Social Service Worker Certificate
Acquire relational and communication skills for practice with individuals in distress and involved in programs in human service agencies. Learn to exhibit compassion, non-judgment, intercultural awareness and ethical attributes. This program includes a field education course in a community social service agency. Graduates work in child and youth care settings, schools, transition houses, group homes, peer counselling programs and other social service agencies.
Career Opportunities
- Aboriginal Outreach
- Addiction Services
- Child and Youth Support
- Community Outreach
- Crisis Intervention
- Family Service and Support
- Group and Transition Homes
- Hospitals and Public Health
- Women's Shelters
Program Requirements
The Social Service Worker certificate is equivalent to the first year of the campus and OL Human Service diploma. All 30 credits from this program ladder into the Human Service diploma.
Professional Development
Not a program student? You can register in all Social Work (SOCW) and Human Services (HUMS) courses except HUMS 1601, Human Service Field Practicum.
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 or equivalent or mature student status
- English Studies 12/English First Peoples 12 with a minimum of 73% (or equivalent)
- Two letters of reference (After processing your program application, the Admissions team will provide you with a web link to an online reference form for you to provide to your two referees.)
Admitted Students
If you are admitted to the program, you must complete a Consent to a Criminal Record Check before you start a practicum placement.
Residency Requirements
6 or more TRU credits (online or on-campus)
Certificate Requirements
30 credits total, with a GPA of 2.00 for each course required for completion of this credential, as follows:
Core Knowledge Requirements (27 credits)
- ENGL 1101: Introduction to University Writing
- HUMS 1541: Interpersonal Communications and Helping Relationships
- HUMS 1561: Introduction to the Family in Human Service Practice
- HUMS 1581: Introduction to Professional Human Service Practice
- HUMS 1771: Introduction to Human Service Practice with Indigenous Communities
- HUMS 2231: Introduction to Working with People who use Substances
- CYCA 2001: Introduction to Professional Foundations of Child and Youth Care
- Six credits of Arts courses
Practicum (3 credits)
- HUMS 1601, Human Service Field Education - Year One
The practicum is 190 hours minimum. It is usually offered part-time, although may be arranged in alternate formats. Practicums are held during three annual placement periods (fall, winter, and summer) and have required pre-requisites and concrete document submission deadlines.
