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Ontario College Diploma
Program Description
In addition to theoretical models, methods and skills of social service work practice, you will receive extensive training in community organizing and development, crisis intervention, group work, and life skills methodology.
As a graduate of the Social Service Worker program, you will be eligible to register as a social service worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers: www.ocswssw.org
Admission Requirements
Program Admission
Note: Please do not send official transcripts by mail or fax. An electronic copy of your transcript can be emailed to us at ppladmissions@durhamcollege.ca with your program admission form.
Students are required to complete and submit this form to indicate that the program's admission requirements have been met.
Click to access the Program Admission Form
This form must be submitted and an Admission Acceptance Letter received prior to registering for any courses.
Program Of Study
Students are required to print or save a copy of the Program of Study when beginning the program. This document contains critical details about program progression and graduation requirements specific to the academic year in which your program was started.
Click to access the Program of Study for the current academic year.
Students who began this program prior to the current academic year may contact the Professional and Part-Time Learning office at ppl@durhamcollege.ca or 905-721-3052 to obtain your Program of Study and graduation requirements.
General Education Electives: This program requires the completion of General Education Elective (GNED) courses in addition to core program courses.
Click to access General Education Elective Course Options
IMPORTANT NOTE: Some programs may have restrictions on the specific GNED courses that students are able to take to fulfill their program requirements. For Professional and Part-Time Learning students, these restrictions are identified on the link above. For those in full-time, day school programs, please consult your academic school for confirmation of any GNED restrictions for your program before registering.
Field Placement
This program contains three field placement courses.
For details, including paperwork submission deadlines, please visit the Field Placement Page.
For additional, program-specific field placement questions, please read the Social Service Worker Field Placement FAQs.
Please also be advised of the following:
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be equipped to:
Career Options
Potential career and industry options may include:
Pathway Opportunity
Graduates may also be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College's partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities.
Please visit the
Transfer Guide for more information.
Related Credentials and Courses
Graduates interested in further professional development may be interested in the following courses/programs:
Children's Mental Health Certificate
Fundamentals of Addiction Certificate
Managing Responsive Behaviours in Older Adults Stacked Micro-credential
Thanatology Certificate
Qualified graduates can apply to Durham College's:
Addictions and Mental Health program
Youth Justice and Interventions program
Program Related Questions? Call 905.721.3052
If you are interested in applying for financial aid, please visit the Professional and Part-Time Learning OSAP Eligibility webpage.