Social Service Worker
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code1203
- Credential TypeOntario College Diploma
- SchoolSchool of Community Care and Public Safety
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- LocationAshtonbee Campus
- EmailPublicSafetyandCommunityCare@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
- Technology RequirementsCareerExplorerPlugin
- PGWP AlignedYes
- CIP Code44.0000
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Advising Services
- Indigenous Studies
The Centennial College Social Service Worker program prepares you to become a critical practitioner, advocate, problem solver, and agent of social change. Throughout your studies, you will explore the expanding roles and responsibilities of Social Service Workers within a rapidly evolving social landscape. You will build the knowledge, skills, values, and ethical foundations required to work effectively with diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities.
This two-year diploma, grounded in an anti-oppressive and social justice framework, integrates core Social Service Work principles with applied skills and reflective practice. You will engage deeply with themes such as anti-Black racism, Indigenous worldviews and approaches, power, privilege, and oppression, interpersonal communication, counselling, community development, case management and advocacy, mental health, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care, power and social movements, and social policy. These learning experiences form the essential foundation for your professional practice. Through critical thinking and self-reflection, you will examine how personal values, social ideologies, and structural forces shape both social problems and the solutions we create.
Graduates leave the program prepared to begin their journey as emerging social change practitioners. With a Social Service Worker diploma from Centennial College, you will be equipped to work in a wide range of settings, including governmental organizations, community agencies serving adults, children, youth, and seniors; homeless shelters, shelters for individuals, families, women, and youth; organizations supporting people with developmental disabilities or those on the autism spectrum; food banks, employment centres, and settlement agencies.
These examples reflect only a fraction of the wide-ranging opportunities available ranging opportunities available to graduates. With Social Service Worker diploma, you are equipped to work across a wide variety of community and human‑service settings. Your training prepares you to contribute meaningfully to multiple sectors of the social service field.
Successfully completing the Social Service Worker program will give you the ability to:
- Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
- Record information accurately and communicate effectively in written, digital, verbal and non-verbal ways, in adherence to privacy and freedom of information legislation, in accordance with professional and workplace standards.
- Integrate a practice framework within a service delivery continuum, addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities at micro, mezzo, macro and global levels, and work with them in achieving their goals.
- Plan and implement accessible and responsive programs and services, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities, and meeting these needs.
- Examine current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, historical, and/or economic systems and their impacts for individuals and communities when delivering services to the user/client.
- Develop strategies and approaches that support individual clients, groups, families and communities in building the capacity for self-advocacy, while affirming their dignity and self-worth.
- Work from an anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice, recognizing the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals and communities when responding to the diverse needs of marginalized or vulnerable populations to act as allies and advocates.
- Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human service profession.
- Work with individuals, groups, families and their communities to ensure that service provider strategies promote social and economic justice, and challenge patterns of oppression, discrimination and harassment, and sexual violence with clients, coworkers and communities.
- Develop the capacity to work with the Indigenous individual, families, groups and communities while respecting their inherent rights to self-determine, and to identify and address systemic barriers that produce ill-effects, developing appropriate responses using approaches such as trauma informed care practice.
- Develop creative approaches to social service work practice that meet social enterprise objectives and the needs of a changing workforce.
Program Overview
The Centennial College Social Service Worker program prepares you to become a critical practitioner, advocate, problem solver, and agent of social change. Throughout your studies, you will explore the expanding roles and responsibilities of Social Service Workers within a rapidly evolving social landscape. You will build the knowledge, skills, values, and ethical foundations required to work effectively with diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities.
This two-year diploma, grounded in an anti-oppressive and social justice framework, integrates core Social Service Work principles with applied skills and reflective practice. You will engage deeply with themes such as anti-Black racism, Indigenous worldviews and approaches, power, privilege, and oppression, interpersonal communication, counselling, community development, case management and advocacy, mental health, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care, power and social movements, and social policy. These learning experiences form the essential foundation for your professional practice. Through critical thinking and self-reflection, you will examine how personal values, social ideologies, and structural forces shape both social problems and the solutions we create.
Graduates leave the program prepared to begin their journey as emerging social change practitioners. With a Social Service Worker diploma from Centennial College, you will be equipped to work in a wide range of settings, including governmental organizations, community agencies serving adults, children, youth, and seniors; homeless shelters, shelters for individuals, families, women, and youth; organizations supporting people with developmental disabilities or those on the autism spectrum; food banks, employment centres, and settlement agencies.
These examples reflect only a fraction of the wide-ranging opportunities available ranging opportunities available to graduates. With Social Service Worker diploma, you are equipped to work across a wide variety of community and human‑service settings. Your training prepares you to contribute meaningfully to multiple sectors of the social service field.
