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Social Service Worker

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Program Code: 01221
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: January, September
Program Length: 4 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber’s Social Service Worker diploma program prepares you to work with people in a professional helping role. Approaching your education from an anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and strength-based perspective, you will learn how to empower and advocate for people to meet their goals and to access needed services and programs.

You will develop an understanding of systemic barriers that impede people’s access to social and economic resources and learn how to work with individuals and communities to address these barriers.   

You will be taught by skilled, committed faculty, with real-life work experience in the human services field, on how to work with people of diverse backgrounds who are experiencing challenging life events including but not limited to poverty, settlement challenges, mental health issues and substance dependence, intimate partner violence, and post-traumatic stress.

You will study topics and develop skills in:

  • advocacy and case management
  • counselling
  • family dynamics
  • human behaviour and development
  • interpersonal skills
  • mental health
  • working with groups and communities

The Social Service Worker program is also offered part time.

Work-Integrated Learning  

As part of this program, you will apply your theoretical knowledge and practice human service skills by participating in totaling 600 hours with up to two organizations. You will work in the field (typically unpaid) two days per week over Semesters 2, 3 and 4 (200 hours each semester). Alongside this field experience, you will also complete coursework and attend a seminar class.

With the support of a dedicated field advisor, students will use job search skills to find, apply for and interview with organizations in order to secure their field experience. Once in the field, you will be supported by a seminar instructor who will guide you as you build your confidence and professional reputation.


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Life After SSW: Which Door Will You Choose?

Are you thinking about life after the Social Service Worker (SSW) program?

Come join us to learn from alumni as they share their pathway journey after graduating from the SSW program.


Take a Tour of Our Sim Labs

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Students in the Therapeutic Play Lab


Advisory Committee

Our advisory panel is made up of professionals with extensive experience in Human Services in a variety of settings in which Social Service Workers are employed. Some of these professionals are graduates of our program and many of their agencies host student placement opportunities.

Your Career

You will gain the skills needed to work with various social service agencies, organizations and centres serving equity-deserving and vulnerable groups such as at-risk women and youth, people experiencing homelessness,  newcomer groups to Canada, individuals with disabilities, and people with mental health and addiction challenges. Our graduates typically find work as:

  • case managers
  • community/family support workers
  • intake workers
  • mental health workers
  • outreach workers
  • residential case workers

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW)

Graduates may apply to become members of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW).

Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA)

Graduates may apply to become members of the Ontario Social Service Worker Association (OSSWA).

Additional requirements may apply.

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Jan 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Closed
Jan 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Closed
Jan 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Recruitment Events

Open House   Book a Tour  

Can't make it to campus?

Experience Humber Virtually  

Human Services Program Video

Jabari, Humber Hero

Watch the video to find out why our graduates entered the program and how it prepared them for a career in the Human Services sector.


News Feed

5th Annual Healing the Voice Within Fundraiser in Support of The Gatehouse

5th Annual Healing the Voice Within Fundraiser in Support of The Gatehouse

FSCS students and staff attended the fifth annual fundraiser in support of The Gatehouse, which took place at the Liberty Grand on Oct 5th, 2023.

Read the Full Article
Spotlight on SSW Community Partners

Spotlight on SSW Community Partners

Read more about our community partners: Albion Neighbourhood Services and Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Services.

Read More

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Sheria Myrie, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3339
sheria.myrie@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses: 
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Vulnerable Sector Check

  • Throughout the program, employers who provide field placement opportunities may require students to undergo a vulnerable sector check for criminal offences.
  • Mandatory bonding is a requirement for some sectors of the corrections field.

It is important for potential students to understand that the requirements noted above are beyond the control of Humber and may prevent students from completing the full program including the field placement component and/or securing employment. Applicants are advised to check the requirements for specific positions in which they are interested before enrolling in this program.

 

Note: A vulnerable sector check will be requested during your program of study. In respect of the 90-day limit on validity of checks and the types of checks required by various agencies, please do not attain a vulnerable sector check prior to being accepted to the program. Faculty will support students upon arrival to the program to ensure they apply for the correct type of police documentation at the appropriate time.

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $3,985.24
  • international: $17,589.38

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$400 – supplies (for one semester); transportation costs to and from field placement (varies).

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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