Social Service Worker

Courses

• Semester One
• COMM1048 College Writing Skills
• This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.
• PSYC1015 Development Across the Lifespan
• This course is designed for the learner to examine human development across the lifespan, including the impact of genetics and environment on developmental outcomes from conception to death. The learner will be able to identify biological, cognitive, and psychosocial variables that impact the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals, families, and communities. The learner will identify and evaluate strategies to meet the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families, and communities in adherence to social service worker standards of practice.
• SSWP1000 Relational Approach to Awareness
• This course is designed for the learner to develop the capacity to plan and implement anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice in responsive programs and services that meet the diverse needs of all individuals, groups, families, and communities, including the capacity to work with indigenous communities while respecting their inherent rights. This is a structured learning experience that is designed to facilitate the examination of intrapersonal and interpersonal self-awareness and the acquisition of knowledge and comprehension. The learner will develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care in an ever-changing and diversified world.
• SOCI1007 Sociological Foundations of Social Service Work
• This course is designed for the learner to examine the diverse needs and experiences of all individuals, families, groups, and communities in the context of social policy, political/social/historical, and economic systems. Through the development of a Sociological Imagination, the learner will be able to identify and address their impact on service delivery by employing a structural lens to understand personal struggles.
• SSWP1010 Theory of Relationship Development
• This course is designed for the learner to develop respectful, collaborative, and interpersonal relationships to work effectively in a team-oriented social service environment. The learner will be introduced to the theory of group work using an experiential approach. The structured learning experiences will enable learners to develop their group skills and become productive members of a team. The learner will be able to identify strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human service profession.
  Prerequisite: SSWP 1002
• GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker
• This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

• Semester Two
• COMM1055 Diversity, Marginalization & Oppression
• This course will enable students to recognize the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities and identify change strategies that promote social and economic justice and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination.
• ETHI1017 Ethical Considerations & Professional Practice
• Students will examine the role of a professional social service worker within the context of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Students will develop appropriate professional decision-making skills and knowledge to practice within an ethical framework. Students will acquire field placement and career readiness skills through learning about professional development, reflective practices, and professional standards.
• COUN1030 Foundational Concepts in Interviewing & Counselling
• This course is designed to help participants recognize the need to develop and maintain professional relationships, identify strengths, resources and challenges of individuals, families, groups and communities to assist them in achieving their goals.
• COMM1078 Preparation for Social Service Work, Field, and Professional Communication
• This course is designed for the learner to develop effective communication skills that include the collection and documentation of information accurately. The learner will be able to communicate professionally in written, digital, verbal, and non-verbal ways in adherence to the social service worker standards of practice. Students will develop professional career readiness through job search plans, job interview skills and preparation of career search documentation.
  Prerequisite: COMM 1048
• PSYC1005 The Mental Health Continuum
• Students examine the causes of abnormal behavior, psychological factors and physical illness as well as major psychological disorders. This course is not intended to help students solve behavioural or emotional problems requiring professional assessment and response.
  Prerequisite: PSYC 1015
• GNED General Education Elective
• General Education Courses

• Semester Three
• COUN2022 Applied Concepts: Interviewing & Counselling
• This course focuses on progressive learning of communication and supportive counselling skills. A programmed approach to advance development of interview skills is combined with the use of digital recording and self-assessment. Topics covered include learning to structure a full counselling interview, understanding the skills required, and the ability to assess competencies and plan improvement strategies.
  Prerequisite: COUN 1030
• SSWP2006 Case Management & Service Coordination
• This course focuses on the case management skills required for the field of social service work. Students will learn the roles and responsibilities associated with client service delivery, and will demonstrate standard case management practices from intake to file closure. Grounded in an empowerment-based approach, this course will examine the complexities of providing support to and planning with service recipients. This includes a review of the legal and ethical requirements of social service workers.
• SSWP1002 Delivering Human Services
• Students will learn to broker and advocate for appropriate access to resources to assist individuals, families, groups and communities through the creation of professional networks, while identifying current social policy, relevant legislation and political, social and/or economic systems and acknowledging their impacts on service delivery.
• WKPL2084 Field Practicum 1
• This course will provide learners with an opportunity to apply their knowledge of social service work through an in-depth inquiry into the types, breadth and requirements for specific placements within the SSW field through a robust collaborative planning process with the placement coordinator and faculty. In a supervised environment, students will begin to explore opportunities to execute critical professional performance elements, such as in-person assessment, advocacy, collaboration
  and documentation, all within the OCSWSSW scope of practice.
  Prerequisite: COMM 1078, COMM 1048, SSWP 1000, SSWP 1010, PSYC 1015, SOCI 1007, COMM 1055, PSYC 1005, ETHI 1017
• SOCI2005 Working with Families
• Participants will examine the multiple variations in family structure and the changing role of the Canadian family in today’s society. Various styles and problems of modern family living will be explored using current literature and personal life experiences. The course will focus on issue and personal awareness and implications for service delivery using family-centred and strength-based approaches.

• Semester Four
• SSWP2010 Building Community Capacity
• This course is about community development and promoting social change and social justice. Learners will learn about social activism and how individuals and movements have had major positive impacts in changing oppressive practices. Learners will be able to identify community needs and gaps in service, design a program to address the need and write a formal funding proposal.
• WKPL2085 Field Practicum 2
• This course will provide learners with an opportunity to extend their existing knowledge of placement through an in-depth inquiry into the types, breadth and requirements for specific placements within the SSW field through a robust collaborative planning process with the placement coordinator. In a supervised environment, students will continue to explore opportunities to execute critical professional performance elements, such as in-person assessment, advocacy, collaboration
  and documentation, all within the OCSWSSW scope of practice.
  Prerequisite: WKPL 2084
• SSWP2011 Indigenous Perspectives
• Learners will demonstrate the ability to utilize a trauma informed approach, identify culturally safe practices, respect and support self-determination, and promote justice, equality and access to appropriate services with Indigenous individuals and communities.
• SOCI1008 Law & Legislation for Social Service Worker
• This course supports the development of an inclusive practice framework for social service workers including social policy, law and a range of problem-solving methods that promote human rights, social justice and social cohesion.
  Prerequisite: SOCI 1007
• GNED General Education Elective
• General Education Courses

*Courses subject to change.