Social Service Worker – Human Services Diploma
Program Details
Diploma in Human Services with a concentration in Social Service Worker
Overview
Program Summary
These programs provide the second year of training in a specific human services field and prepare students for work in a variety of multidisciplinary settings.
Practicum experience in community agencies develops your working knowledge of partnerships, hands-on training in the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and employment opportunities within your client group.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate professionalism in practice consistent with the code of ethics and standards of practice of their respective disciplines
- Use effective interpersonal skills, including active listening, collaboration, self-awareness and conflict resolution within multi-faceted roles and contexts
- Understand and respect cultural differences and multiple ways of knowing
- Practice from an ethic of inclusivity
- Establish and maintain wellness strategies to assure work/life balance both personally and professionally
- Engage in critical thinking, problem-solving and reflective practice
Program Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Completion of English Studies 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 60% or higher
- A minimum of 30 hours paid or voluntary work experience with appropriate groups
- Applicants who have previously completed a related certificate and are returning for entry into the second year of a Human Services Diploma are required to provide evidence of completion of a certificate in ECCE, EACSW, SSW or equivalent within the last five years. Acceptance for those who graduated prior to five years will be based on evidence of work in the human service field and/or professional development.
- Applicants with 30 university transfer credits related to human services work, work experience in a related field, and the personal suitability requirements of the certificate programs will be considered for entry into the second year of a Human Services diploma on an individual basis.
Additional Requirements
- An official copy of all secondary and post-secondary transcripts
- Two completed Human Services reference forms
- A 30-hour work experience form completed by a supervisor who has observed the applicant in a volunteer or paid work situation is required
- Proof of a negative tuberculosis test or of a clear chest X-ray that is less than 6 months old for those who have been requested to have this from our community partners
- A current criminal record check from the Ministry of Justice. Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit acceptance in field placement; acceptance into field placement is a requirement for program promotion.
- Current resumé
- Personal statement of interest (250 words)
- An orientation session is required and will be arranged by the program designate
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. CERTIFICATE, ADVANCED CERTIFICATE& DIPLOMA PROGRAMS
Students applying to the diploma program immediately following completion of a Human Services Certificate Program, may request that the contents of their file be transferred.
2. PART-TIME STUDIES IN HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS
a) Acceptance to an individual course does not constitute admission to the program. All program admissions will be considered according to Part I, A: Admissions Requirements.
b) The ECCE, EACSW, SSW Certificate programs and the Human Services Diploma program may be completed on a part-time basis depending on number of spaces available. Students choosing to complete a program on a part time basis must meet with a program coordinator, councillor and/or School Chair at the time of acceptance to plan a course of studies.
c) Students who have been accepted for part time studies and are in good standing academically will normally be accepted upon re-application to the next term. Refer to Part II, Section B, Promotions re: academic requirements.
Graduation and Promotion
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
B. PROMOTION
1. In order to progress to the next semester, the following requirements must be met.
a) Completion of all courses in the semester with a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.00 and a grade of a “C” or better in all semester courses.
b) Promotion to the second year of the Diploma program requires a cumulative GPA of 2.33 during the first year of studies or School Chair approval
2. Promotion to practicum will be determined by the following criteria:
a) A grade of "C" or better in all required courses as defined in Part II, C, Graduation Requirements.
b) Some types of criminal records may limit or prohibit a student's acceptance in field placement agencies. Ability to be accepted into field placement is a requirement for admission and promotion.
3. A student’s performance will be reviewed by program faculty when:
a) Grades in one or more courses fall below a “C”.
b) Unacceptable behaviour, inappropriate interpersonal skills, and/or patterns of absence are displayed (as outlined in program policies).
c) On probation.
4. Considerations for practicum placement:
a) Practicum placements are normally completed within the College region.
b) To avoid a conflict of interest, students are expected to inform instructors of agencies where family and/or personal connections exist.
c) Practicum placements will be arranged by a program instructor.
d) Agency staff will be informed if a student has refused to sign a waiver authorizing the College to share personal information about the student with agency staff.
5. Students will not be placed in practicum based on the following:
a) The student has not demonstrated readiness for practicum placement.
b) Two agencies refuse to accept the student in practicum placement.
c) The student lacks means of transportation.
6. Practicum evaluation will be based on:
a) A review of the student's performance in relation to stated course competencies.
b) A joint review comprised of college instructor, agency supervisor and student.
c) Completed practicum assignments.
In order to graduate with Honors students must meet all program requirements with no grades less than a B- and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Program Courses
Upon successful completion of your first year below are the second year courses.
Term 4
Required courses
HSER254 | Core Concepts in Human Services | 3.00 | 45 |
HSER258 | Fundamentals of Change I | 3.00 | 45 |
INDG287 | Introduction to Indigenous Teachings and Practices | 3.00 | 45 |
| | | |
HSER276 | Issues in Youth | 3.00 | 45 |
| Or | | |
ELECTIVE | ELECTIVE | 3.00 | 45 |
| | | |
GERO200 | Contemporary Issues in Gerontology | 3.00 | 45 |
| Or | | |
ELECTIVE | ELECTIVE | 3.00 | 45 |
| | | |
PSYC240 | Child Development | 3.00 | 45 |
Term 5
Required courses
HSER255 | Professional Foundations for Human Services | 3.00 | 45 |
| | | |
HSER257 | Mental Health Issues: Practical Responses | 3.00 | 45 |
| Or | | |
ELECTIVE | ELECTIVE | 3.00 | 45 |
| | | |
HSER259 | Fundamentals of Change II | 3.00 | 45 |
HSER281 | Directed Studies Methods | 3.00 | 45 |
PSYC241 | Adult Development | 3.00 | 45 |
Term 6
Required courses
HSER280 | Advanced Human Service Practicum | 5.00 | 210 |
Additional Program Policies