About Social Service Worker (ssw) in Seneca College

About the Program

In this two-year diploma program you will gain the required knowledge and skills for the human service field and be challenged to examine your own values and beliefs to make a meaningful contribution to the profession. Your studies will include a range of topics in styles of lecture and tutorial-based, utilizing assigned texts which stress interpersonal skills, group dynamics, interviewing, counselling, relationship-building, community development and social policy. By combining your theoretical knowledge and field placement experiences you will also take part in a variety of classroom, seminar and experiential modalities. Upon graduation you will possess a comprehensive set of human service skills which are transferable to a wide range of settings and employment options.  

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

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• Counselling

• Effective membership and leadership in group settings

• Working with families 

• Plan and evaluate programs

• Assess community resources

• Co-ordinate service delivery

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 employers waiting for you:

• Programs for youth, women and persons of disabilities
• Housing
• Community development
• Rehabilitation
• Mental health

Academic qualification equivalents

When applying to a Seneca degree program you must submit:

• High school transcripts for grades 10, 11 and 12 showing all program specific pre-requisite courses.

• Transcripts must include six (6) senior level courses equivalent to Ontario university preparatory credits with an overall average of 65%.
• High school/secondary school diploma (certificate of completion).
• You may submit transcripts or certificates for any completed university/postsecondary college courses or programs taken inside or outside of Canada.
• Academic records that are in a language other than English must include an official/certified English translation.
• Seneca reserves the right to verify submitted transcripts at any time. For courses and credentials earned inside of Canada, Seneca reserves the right to request original transcripts be sent directly to Seneca from the issuing institution. Applicants will be notified if this is needed.

When applying to a Seneca graduate certificate program you must submit:

• Complete university and college transcripts for all years of study.
• University or college credential (degree, diploma or certificate).
• A credential assessment from a recognized agency such as WES (World Education Services) may be required for some programs. Applicants will be informed by email if this is needed.
• Academic records that are in a language other than English must include an official/certified English translation.
• Seneca reserves the right to verify submitted transcripts at any time. For courses and credentials earned inside of Canada, Seneca reserves the right to request original transcripts be sent directly to Seneca from the issuing institution. Applicants will be informed by email if this is needed.

When applying to a Seneca certificate program and two- or three-year diploma program you must submit:

• High school transcripts for grades 10, 11 and 12 showing all program specific pre-requisite courses.
• High school/secondary school diploma (certificate of completion).
• You may submit transcripts or certificates for any completed university/postsecondary college courses or programs taken inside or outside of Canada.
• Academic records that are in a language other than English must include an official/certified English translation.
• Seneca reserves the right to verify submitted transcripts at any time. For courses and credentials earned inside of Canada, Seneca reserves the right to request original transcripts be sent directly to Seneca from the issuing institution. Applicants will be notified if this is needed.

English language requirements (one of the below):

Degree Programs and Graduate Certificate Programs

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0
• PTE: Minimum score 60

Certificate Programs, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Programs

• IELTS: Minimum 6.0 with no skill below  5.5
• PTE: Minimum score 58

Seneca College Highlights

Seneca College The Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the demands and requirements of the students attending Seneca College. To estimate the cost of things like food, accommodation, transportation, and other expenses, students can look at the table below.