Overview
Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career helping people in need? Earn an introductory career in Social Services with a Social Service Worker Certificate from CNC. As a Social Service Worker, you will work with a variety of individuals needing social assistance, on a daily basis.
Careers
Upon completion of this program, you can find work in a variety of areas including but not limited to:
- Residential child care services
- Residential adult care services
- Women’s and men’s programs
- Group homes
- Shelters
- First Nations social services organizations
What you will learn
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. Not sure if you want a Certificate or a Diploma? 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. The credits earned toward your certificate can also transfer to the diploma program upon completion.
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
Choose One Of
Electives
One SSWK Elective
AND
One of the following:
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 2025 |
Prince George |
In Class |
1 year |
| Fall 2025 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
1 year |
Entry Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent.
- English Studies 12, or English First Peoples 12, or equivalent (minimum
“C”).
- Completion of application package.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Completed acceptance package must be submitted by date indicated in the package. Incomplete certifications or documentation will prevent students from entering the practicum.
- Criminal Record Check (RCMP criminal record checks are not accepted)
Students must complete a provincial Schedule B criminal record search because there is a practicum component involving work with vulnerable people. A search which identifies relevant criminal convictions may prevent students from registering for practicum.
Note: All costs associated with certifications, courses, and/or documentation requirements are the student’s responsibility.
It is recommended that all successful candidates have current:
- Proof of current immunization status as outlined by the BC Centre for Disease Control and as outlined in the Practice Education guidelines
- TB screening: Negative TB skin text or negative chest x-ray
- Emergency level first aid
- Food Safe certification
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention certification
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification
- Valid class 5 driver’s license
These recommendations are considered assets for employment in the Social Service Worker field. All costs associated with certifications, courses and/or documentation requirements are the student’s responsibility.
Limited admission
If there is room in the program, the student will be accepted once they have met all the admission requirements. This is called “first qualified, first accepted.” If the student qualifies after the program is full, they will be put on a wait
list.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Based on skills and knowledge acquired through life and/or work experience, students may be able to obtain course credits in the Social Services Worker Program. Through an assessment process, students applying for PLAR credit will document and demonstrate
their capabilities based on identified competencies and the learning objectives of the SSWK course for which they seek credit.
This option applies to SSWK 195 and SSWK 186/196, the practicum components of the program. To explore this option, please see a CNC Academic Advisor for assistance with initiating a Prior Learning Assessment application. Applications will be considered
per institutional policy.
For more information, please contact CNC Academic Advising.
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $4,289.66
These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.