Social Service Worker

Canadore College’s Social Service Worker program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation needed to enter the dynamic field of social services. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, empowerment of marginalized communities, and professional ethics, while introducing students to Indigenous history and culture through dedicated coursework such as Canada’s First Peoples. Students gain a strong understanding of human development, trauma-informed practice, crisis intervention, substance use, and client assessment, equipping them to support individuals and groups across a range of challenging and diverse situations.

The program integrates classroom learning with meaningful work-integrated learning experiences, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world community settings. Through these placements, learners develop competencies in professional communication, documentation, collaborative relationship-building, and service delivery across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Graduates are prepared to work in environments such as residential facilities, schools, community health centres, shelters, and addiction and mental health services, using anti-oppressive and strengths-based approaches to support self-advocacy, resilience, and overall well-being while maintaining ethical and professional standards.

Admission Requirements

• OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) or equivalent.

What You’ll Learn

• Develop skills in trauma-informed practice, crisis intervention, and client assessment to support individuals and communities.
• Learn principles of social justice, ethics, and advocacy, including empowerment of marginalized populations.
• Gain knowledge of human development, substance use, and Indigenous history and culture in Canada.
• Build practical experience through placements, strengthening communication, collaboration, and service delivery skills.