Social Service Worker
Courses
Current
The nine-month (September through May) Certificate in Social Service Worker prepares students for employment at the entry level in a variety of social service and health-related agencies. The program provides a combination of academic, experiential and community-based learning and focuses on the theory and practice of delivering basic social services. Students take eight courses each term including Arts and Science support courses. The support courses may be taken in advance of entering the program. The program emphasizes practical skills that are transferable to a wide range of community social services including interviewing, problem solving, team-work, self-care, working in supervised environments, assessment, and referral.
The Certificate in Social Service Worker is awarded to students who successfully complete the two four-month terms and subsequent five-week block practicum. A Diploma in Social Service Worker (Co-ordinated) is awarded to students who have also completed an additional 10 courses (30 credits) of academic studies at Langara College.
Employment opportunities for graduates of the Certificate and Diploma in Social Service Worker vary based on new and emerging needs, funding priorities, development of new services, and expansion of existing programs. Graduates of the program find employment in both private and public sector agencies and in a variety of programs. Among the types of organizations and services that employ graduates are Neighbourhood Houses, youth service agencies, family centres, women’s programs, immigrant service agencies, rehabilitation centres, First Nations bands and councils, advocacy organizations, social and recreational programs, the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry for Children and Families.
In compliance with provincial legislation, the College requires the completion of a criminal record check (CRC) for students in this program. This CRC must be completed by students using the forms provided by the College. Students will be supplied with these forms via email once they are accepted to the program. There is a fee for students to complete the CRC. For more information visit the Ministry of Justice website.
Students must complete six credits of university-transferable English courses for which Langara College awards credit.
SSRV 1233 includes a five-week block practicum at the end of the program.
Students must complete six credits of university-transferable English courses for which Langara College awards credit.
Program option notes
Progression requirements: Students who have two unsuccessful attempts in one required program course, or have one unsuccessful attempt in two or more required program courses, will not be permitted to continue in the program unless the department chair has granted approval.
The program is demanding; therefore, students are advised to try to complete one or more of the academic support courses in advance of admission to the program.