George Brown College's Social Service Worker (SSW) is an innovative two-year program designed to guide you in developing the knowledge, values and skills to work directly with a wide range of people confronting the full breadth of social issues and challenges.

You will learn to identify and understand systemic barriers that can impede access to social and economic justice in today's society, and work with those most affected to break down those barriers.

As a student in this SSW program, you will examine the expanding professional roles and responsibilities of Social Service Workers in large urban centres and other communities within a rapidly changing society.

In addition to learning the theoretical models, methods and skills of social service work practice, you will study and develop skills in:

• group facilitation
• allyship and anti-oppressive practice
• counselling
• substance use and addiction
• social change and proposal development
• social innovation
• mental health

Apply to this SSW program if you:

• have strong interpersonal skills and are comfortable working with people and groups
• are committed to working toward a more just and equitable society
• are committed to examining the dynamics of power, oppression and social location
• are seeking to work with a wide range of individuals, groups and communities

Many of George Brown's Social Service Worker faculty have professional experience with:

• marginalized communities
• institutional health and social service organizations
• federal, provincial and municipal governments
• research and initiatives in social innovation
• a range of not-for-profit organizations and agencies
• direct practice with individuals, families, groups and communities

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

ACCELERATED SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER PROGRAM OPTION

George Brown offers a full-time, one-year accelerated Social Service Worker (SSW) program to university graduates with a degree in a related field such as psychology, sociology, women’s studies, environmental studies, education and cultural anthropology.

Students with degrees from other disciplines may be considered if they successfully completed a minimum of six relevant social science courses.

This SSW accelerated program option is also open to college diploma graduates, including:

• Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor/Advocate
• Child and Youth Care
• Community Worker
• Behavioural Science Technician
• Recreation Management in Gerontology
• Early Childhood Education

Find a complete list of degrees and diplomas considered for admission to the Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (C135) program.

SSW Pathways to BSW and MSW

George Brown College is a signatory of Colleges and Institutes Canada’s Indigenous Education Protocols, which reaffirms the importance of structures and approaches required to address Indigenous peoples' learning needs and support self-determination and socio-economic development of Indigenous communities.

In response to this and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, the Social Service Worker program is committed to developing the capacity of its students to work with the Indigenous individuals, families, groups and communities. The faculty acknowledge the support of Indigenous Education and Services at George Brown College and Negahneewin Council at Confederation College, who have helped them with this process. The Indigenous Learning Outcomes guide the integration of Indigenous learning into the curriculum.