This program has been approved by the Private Training Institution Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.
NOC Code: 42201 (Social and Community Service Workers)
This Social Services Support diploma program prepares you to be an effective social services practitioner. Gain the knowledge, skills, and values needed to provide Social Services Support to individuals, families, groups, and communities. This program is ideal for those pursuing a career in community social services.
- Proof of grade 12 or equivalent.
- 19 years of age or older (all applicants)
- Criminal record
- Immunization
- Complete ‘Student Declaration – Social Services Support Worker Program’ form.
- Evidence of Language Proficiency Requirements (evidence of one of the following):
- Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12) have been successfully completed in the English language in a country where English is one of the principal languages. This may include successful completion of a BC Adult Graduation program. Applicants must produce transcripts as evidence of completion of grade 12 English with minimum of a “C” grade OR
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction. (Applicable to a country where English is one of the principal languages.) OR
- Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below.
Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: overall score of 5.5 or higher.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test: overall score of 40 or higher
- Duolingo English Test: overall score of 95 or higher
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: overall score of 46 higher
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: overall score of 43 or higher
Upon completion of the program, graduates can work in the below occupations list:
- community service worker
- crisis intervention worker
- developmental service worker
- drop-in centre worker
- family service worker
- group home worker
- income maintenance officer – social services
- life skills instructor
- mental health worker
- rehabilitation worker – social services
- social services worker
| Method of Delivery (reflect all methods used) | Contact Hours |
| Classroom (Instructor Led) | 620 hrs |
| Computer Based Training | 0 hrs |
| Distance Education | 0 hrs |
| Supervised Lab | 0 hrs |
| Practicum | 100 hrs |
| TOTAL 720 hrs | |
Learning Objectives/Outcomes
The Social Services Worker Diploma program prepares graduates for employment positions with social service agencies and organizations, residential programs, homes group, shelters and housing services, community health centers, and family service organizations throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed. Students will have an understanding of:
- You will gain a solid understanding of the social and community services available and the role of social services workers in improving the social welfare of individuals and communities.
- You will be able to recognize at-risk behaviors across a variety of groups.
- You will be able to describe the effects of psychoactive chemicals on target populations suffering with mental illness.
- You will be able to describe the effects of mental health in relation to addiction, diagnosis, and medications used in pharmacotherapies and the impact mental health may have on individuals or communities.
- You will be able to describe and discuss the issues, defining traits, intervention, prevention, and safety issues for those suffering with mental illness.
- You will be able to articulate the impact on the client-counselor relationship with respect to cultural and diversity issues.
- You will be familiar with resources available under the broad umbrella of the Canadian health care system.
Student Progress/ Assessment Methods
A final grade of 60% is required to pass each course unless otherwise indicated on a course outline. Generally, course assessment consists of quizzes, exams, and project-based assignments.
Attendance Expectations
85% of classes must be attended to achieve competency for this qualification
Graduation Requirements
Minimum C grade average is required for graduation
| Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
| SFCS100 | Strategies for College Success | 20 |
| ACSW100 | Addictions Fundamentals | 40 |
| ACSW200 | Social Service Work Fundamentals | 20 |
| PYSC100 | Psychology Fundamentals | 60 |
| SOCI100 | Sociology Fundamentals | 20 |
| PYSC110 | Ethics Fundamentals | 40 |
| ACSW300 | Self-Care Techniques | 20 |
| ACSW400 | Resources and Networking | 20 |
| PSYC130 | Interview and Intake Procedures | 60 |
| COMC150 | Professional Report Writing | 40 |
| ACSW500 | Family Studies | 40 |
| PSYC140 | Mental Health Fundamentals | 80 |
| PSYC150 | Behavior Analysis Techniques | 40 |
| SSPR100 | Work Experience | 100 |
| EMPL111 | Career Employment & Strategies | 40 |
| CARE500 |
Special Certificates * 8 hr/days* |
80 |
| Program Total | 36 weeks | 720 hrs. |
| Domestic Students | International Students | |
| Tuition | $7,920.00 | $10,700.00 |
| Application Fee | $150.00 | $250.00 |
| Assessment Fee | – | $150.00 |
| Text Books | $1,546.00 | – |
| Course Materials | $250.00 | – |
| Total | $9,866.00 | $11,000.00 |