Social Service Worker Certificate
Certificate
| Type | Part Time Full Time |
|---|---|
| Length | 1 year |
| Campus | Prince George Quesnel |
| Delivery | In Class |
| Fees* |
Estimated at $4,289.66
International Check fee schedule
*All fees are an estimate. |
| Starting Semesters | Fall 2027 |
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.
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 UT
ABST-100
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
Description
History and Traditions of the Carrier People. This course is based on the traditional knowledge holders of our communities who are versed in the traditional ways of knowing that is not written down in any text but passed down through oral traditions. The course provides students with an in-depth study of Yinka Dene culture, language, spirituality, community, and social structures. Elders and topics will focus on the Yinka Dene of the north central interior of British Columbia.ENGL-103
Typical Offerings
| Timing | All Terms, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
A study of grammar, composition, and style. A vigorous program of essay-writing plus a variety of writing assignments or exercises dealing with specific problems in essay-writing. Strongly recommended for students who wish to improve their writing skills.Required SSWK
SSWK-142
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course assists students in developing and refining basic helping skills through the use of lectures and experiential role plays, which integrate theory into practice. Lectures will primarily focus on theory, terminology, and the core skills of the helping activity. Participation in the lab portion of this course is expected and enhances the integration of counselling theories and strategies into direct practice. Role play activities allow students to practice skills and develop confidence.SSWK-145
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Course material provides an overview of communication theories as well as a practical basis for learning interpersonal skills. This includes discussions of how self-concept, perceptual process, language, and non-verbal behaviour influence communication. This course provides opportunities to increase selfawareness selfawareness and to improve and develop effective interpersonal communication skills. This course will also provide the student with the opportunity to develop confidence in public speaking.SSWK-151
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This course provides a basic introduction to social welfare policy in Canada, its historical development, and its role within the political and economic context of Canadian society. A major emphasis is placed on a review of the values and ideology implicit in various types of social welfare policy. Students will critically analyze the effect of social welfare policies on client populations and upon themselves as social service workers. Class discussions focus on northern issues.SSWK-171
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
Students are introduced to the practice of social service, its values, knowledge, and skill foundations. The principles and contributions of mutual aid, self-help, and natural helping networks are examined. The relationship between social service practice and the communities and organizations in which it takes place is a focus of discussion. Other discussion topics include current trends in the field of paraprofessional services, ethics, and the basic structure and function of social service agencies.Required prcaticum
SSWK-195
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course is designed to introduce first year students to the purpose and structure of the SSWK fieldwork experience referred to as "practicum." Students are introduced to the concept of experiential learning and its value in the learning process. Students and faculty explore the idea of praxis-the linkage of theory, skills, and practice-and discuss ways of achieving this through the practicum. They examine articles that explore various aspects of social service practice. Students are introduced to a range of social service agencies in the community and will then be interviewed for a practicum placement in SSWK 186 or SSWK 196.Required practicum choice
SSWK-186
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Students will perform activities at an Aboriginal social service agency site two days a week throughout the semester where they will construct a learning contract and receive guidance and supervision from an agency-based field supervisor. The seminar is designed to help students reflect on experiential learning, problem-solve issues and concerns that arise in the practical environment, and link theoretical components of their courses to actual practicum events in an Aboriginal social services environment. Students will continue the journal writing and peer feedback practices discussed in SSWK 195. Cannot also hold credit for: SSWK 196.SSWK-196
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel, Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Mackenzie |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Students will perform activities at a social service agency site two days a week throughout the semester where they will construct a learning contract and receive guidance and supervision from an agency-based field supervisor. The seminar is designed to help students reflect on experiential learning, problem-solve issues and concerns that arise in the practical environment, and link theoretical components of their courses to actual practicum events. Students will continue the journal writing and peer feedback practices discussed in SSWK 195. Cannot also hold credit for: SSWK 186SSWK course or CASS FASD ECCL elective from list
CASS-120
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
Description
Human development takes many diverse paths. CASS 120 examines disability as one expression of this richness. The common categories of disability are surveyed within the context of the person and his/her cultural, social and physical environments. Students will also explore how disability is viewed and valued in Canada, as well as some current examples of disability culture.CASS-130
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
Description
In CASS 130, you will evaluate the relationship between your personal and professional values, adopt a code of professional ethics to guide conduct in the workplace, and develop an approach to ethical decision-making. You will identify the ethical issues raised in a variety of short case studies, evaluate options for resolution, and make clear arguments for decisions made. The course also reviews law relevant to human service work in British Columbia.CASS-150
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
Description
In this course, life planning is presented as a process that values and empowers individuals and their families. Several person-centered methods to assess needs, make decisions, act, and evaluate are discussed. The course also surveys a variety of formal (e.g., education, social service) systems and informal (e.g., family) networks that support individuals with disabilities in fulfilling their life dreams.ECCL-150
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
