Skip to content

Social Service Worker

Showing program information for start dates between
Program Code: 01221
CIP Code: 44.0000
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: January, May, September
Program Length: 4 semesters
Program
Standards:
View
Learning
Outcomes:
View All
Save Page: Share Download

Start this January and you could win an iPad Prize Pack.* See details.

Make September 2025 your time to shine. Apply on us and get your $150 application fee back.* See details.

Program Overview

Humber’s Social Service Worker 2-year diploma program, including 600 hours of field placement, prepares you to work with individuals, families and communities 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.

This program will help you 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
  • crisis intervention and trauma-informed approach
  • family dynamics
  • human behaviour and development
  • interpersonal skills
  • mental health and addiction

The Social Service Worker program is also offered part-time.

Winter Accelerated Schedule - If you start in January, the program operates on an accelerated schedule, meaning students will graduate in the subsequent Spring. Given the program has four semesters, taking a full course load during the summer semester is necessary.

Work-Integrated Learning  

In this program, you will apply your theoretical knowledge and practise human service skills by participating in 600 hours of field experience. You will work in a social service organization (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 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.


Take a Tour of Our Sim Labs

student standing in the court of justice

Student dusting bottle for fingerprints

Student using the driving simulator

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.


Recorded Information Sessions

Watch our recorded information sessions to learn more about the program and how it can boost your career.

Who is the program for?

Who is the Program for?

Learn more about the Social Service Worker program and if it's right for you.

About the courses

About the Courses

Former program co-ordinator Sheria Myrie discusses the courses and learning outcomes.

Program pathways

Program Pathways

There are multiple careers and pathways available upon graduation.


Alumni Testimonials

Sean Harraher headshot

Sean Harraher

Sean has worked in various roles since graduation and appreciates working in a team-oriented environment where he gets to make a difference in others' lives. Read More
Jemeisha Williams headshot

Jemeisha Williams

Following graduation from the SSW program, Jemeisha made the decision to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work and has since also completed a master's in the field. Read More
Jodi Kenny headshot

Jodi Kenny

Since graduating from Humber, Jodi has completed a Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work at Laurentian University and worked various positions in their field. They now pursue a Master's degree. Read More
Avion Campbell headshot

Avion Campbell

Following graduation, Avion accepted the position of Human Rights and Equity Advisor (HREA) at the Bluewater District School Board. Read More

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 in government, non-government and private organizations 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
Jan 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
May 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Closed
May 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based Lakeshore Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Closed
May 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Jan 2026 Course-Based Lakeshore Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

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

Spotlight on Community Partners June 2024

Spotlight on Community Partners June 2024

Work-Integrated Learning & Community Partners

Learn about our community partners for the Social Services Worker, Child & Youth Care (degree & diploma), and Community and Justice Services programs.

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

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

Program Highlights

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

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic 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.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

A Humber education is second to none, benefit from:

Sign Up   to be notified of upcoming recruitment events and activities.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

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.

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.

Lisa Morris

, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622
lisa.morris@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 was:

  • domestic: $4,043.44
  • international: $17,647.58

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  
loading gif