Social Service Worker Certificate
Introduction
This certificate program is designed for those seeking the knowledge and skills to enter the field of social services or to upgrade a current position. Social service providers implement a variety of social service programs and community services. They provide assistance and support to service users who are dealing with personal and social issues. Many social service providers are employed in non-profit and government agencies.
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Certificate to Diploma or Degree
Human Services Diploma or Social Services Worker Diploma
Completing courses in the Social Service Worker Certificate program will provide you with transfer credits toward a Human Service Diploma or Social Services Worker Diploma. The Social Service Worker Certificate courses will transfer directly into the TRU Human Service Diploma program, a two-year program available through Thompson Rivers University at its Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses. Refer to BC Admissions and Transfer Experiences for information about transferring to other diploma programs. Please contact the College or University in your area for more details.
Bachelor of Social Work
Two of the courses in the Social Services Worker Certificate Program (SOCW 2061 - An Introduction to Social Work Practice and SOCW 2121 - Social Welfare in Canada) meet the requirements for many Bachelor of Social Work degree programs throughout Canada including Thompson Rivers University. Completing courses in the Social Service Worker Certificate program is a way to acquire many other transfer credits toward entry requirements in the TRU Bachelor of Social Work degree program. Refer to BC Admissions and Transfer Experiences for information about transfer credits for other BSW programs in BC. Please contact the University in your area for more details.
Employment Opportunities
- Child and youth care settings
- Community service agencies
- Correctional facilities
- Crisis intervention centres
- Family service centres
- Financial assistance agencies
- Group homes
- Mental health facilities
- Peer counselling programs
- Schools
- Transition houses
- Other social service agencies
Find more information on employment trends and opportunities at www.workfutures.bc.ca.
This program offers courses in social work theory and practice, counselling skills, lifespan development, social services and social science. Program students are also required to complete the skills practice courses HUMS 1541, Interpersonal Communications and HUMS 1611, Interviewing Human Service Practice.
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Admission Requirements
Entrance Requirements
- SOCW 2061, Introduction to Social Work Practice (3)
- There is an English requirement that may be fulfilled in several ways:
- Sixty documented hours of people-oriented volunteer or paid work experience in public or private social service agencies in the last five years. See page 9 of the Social Service Worker Certificate Application Supplement form
for more details.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record - Check PDF for more details
- Personal statement (minimum three typed pages). This statement is separate from the paragraph you write for the Social Service Program Application Form. In this statement you will describe how personal and professional experiences have prepared you for the program and elaborate on how the program will enhance your personal and professional goals.
- Completion of the Social Service Program Application Form, which includes a discussion of three cases.
Note: The Friendship Centre scenario option on the Social Service Program Application Form refers to an Indian Friendship Centre and so in your response, you must be sure to include cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Phone interview with the program coordinator.
- Completion of a Grade 12 program or the Adult Graduation Diploma is recommended.
The Program Admission/Transfer Credit form and Social Service Worker Certificate application supplements are required to be completed and submitted when applying for the program. The Social Service Worker Certificate application supplements are provided in PDF format to download and print (nine pages).
Residency Requirements
- 6 credits of TRU coursework
Current Requirements
| Course Acronym |
Course Title |
Credits |
| ENGL 1101 |
Composition |
3 |
| SOCI 1111 |
Introduction to Sociology I |
3 |
| HUMS 1541 |
Interpersonal Communications and Helping Relationships |
3 |
| HUMS 1581 |
Professional Human Service Practice |
3 |
| HUMS 1611 |
Interviewing Skills for Human Service Practice |
3 |
| HUMS 1771 |
Intro to First Nations Studies and Human Service Practice |
3 |
| SOCW 2121 |
Social Welfare in Canada |
3 |
| SOCW 3551 |
Human Development |
3 |
| HUMS 1671 |
Social Welfare Field Practicum (6) (final course) |
6 |
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Course Schedule
| ENGL 1061, Written Communication |
| Continuous Enrolment |
|
| SOCW 2061, An Introduction to Social Work Practice |
| Continuous Enrolment |
|
| SOCI 1111, Introduction to Sociology I |
| Continuous Enrolment |
|
| HUMS 1541, Interpersonal Communications and Helping Relationships |
| Summer Start Date: May 14, 2012 |
Registration Ends: May 10, 2012 |
| HUMS 1581, Professional Human Service Practice |
| Summer Start Date: May 14, 2012 |
Registration Ends: May 10, 2012 |
| HUMS 1611, Interviewing Skills for Human Service Practice |
| Summer Start Date: May 14, 2012 |
Registration Ends: May 10, 2012 |
| HUMS 1771, Intro to First Nations Studies and Human Service Practice |
| Summer Start Date: May 14, 2012 |
Registration Ends: May 10, 2012 |
| SOCW 2121, Social Welfare in Canada |
| Continuous Enrolment |
|
| SOCW 3551, Human Development |
| Continuous Enrolment |
|
| HUMS 1671, Social Welfare Field Practicum (6) (final course) |
| Continuous Enrolment |
|
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Social Service Field Practicum
The Field Practicum in HUMS 1671 is offered in a choice of one of two delivery time frames. Students may choose a part-time option where they are placed 3 days a week for 10 weeks in a community agency, or they may elect to arrange a practicum for a 6 week full-time, placement (210 hours in total). The minimum course completion time is fifteen weeks.
The program coordinator will assist the student in obtaining a suitable practicum placement in communities close to a student's residence, both within and outside of BC and will give final approval to the arrangements. Please contact the Program Coordinator at olsocialwork@tru.ca to begin the process of obtaining your practicum. The field placement is based on availability and resources in the community the student selects.
You must be accepted into the Social Services Worker Certificate program in order to be eligible for a practicum. All courses in the program must be successfully completed before you can start your practicum.
The course has two parts. The independent study consists of work outlined in the course study guide, which includes theory, activities, practice, and assignments. The direct work experience consists of client focused activities and job tasks assigned within an agency.
Punctual attendance and active participation is required. Students are responsible for all costs associated with practicum placements, which may limit enrolment due to geographic location, time of year, space and enrolment. A practicum placement cannot be guaranteed in a specific residential area
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Student Testimonials
 |
Completed an Open Learning course when the on-campus option didn't fit her schedule. » more |
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Contact
Email Student Services for more information.
Students are responsible for consulting with the TRU-OL program coordinator to ensure that courses selected are appropriate for the program of study or to meet future educational goals.
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