Do you enjoy helping those in need?
With a Social Service Certificate, you can find work in residential child/adult care services, men’s and women’s programs, group homes, shelters, First Nations social services organizations, and more.
This program gives you the basic skills and knowledge needed for work as a social service paraprofessional. It combines theory and classroom instruction with practical experience.
Social Service Worker Certificate Courses
With a one year Social Service Certificate, you can find work in residential child/adult care services, men's and women's programs, group homes, shelters, First Nations social services organizations, and more. This program gives you the basic skills and knowledge needed for work as a social service paraprofessional. It combines theory and classroom instruction with practical experience.
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
Human Services Elective
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.
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
SSWK Elective
One SSWK Elective
| 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 2020 |
Prince George |
In Class |
9 months |
| Fall 2020 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
9 months |
Entry Requirements
- Successful completion of one of the following:
- Grade 12 with English 12 or English 12: First Peoples
- ABE/Academic Upgrading Advanced Certificate plus English 045
- GED Certificate plus English 045 or English 12 or English 12: First Peoples
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Note: For all of the above, you must have a minimum “C” grade in English 12 or English 12: First Peoples/English 045.
- 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.
Note 1: You’ll have to undergo a criminal record search, Schedule B, through the Ministry of Justice. Any costs are your responsibility.
Note 2: 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.
Note 3: It is recommended that all applicants have current certificates in Emergency-level first aid and FoodSafe. Certifications in therapeutic crisis intervention or non-violent crisis intervention are also valuable assets for work in the field.
Note 4: To do a practicum, you must obtain a “C” grade or higher in all social service worker courses.
Note 5: A minimum grade of “C” in all SSWK courses is required to graduate with a SSWK certificate.
Note 6: 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 Applied 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.) For the complete policy, see Ten Year Timeline for Program Completion Policy #E-1.37 available on the CNC Policy web page.
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 $3,765.
These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.