Successfully completing the Social Service Worker program will give you the ability to:
- Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
- Record information accurately and communicate effectively in written, digital, verbal and non-verbal ways, in adherence to privacy and freedom of information legislation, in accordance with professional and workplace standards.
- Integrate a practice framework within a service delivery continuum, addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities at micro, mezzo, macro and global levels, and work with them in achieving their goals.
- Plan and implement accessible and responsive programs and services, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities, and meeting these needs.
- Examine current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, historical, and/or economic systems and their impacts for individuals and communities when delivering services to the user/client.
- Develop strategies and approaches that support individual clients, groups, families and communities in building the capacity for self-advocacy, while affirming their dignity and self-worth.
- Work from an anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice, recognizing the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals and communities when responding to the diverse needs of marginalized or vulnerable populations to act as allies and advocates.
- Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human service profession.
- Work with individuals, groups, families and their communities to ensure that service provider strategies promote social and economic justice, and challenge patterns of oppression, discrimination and harassment, and sexual violence with clients, coworkers and communities.
- Develop the capacity to work with the Indigenous individual, families, groups and communities while respecting their inherent rights to self-determine, and to identify and address systemic barriers that produce ill-effects, developing appropriate responses using approaches such as trauma informed care practice.
- Develop creative approaches to social service work practice that meet social enterprise objectives and the needs of a changing workforce.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Companies Offering Jobs
Toronto and GTA agencies that have hired Social Service Worker program graduates include: Agincourt Community Services, Central Neighbourhood House, City of Toronto, Springboard, Senior Link, Tropicana Community Services, Toronto Social Services, Woodgreen Community Centre, and Touchstone Youth Services, among others.
Program Highlights
- The Social Service Worker program curriculum is reviewed annually to ensure that courses are current, relevant, and grounded in evidence-based research and best practices in the field.
- Program faculty members are all trained in social work and social work practice, and have extensive education, knowledge, expertise and field experience.
- During your two years in the program, you will have the opportunity to obtain a Specialized Academic Certificate in Indigenous Knowledges: First Peoples in Canada.
- Two specialized field placements will provide you with valuable opportunities to integrate classroom learning, knowledge and skills in professional practice. Facilitated two days per week in the third semester and three days per week in the fourth semester, these experiences may include a variety of settings (governmental services, community centres, settlement agencies, social service agencies, shelters, residential group homes, employment counselling agencies and educational institutions, among others).
- As a Social Service Worker student, you will have the opportunity to apply for an international field placement in your final semester. The program has a history of strong partnerships with global organizations.
- Learning experiences will include community engagement, developing and writing funding proposals, social action plans, as well as simulated client interviews and assessments.
- You will have the opportunity to engage in interprofessional collaboration and practice with other programs within the College community, such as Early Childhood Education, Police Foundations, Community and Justice Services, and Nursing.
Career Outlook
- Intake Worker
- Policy Intern
- Youth Worker
- Youth Program Coordinator
- Employment Counsellor
- Mental Health Worker
- Community Facilitator
- Case Manager
- Community Outreach Worker
- Shelter Worker
- Shelter Supervisor
- Residential Case Worker
- Residential Supervisor
- Settlement Worker
- Youth Worker
Education Pathways
Graduates of this Social Service Worker diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are institutions offering pathways for this program.
Please note that each receiving institution has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving institution.
