Social Service Worker

Lambton College’s Social Service Worker program prepares students to become empathetic, self-aware, and skilled professionals capable of supporting individuals, families, groups, and communities in achieving their full potential. The program emphasizes the development of core helping skills such as active listening, empathy, and reflective practice, alongside a strong understanding of personal values and professional ethics. Through a combination of classroom learning, technology-enhanced instruction, role-play, and simulation exercises, students build a deep awareness of themselves and how their perspectives influence their work with vulnerable populations.

The curriculum integrates theory with extensive practical experience, encouraging students to apply their learning through group work, leadership opportunities, and a capstone community project focused on real social issues in collaboration with local non-profit organizations. Students complete approximately 600 hours of supervised field placement, along with additional volunteer experience in the community, providing meaningful exposure to real-world social service environments. This blend of academic study and hands-on learning prepares graduates to support clients in building resilience and independence while responding effectively to complex social challenges.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.

What You’ll Learn

• Develop core helping skills such as empathy, active listening, and self-awareness for effective client support.
• Gain knowledge of social service values, ethics, and reflective practice when working with vulnerable populations.
• Build hands-on experience through simulations, role-play, group work, and a community-based capstone project.
• Complete approximately 600 hours of field placement plus community volunteer experience in real social service settings.