings and jobs.

Please note: The SSW program that starts in January at Yorkgate Campus runs consecutively through the summer and students will complete the two-year diploma in one and a half years.

As a graduate of this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you are eligible to pursue Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction program. This unique pathway allows you to earn a degree within two years (4 semesters plus a work-term) after completion of a summer bridging stream.

Completion of the summer bridging stream includes the following courses:

  • MHB399: Advanced Studies in Community Mental Health
  • MHB499: Health and Community Psychology
  • MHB599: Introduction to Mental Health and Addiction
  • MHB699: Crisis Counselling and Therapeutic Approaches
  • MHB799: Trauma Methods and practices in Community Mental Health

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • advocacy
  • counselling
  • facillitating group work
  • working with families 
  • case management
  • planning and evaluating programs
  • community work

Work Experience

Field Work

Over the course of your program, you will be required to complete a field work placement in a professional setting. This placement will help you explore roles in community, health, education and institutional environments. The minimum commitment is the successful completion of specific periods as set out in the field placement student contract. These periods are typically:

  • the equivalent of two full days per week in semesters two, three and four
  • full week block placements as scheduled throughout the program duration

Your Career

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

  • agencies serving at risk and vulnerable individuals, groups and communities 
  • shelters
  • schools
  • criminal justice system
  • mental health services
  • rehabilitation services

Success Stories

"I decided to pursue the Social Service Worker program at Seneca because I wasn’t exactly sure which avenue of education to go down. After some research, I found that social work was the ideal discipline to dive into more niche areas of study. This program gave me the time and experience I needed to explore what I really wanted to do with my life on a professional scale.”

Alex Pley
Graduate, Social Service Worker & Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health

Read Alex’s Success Story


"My experience at Seneca has been instrumental in my success within the field, allowing me to step into a vast range of roles with confidence. The SSW program offers such an intentional and relevant curriculum that I find myself referring to often now as I have begun my career. The faculty are leaders within the field who offer diverse experiences and challenge student’s learning in a profound way.”

Meghan Napier
Graduate, Social Service Worker (Accelerated)


"Enrolling in the SSW program at Seneca was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It not only enriched my knowledge around social justice issues but also connected me with a supportive community of like-minded individuals. The SSW program was the launchpad for my career, where I now serve as a crisis support worker with CMHA.”

Vee Maru
Graduate, Social Service Worker


"I decided to study at Seneca because of the practical program they offer. Being able to start placement in the second semester has really helped me put my interpersonal skills into practice. Seneca has prepared me with all the tools I need to succeed in the field. I look forward to being in placement every week and sharing my experiences in class afterwards to better my practice.”

Xio Rivera
Student, Social Service Worker

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