Social Services Worker Field Placement FAQs This page provides essential information about field placement requirements, procedures, and options for students enrolled in the Social Services Worker (SSW) program under Professional and Part-Time Learning. Please review these FAQs for details on placement documentation, registration processes, eligibility criteria, and other important information to help you successfully prepare for your placement experience. What documents are required for my field placement? The following are the documents required for each of the SSW field placements: SSW Field Placement Application Form Remote Work Health and Safety Pre-Placement Checklist (for remote and hybrid placements only) Entry Immunization Form Students are required to obtain a Canadian Criminal Reference Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Screen, completed within one year prior to commencing placement. Standard First Aid & Level C CPR (Note: Online and hybrid (online & in-class) courses will only be accepted if WSIB-approved.) Student Declaration of Understanding Informed Consent for the Release of Personal Information Online Training Modules (accessed via PPL’s DC Connect Application Modules): Workplace Hazardous Materials Information (WHMIS) Module Completion Certificate Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA) Module Completion Certificate Workplace Violence and Harassment Prevention Module Completion Certificate Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps Module Completion Certificate Can I do my placement in person or remotely? In-person, remote, and hybrid format options are available. These options require pre-placement documentation to be submitted according to the term's deadline dates. Remote placements can be secured at agencies anywhere in Canada, provided the agency is willing to support this option and can meet the learning objectives and supervision requirements for each placement. How do I register? Students in all placement programs will receive permission to register (via email from the Placement Officer) only when all of their documentation has been reviewed and approved by both PPL and Synergy Gateway. If applicable, final grades from the previous semester’s prerequisite courses must also be posted. This process takes time, and your patience is appreciated. Grades are typically not available until within the week of the start date of the following term. Am I required to find my own placement? Yes. Students in the Social Services Worker program are required to research and secure each of their placements. This may require an in-person interview with the agency supervisor prior to being accepted at the agency. What credentials does my agency supervisor need to have? Direct supervision during placement should be provided by a field placement supervisor who is appropriately credentialed. Your supervisor must have credentials in Social Work, Social Service Work, Psychology, Sociology, Addictions, and/or Mental Health (e.g., SSW Diploma Graduate, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the noted disciplines, and/or registered with OCSWSSW – Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers) and be an experienced employee of the placement agency familiar with the social services field. Are there any agency restrictions? SSW placements cannot be completed in daycare settings. School settings: Not all school boards employ SSWs working within their scope of practice. Students are not permitted to contact schools in the Durham District School Board to request placements. Many school boards outside of Durham Region will not respond to students requesting SSW placements. It is recommended that students research community social service agencies to find their placements. Hospital settings: SSW placements do not typically take place within a hospital setting/system. Hospital placements can take a considerable amount of time to secure. It is recommended that students research community social service agencies to find their placements. Some agencies may require clearance documentation that differs from Durham College’s requirements. Students must meet the agency’s requirements in order for the agency to approve the student to attend placement. If you have further questions about the suitability of an agency type, please contact the Placement Officer at pplplacements@durhamcollege.ca. Can I do my placement in another province? Field placements in this program can be completed in another province. May I do my placements at the same setting? Students are required to secure a different placement agency for Levels 2 and 3 than the agency secured for Level 1. In addition to meeting the learning outcomes and SSW program requirements, this also provides a greater variety in experience and greater flexibility in the job market. Please note: Each placement level must be completed in separate semesters. Paperwork requirements and deadlines will apply to each placement/term separately. Am I able to challenge my field placements? All SSW placements are eligible for PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition). For more information on the PLAR process and eligibility, please call 905-721-3053 or email plar@durhamcollege.ca. For detailed information about Paperwork Submission Deadlines and the Field Placement Process, click here. If you have additional questions, please contact us here.
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