Campus
Duration
4 Semesters (2 Years)
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

Statistics Canada reports that people over the age of 65 account for nearly 20 percent of the total population. This has created a demand for trained professionals to work with older adults. A lot of our students have multiple career opportunities to pursue upon graduation. This two-year diploma program combines the knowledge, professional values and skill sets of social service to assist older adults to maintain independence and a good quality of life. The program focuses on a holistic strength-based approach, current legislation and best practices.

Along with your studies in mandated government initiatives and service delivery models for working with seniors, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a 220-hour field placement and participate in additional educational training. You will engage in personal reflection and growth, work within a team, apply professional ethics, and successfully achieve the Ministry Vocational Learning outcomes so you can confidently enter the workforce. Once you complete the program, you are eligible to apply for registration in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (see below for more details).

Please note: The SSWG program that starts in January at King 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

Provincial Registration

As a graduate of this program, you will meet the educational requirements to be eligible to apply for registration in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). To practice in Ontario as a "Social Service Worker" or a "Registered Social Service Worker," you must apply for registration. For more information, please visit ocswssw.org

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

  • therapeutic program planning
  • individual and group modes of facilitation
  • interventions with clients, families and significant others
  • service co-ordination and navigation
  • interpersonal communications skills related to working with bereavement and grief
  • assessment of client’s needs and strengths
  • advocacy

Work Experience

Field Work

Students in this program will have the opportunity to participate in a field placement. During your placement, you will gain hands-on experience and establish valuable networking connections. Many students in this program receive multiple high-paying job offers in anticipation of completing their studies.

Throughout your placement, you will work in a professional capacity and your performance will be evaluated based on an approved three-part learning contract. This contract will be agreed upon by you, the approved fieldwork agency and the Seneca SSWG program. Your Field Placement Coordinator will provide support and assistance throughout the process, enabling you to secure a placement that aligns with your career goals.

Fieldwork commitments typically involve:

  • Two full days per week during semesters two, three and four, amounting to approximately 220 hours per semester. 

  • Block placements scheduled throughout the program, where you will engage in full-time work for one week at a time.

  • One placement at a residential setting and another placement at a community agency that offers services to seniors. This arrangement allows you to gain diverse experience in different environments, further enhancing your understanding and skills in the field.

Your Career

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

  • Government agencies
  • Not-for-profit agencies and facilities, such as long term care facilities, group homes, and community agencies providing services to older adults living in the community such as adult day programs

  • For profit facilities such as retirement homes

  • Co-ordination of home support services

  • Supportive housing co-ordination

  • Co-ordination of volunteer programs

  • Therapeutic recreation/activation

Success Stories

“I want to thank my professors who provided me with the knowledge and skills that helped me secure a management-level, full-time job as a resident and family experience co-ordinator. I truly believe that I made the perfect decision to join the social service worker gerontology program at Seneca.”

Aditya Harinarayan Iyer

Graduate, Social Service Worker – Gerontology

Ravneet Kaur

“I would like to share my happiness at getting a job as a social service worker at Extendicare Lakeside LTC. I give my professors credit for my knowledge and skills. I learned everything from Seneca and hope to return in the future to complete my higher education.”

Ravneet Kaur

Graduate, Social Service Worker – Gerontology

Lori Gray

“CHATS offered me the job as an Alternate Level of Care Co-ordinator/Caregiver Education Counsellor. I am very excited to get started with such an important community service. Seneca and my professors have given me a new start in life. Thank you for all your support.”

Lori Gray

Graduate, Social Service Worker – Gerontology

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