Social Service Worker

Durham College’s Social Service Worker program combines academic study with hands-on experience to prepare students for the complex and evolving field of community and social services. The program emphasizes the development of front-line interviewing and counselling skills, enabling students to effectively support individuals and groups across a variety of settings, including group homes, shelters, mental health and addiction services, employment programs, and senior services. Through a blend of theory and applied learning, students gain a strong foundation in social service work practice, grounded in ethics, professionalism, and social justice.

In addition to core counselling and communication skills, the program provides training in community development, crisis intervention, group work, and social welfare policy. Students learn to assess client needs, design and deliver responsive services, and work collaboratively within diverse communities while understanding the broader social, political, and economic factors that impact service delivery. Graduates are prepared to practice using anti-oppressive and strengths-based approaches, support self-advocacy, and maintain professional standards in documentation and communication, with eligibility to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.

What You’ll Learn

• Develop front-line interviewing and counselling skills to support individuals and groups in diverse settings.
• Gain knowledge in crisis intervention, community development, group work, and social welfare policy.
• Build competencies in addiction and mental health support, along with ethical and professional practice.
• Learn to design and deliver inclusive, anti-oppressive services while supporting client self-advocacy and well-being.