Make a career out of helping others.
With a Social Service Worker Diploma, you can find work in residential child/adult care services, women’s and men’s programs, group homes, shelters, First Nations social services organizations, and more.
Diploma or certificate?
Students at the diploma level work in situations requiring greater independence and a higher level of skill than expected in the Social Service Worker Certificate.
Social Service Worker Applied Diploma Courses
With a two year Social Service Worker Applied Diploma, you can find work in residential child/adult care services, women's and men's programs, group homes, shelters, First Nations social services organizations, and more. Students at the diploma level work in situations requiring greater independence and a higher level of skill than expected in the Social Service Worker Certificate.
Required Courses
Three credits from SSWK or other human service discipline (e.g., AECE, CASS, ECCL, FASD, OASW) *
*Note: Only 3 credits from a human service discipline other than SSWK can be used to satisfy the SSWK elective demands.
A minimum grade of C in all SSWK courses is required to graduate with a SSWK Diploma
Required Courses
SSWK Electives: 5 Courses
5 SSWK Electives needed
* SSWK and UT courses can only be used once for credit towards either the SSWK Certificate or the SSWK Diploma.
* Only 6 credits from a human service discipline other than SSWK can be used to satisfy the SSWK elective.
* A minimum grade of “C” in all SSWK courses is required to graduate with a SSWK Diploma.
* Courses must be completed no more than 10 years prior to graduation date.
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2021 |
Prince George |
Online |
2 years |
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
- Grade 12 with English 12 or English 12: First Peoples
- ABE/CCP Advanced Certificate plus English 045
- GED Certificate plus English 045 or English 12 or English 12: First Peoples
Note: For all of the above, you must have a minimum “C” grade in English 12 or English 12: First Peoples/English 045.
Plus the following:
- Two references from a Social Service employer, volunteer supervisor, teacher, or social service professional, attesting to your personal suitability for work in the field.
- A work/volunteer experience resumé. You must have at least 30 verifiable hours of volunteer experience in the past three years.
- A written statement (maximum four pages) on your interest in the social service field, your understanding of what the field is about, and types of attributes you possess that would make you a viable candidate for this program.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Notes
- You’ll have to undergo a criminal record search, Schedule B, through the Ministry of Justice. Any costs are your responsibility.
- It is recommended that all successful candidates have current TB testing and a complete immunization regime as per Northern Health recommendations for health and social service worker students.
- It is recommended that all applicants have current certificates in Emergency-level first aid and FoodSafe. Certifications in therapeutic crisis intervention and suicide prevention are also valuable assets for work in the field.
- To do a practicum, you must obtain a “C” grade or higher in all social service worker courses.
- A minimum grade of “C” in all SSWK courses is required to graduate with a SSWK certificate.
- Courses must be completed no more than 10 years prior to the date of graduation in order to count toward the following credentials: Social Service Worker Certificate, Social Service Worker Diploma, and Social Service Worker (UT) Diploma. This policy applies to CNC courses and to all courses transferred from other post secondary institutions for credit at CNC. Courses more than 10 years old may be considered for unassigned credit. Students should contact the Dean to discuss this option. (Please note that professional certification or accreditation bodies and receiving institutions may have different criteria.)
Advanced standing
Based on the skills and knowledge the student has acquired through his or her life and/or work experience, the student may be able to obtain course credits in the Social Service Worker Program via SSWK 100, SSWK 101, and SSWK 201.
Through this assessment process, the student documents and demonstrates his or her capabilities based on identified competencies and learning objectives of the SSWK course for which s/he is seeking Advanced Standing credit.
Courses eligible for Advanced Standing will be determined by the instructor and may include up to three of the following: SSWK 145, SSWK 195, SSWK 196/199, SSWK 225 in conjunction with CASS 120, and SSWK 263. The Advanced Standing option is available in the Fall term only.
For more information, please contact CNC Academic Advising.
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $7,244.
- Year 1: $3,765
- Year 2: $3,480
These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding. Visit Financial aid to find out how.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities board.
International Fees
The estimated cost for this program is $29,102.
This cost is an estimate and subject to change. This does not include registration fees, text books, medical insurance or living expenses.