Social Service Worker

Algonquin College’s Social Service Worker diploma program prepares students for front-line roles in social services, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to support individuals, groups, and communities facing a wide range of personal and social challenges. Through a combination of theoretical learning and applied experience, students are trained to work with populations affected by issues such as poverty, homelessness, addiction, violence, disability, family crisis, loss and separation, unemployment, oppression, and resettlement, while developing a strong understanding of ethical and professional practice.

The program includes extensive field education, with three semesters of placement totaling nearly 700 hours, allowing students to apply classroom learning in real service settings and strengthen their engagement with communities through practice and applied projects. Graduates develop competencies in ethical communication, accurate documentation, and collaborative relationship-building while working within legal and professional standards. They learn to design and deliver responsive, inclusive services across micro, mezzo, and macro levels, grounded in anti-oppressive and strengths-based approaches that support self-advocacy, resilience, and dignity. The program also emphasizes critical awareness of social policy and systemic factors, alongside strategies for maintaining personal well-being in demanding human service roles.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.

What You’ll Learn

• Build practical front-line skills to support individuals, families, and communities facing challenges such as poverty, addiction, homelessness, and family crisis.
• Gain hands-on experience through approximately 700 hours of field placement across diverse social service settings.
• Develop competency in ethical practice, professional communication, documentation, and collaboration within legal and workplace standards.
• Learn to apply anti-oppressive, strengths-based approaches while understanding social policy, systemic barriers, and community needs.