An overview of the contemporary theories in growth and development from conception to 24 months are introduced. Genetics and environmental factors affecting development at the prenatal, neonatal, infant, and toddler stages are examined. Growth and development in the key developmental domains including social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language are discussed as part of ongoing life span development.ECCL-156
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This course examines a theoretical framework of guidance principles and techniques which support children's optimal development. Emphasis is placed on responding to the needs of the individual, promoting positive self-concept, fostering pro-social behaviour, and addressing the factors that may impact behaviours.CASS-160
Typical Offerings
| Timing | All Terms, Occasionally |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
Description
Developing and maintaining good health and wellness practices for ourselves and the people we support is the focus of this course. Emphasis is given to providing personal care in the most dignified and least intrusive ways possible. Topics covered in the course include good mental and physical health, personal hygiene, eating and nutrition, body mechanics, lifting and transferring, and medication safety, as well as the impact of drugs and alcohol, stress management and the challenges of aging.ECCL-175
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This course will examine the interrelationships between the home and the child care program. Attention is given to developing an effective culturally inclusive parent program curriculum to support the diverse nature of today's families. The learner will investigate the status of the Canadian family and the issues confronting it. The role of the Early Childhood Educator as an advocate for children and families will be emphasized.SSWK-225
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Occasionally |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This course provides an understanding of the implications of disabilities on people's lives from a social context. Students will examine attitude, values and predominant views of disability in Canadian culture. A focus of this course is on an empowerment approach to supporting people with disabilities.SSWK-232
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This course explores the various dimensions of death, loss, and bereavement. Various topics that will be explored are: dynamics of mourning, children and death, abnormal versus normal grief, grief and the family, suicide, last rites, funerals, etc. As a result of this course, students will learn to face and accept loss as a natural part of life and thereby learn how to be more supportive and helpful in encountering loss situations in both professional and personal spheres.SSWK-255
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
Students become acquainted with the values, assumptions, and issues underlying various approaches to helping. An emphasis is placed upon students developing a better understanding of their own personal helper values, assumptions regarding human behaviour, and styles of helping. The various ethical issues relating to being a helper are also examined.SSWK-257
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Occasionally |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This course explores the values, attitudes, and beliefs of the worker, and the knowledge and skills required to support and enhance wellness with individuals in the community who have mental illness. The focus is on policies and practices that are relevant to northern British Columbia, including work with individuals of First Nations descent. Students have opportunities to explore the nature of mental illness. Students learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of mental illness. Community resources and an overview of mental health services will be discussed. This student critically appraises the major existing theories.SSWK-263
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This course gives students a basic introduction to the issue of chemical dependency. An emphasis is placed on understanding theories used to explain the etiology of chemical dependency and various patterns of drug use and their impact on various groups in society. In addition, students will learn about the psycho-social impact of drug use on individuals and families, and students will learn basic skills of assessment and intervention with this population. Professional and ethical issues in working with the chemically dependent will be examined as well.SSWK-265
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
Description
This course is designed to examine policy, legislation and standards with specific application to child and youth care services in British Columbia. It examines systems of practice that include strengths-based, feminist and structural models. Particular focus is placed on Aboriginal colonization and assimilation within Canadian society and the continued over-representation of First Nation children in government care. Emphasis is placed on the essential need of permanency planning for children in permanent care of the system.SSWK-282
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
Description
This course surveys the various aspects of social service work with children. The three main theoretical models of child helping-the Adlerian model, behaviour modification, and general systems theory-will be examined in detail. Students learn how to apply these techniques in response to common behavioural problems in a variety of settings including the family, the community, and the school.FASD-301
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Burns Lake, Vanderhoof, Mackenzie, Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course is designed to provide a solid understanding of the unique complexities of FASD for students in the social service, education, justice and health related disciplines. This knowledge will add depth to their understanding of individuals/families and communities who access services in their chosen field. It begins with a comprehensive examination of the underlying causes of alcohol use during preganancy, the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and the resulting disabilities known as FASD. The contenct provides information needed for students to critically analyze and evaluate practice. Students will be required to demonstrate how the related disabilities can affect individuals' life outcomes. The prevalence and impact of FASD make this disorder an important area of studey for those in human service professions. Students will explore effective strategies for prevention and intervention at the family, community and professional levels. Their gained knowledge can be integrated into their practice once in the field.SSWK elective
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Spring 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Spring 2027 intake (January start), you must meet the following requirements:
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our 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 .
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Open for Applications |
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 for more details.
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.
