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Social Service Worker - Gerontology (SSWG)

Starts in January, September

Location
Duration
4 Semesters (2 Years)
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma
School
School of Community Services

About the Program

Canada now has more people over age 65 than any other age group and there is a great need for skilled and trained professionals to work with older adults. 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 infield placement and participate in additional educational training. As a student 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 are prepared to confidently enter the workforce.

Read more about this program.

As a graduate of this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you are eligible to pursue Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health 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

To practice in Ontario as a "Social Service Worker" or a "Registered Social Service Worker", you must apply for registration in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). As a graduate of this program, you will meet the education requirement 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 coordination and navigation
  • Interpersonal communications skills related to working with bereavement and grief
  • Assessment of client’s needs and strengths
  • Advocacy

Work Experience

Field Work

As a student of this program, if you meet all the academic requirements, you will have the opportunity to participate in a field placement. You will work in a professional capacity and will be evaluated on the basis of an approved three–part learning contract as agreed by you, the approved fieldwork agency and the Seneca SSWG program. With the support and assistance from your professor, you will play an active role in securing your placement.

Fieldwork days are typically:

  • Equivalent of two full days per week in semesters two, three and four
  • Full week block placements as scheduled throughout the program duration
  • One placement at a residential setting and one placement at a community agency which provides services to seniors

Your Career

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of employers waiting for you:

  • 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

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