Programs

Program Description

The Social Services Worker Diploma program provides opportunities for students to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and qualifications to enable them to work in the human services worker field.

Career Prospects

Paraprofessionals in a variety of social service and health agencies. Typical jobs include Financial Assistance Worker, Youth Probation Officer, Residential Service Worker, Social Work Assistant, Mental Health Worker, Family Support Worker, Supported Employment, Community Living Worker, Transition Houses, Women’s Programs, Aboriginal Support Worker, and Family Violence Worker.

Details

Location: Dawson Creek Campus

Length: 60 weeks

Start: September

Fees: Current Fee Schedule 

Admission Prerequisites

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent with C or better in Grade 12 English or English 12 First Peoples.
• Completion of Writing Assessment, if required.
• One professional and one personal reference letter.

OR

• Successful completion of the Social Services Worker Bridging Certificate.

• Attend program orientation session.

Important Notes

1. The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAid BC to apply for financial assistance online.
2. A Solicitor General Criminal Record Check is not a program admission requirement, but all SSWD students must complete a Criminal Record Check before or shortly after admission to the program. Students are obligated to report any Schedule B criminal convictions that occur after they authorize a Criminal Record Check, but are still enrolled in the SSWD program.
   • Criminal Record Check Consent Form 
3. Graduates can receive Block Transfer Credit into the Bachelor of Social Work program at University of Northern British Columbia.
4. Graduates can also receive block credit transfer into the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication program at Royal Roads University.
5. The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council. Download a PDF of the Program Completion Guide.

APPLY NOW for the Social Services Worker Diploma program

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Program Instructor: Connie Kaweesi

Courses

• ENGL100 Academic Writing
• FNST100 Aboriginal Peoples of Canada OR ANTH203 Contemporary Canadian Native Peoples
• PSYC101 Introduction to Psychology I
• PSYC102 Introduction to Psychology II
• PSYC211 Developmental Psychology
• PSYC220 Interpersonal Communications
• PSYC235 Structure and Dynamics of the Family OR SOCI204 The Family in Canada
• SOWK200 Introduction to Social Work Practice
• SOWK201 Introduction to Social Welfare
• SSWD110 Introduction to Human Services Work
• SSWD120 Ethics and Practice
• SSWD210 Methods of Intervention and Practice Areas
• SSWD220 Practicum and Seminar
• WMST100 Introduction to Women's Studies

Note: Pre-requisites for ENGL 100
Applicants who do not have at least a 'B' in English 12 (or English Literature 12) or at least a 'C' in a university-level English course must complete the NLC Writing Assessment and discuss the results with a Recruiter at Student Services before registering in 100-level English courses. Recruiters consider performance on the Assessment in conveying recommendations about appropriate courses.

TWO of the following:

• SOCI101 Introduction to Sociology I
• SOCI102 Introduction to Sociology II
• ANTH101 Cultural and Social Anthropology I
• ANTH102 Cultural and Social Anthropology II
• CRIM101 Introduction to Criminology
• CRIM103 Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour
• CRIM131 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• CRIM135 Introduction to Canadian Law and Legal Institutions

ONE of the following:

• ENGL105 Nonfictional Prose
• ENGL110 Introduction to Workplace Communications (Online)
• ENGL111 Poetry and Drama
• ENGL112 Prose Fiction

ONE of the following:

• POLI101 The Government of Canada
• HIST104 Canada, Post-Confederation

Optional Courses (Electives):

• Students will complete the Academic (University Transfer) requirements with two additional courses (total 6 credits) of their choice (100 or 200 level in any area).
• Students should consider post-diploma plans when choosing between alternatives in the required courses and when choosing electives.
• Students should consult with receiving institutions to ensure that they have the required courses for Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
• Academic credits taken at Northern Lights College can also be used toward an Associate of Arts Degree or Pre-Professional Certificate programs.