George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Work that makes a difference
If you have a passion for working with people and want to learn how you can help create meaningful social change, consider applying to our Social Service Worker (SSW) program. Whether it’s working with individuals, families, communities or government, you’ll learn how challenges that face urban communities, like mental health, homelessness and poverty, impact everyone regardless of social status. By examining fundamental issues like these you’ll gain a deep understanding of how systemic barriers can impact marginalized communities. You’ll also learn to identify what opportunities exist for change and what role you can play in shaping the future.
Students who succeed in this program often have strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
Ready to apply?
Social Service Worker Program Features
You will study and develop skills in:
- group facilitation
- allyship and anti-oppressive practice
- counselling
- substance use and addiction
- social change and proposal development
- values, ethics and professional practice
- mental health well-being
You can learn more about our programs below.
Apply Now and Start in May 2026
Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (C135)
Apply to this condensed program stream if you have an existing diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Visit the C135 program page for more information.
Apply Now and Start in September 2026
Social Service Worker (C119)
Apply to this two-year program stream if you have a high school diploma or are a mature student.
Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Visit the C119 program page for more information.
Get hands-on experience
To solidify classroom theory, we’ve designed our program to include a significant amount of field experience. Regardless of which program stream you enrol in, you’ll be immersed in the field for approximately 550 hours over two academic semesters. And, with over 350+ agency and community partnerships across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), you’ll have access to a variety of organizations that deal directly with social services, community development, social justice or advocacy initiatives.
Interested in a career in human services but don't have the academic qualifications?
Our Human Services Foundations preparatory program will help you strengthen your academic skills and prepare you for entry-level employment in the human services sector and/or further education in a variety of human services-related diploma programs.
Have questions?
Contact School of Social & Community Services at:
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2185 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Email: communityservices@georgebrown.ca
To contact one of our Social Service Worker Program Co-ordinators, please email sswcoordinators@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown Polytechnic, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.