Social Service Worker Program (Fast-Track) (C135)

Social Service Worker (Fast-Track) is an innovative one-year program (three semesters) designed to guide you in developing the knowledge, values and skills to work directly with a wide range of people in need. You will have the opportunity to learn to identify and act upon many of the systemic barriers that can impede access to social and economic justice in today’s society.

Students will examine the expanding professional roles and responsibilities of social service workers in large urban centres and within a rapidly changing society.

Apply to this program if you are a university graduate with a degree in a related discipline such as:

• psychology
• sociology
• women’s studies
• environmental studies
• education and cultural anthropology

OR

A college graduate* with a diploma in:

• Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor/Advocate
• Child and Youth Care (formerly Child and Youth Worker)
• Community Worker
• Behavioural Science Technology
• Career and Work Counsellor
• Activation Co-ordinator/Gerontology
• Early Childhood Education

*George Brown College graduates can apply directly to the SSW fast-track program (C135) Semester 2.

Find a complete list of degrees and diplomas considered for admission to the SSW C135 fast-track program.

Students must successfully complete a 5-week bridging program that begins in May prior to entering into the Fall semester.

Additional fees will apply for the Spring/Summer semester. Note: Students are not eligible for OSAP for the Spring/Summer semester.

In preparation for field placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups within classes and community settings.

As part of the Social Service Worker (Fast-Track) program, you will have the opportunity to participate in approximately 550 hours of supervised field experience.

With a network of over 350 social services agencies that provide specialized community-based services and supports to a wide range of people across the Greater Toronto Area, you’ll have the chance to find an experience that matches an area(s) of interest.

Note: In compliance with the requirements of our student placement partners, all students in this program must have a police vulnerable sector check completed before their field placement. These reference checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” Students who are unable to provide a clear police reference check may be unable to complete their field placement and, therefore, be unable to complete the program. Students will be required to provide a clear police reference check prior to placement.

Note: Under review and subject to change effective Fall 2018.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Develop and maintain professional relationships which adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
2. Identify strengths, resources, and challenges of individuals, families, groups, and communities to assist them in achieving their goals.
3. Recognize diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families, and communities to promote accessible and responsive programs and services.
4. Identify current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, and/or economic systems and their impacts on service delivery.
5. Advocate for appropriate access to resources to assist individuals, families, groups, and communities.
6. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners.
7. Develop strategies and plans that lead to the promotion of self-care, improved job performance, and enhanced work relationships.
8. Integrate social group work and group facilitation skills across a wide range of environments, supporting growth and development of individuals, families, and communities.
9. Work in communities to advocate for change strategies that promote social and economic justice and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination.

*Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in fall 2017. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in fall 2018 and at later dates.

‡May semester fees are paid separately.