| Institution | Degree |
|---|---|
| Algoma University | Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple majors |
| Bachelor of Arts - Community Development (3-year) | |
| Bachelor of Arts in Community Economic and Social Development (3-year) | |
| Bachelor of Science in multiple majors | |
| Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | |
| Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | |
| Honours Bachelor of Social Work | |
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts in Multiple Majors |
| Brock University | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology |
| Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Women's and Gender Studies | |
| Conestoga College | Bachelor of Community and Criminal Justice |
| Bachelor of Community Mental Health and Wellness (Honours) | |
| Bachelor of Early Learning Program Development | |
| Durham College | Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science |
| Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health | |
| Georgian College | Bachelor of Counselling Psychology (Honours) |
| Griffith University | Bachelor of Human Services |
| Humber Polytechnic | Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science |
| Honours Bachelor of Community Development degree completion | |
| Lakehead University | Bachelor or Honours Degree in Multiple majors |
| Honours Bachelor of Social Work | |
| Laurentian University | Honours Bachelor of Arts - Multiple majors (some programs offered in French) |
| Honours Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology | |
| Honours Bachelor of Social Work | |
| Honours Bachelor of Social Work in Indigenous Social Work | |
| Nipissing University | Bachelor of Arts Honours Specialization, Specialization or Major (four year) in Sociology |
| Bachelor or Honours Bachelor of Arts in Multiple Majors | |
| Bachelor of Arts with Honours Specialization or Specialization in Social Welfare and Social Development | |
| Ontario Tech University | Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies |
| Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | |
| Facilitating Adult Learning with Technology (undergraduate diploma) | |
| Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science | |
| Queen's University | Bachelor Degree in Arts and Science |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Seneca Polytechnic | Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction | |
| Sheridan College | Honours Bachelor of Social and Community Development |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies |
| Bachelor of Health Administration - 2 year (Degree completion) | |
| Bachelor of Social Work | |
| Trent University | Bachelor of Arts (Hon) in Policing and Community Well-Being |
| Honours Bachelor of Social Work | |
| University of Guelph-Humber | Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Social Services from the University of Guelph and Social Service Worker diploma from Humber |
| University of New Brunswick | Bachelor of Applied Management |
| University of Ottawa | Honours Bachelor of Commerce for non-business related program |
| Windsor, University of | Bachelor of Arts Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (3 year) |
| Honours Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies for CAAT Graduate | |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Honours Bachelor of Social Work |
| Wilfrid Laurier University - Brantford | Honours Bachelor degree in multiple majors |
| York University | Bachelor of Arts in multiple majors |
| Honours Bachelor Degree in Multiple majors |
Visit our search page at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/ for more information on pathways and transfer credits.
You can use this Education Pathways Checklist as a guide to help with your education journey.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Educational Partners
Qualified graduates of the Social Service Worker program at Centennial College may apply to continue their post-secondary education with select universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow you to apply for academic credit for learning obtained at Centennial College.
Professional Associations
To practice in Ontario as a Social Service Worker or a Registered Social Service Worker, graduates must apply for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). As a graduate of the SSW program at Centennial College, you will meet the educational requirements for registration. For more information, please visit www.ocswssw.org.
Placement Partners
Our Field Placement partners include: Agincourt Community Services, Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf, City of Toronto, Community Living Toronto, Distress Centre Durham, East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club, Native Child and Family Services, Pathways to Education, Riverdale Immigrant Women's Centre, Springboard, Toronto District School Board, Toronto Employment Social Services, WoodGreen Community Services, YMCA of Greater Toronto, YWCA Girls' Centre, among many others.
Areas of Employment
Graduates from the Centennial College Social Service Worker Program are well recognized in the helping field because of their anti-oppressive framework and understanding, their professional competencies and job readiness.
There is a high demand for Social Service Workers in:
- Social service organizations
- Settlement services
- Residential programs
- Group homes
- Governmental organizations
- Addiction and mental health services
- Shelters and housing services
- Community health centres
- Employment centres
- Community development organizations
- Family service organizations
- Crisis centres
- Advocacy coalitions
Accreditation
The proposed curriculum revisions not only meet all current Regulatory Body requirements but also strengthen the program’s alignment with emerging professional standards. By refining course sequencing, clarifying learning outcomes, and enhancing the integration of applied and capstone learning, the updated design exceeds baseline expectations for competency development, ethical practice, and field readiness. These enhancements ensure the program remains fully compliant while proactively positioning graduates to meet the evolving expectations of the sector and its governing bodies.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test
Additional Requirements
Semester Requirements
A C Grade is required in all core courses as well as COMM-160/161 and COMM-170/171.
Field Placement Requirements
After admission but prior to beginning each Field Placement, students will need to be aware that most field placement agencies require a criminal reference check prior to student placement. Certain criminal convictions may disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible.
Questions regarding criminal reference checks may be directed to the program contact by calling 416-289-5303.
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please work with an Employment Ontario service provider. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $125 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
2. Submit Documents
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
Applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS).
For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,385.33 | $4,106.33 |
| International | $17,148.00 | $1,883.28 | $19,031.28 |
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
Successfully completing the Social Service Worker program will give you the ability to:
- Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
- Record information accurately and communicate effectively in written, digital, verbal and non-verbal ways, in adherence to privacy and freedom of information legislation, in accordance with professional and workplace standards.
- Integrate a practice framework within a service delivery continuum, addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities at micro, mezzo, macro and global levels, and work with them in achieving their goals.
- Plan and implement accessible and responsive programs and services, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities, and meeting these needs.
- Examine current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, historical, and/or economic systems and their impacts for individuals and communities when delivering services to the user/client.
- Develop strategies and approaches that support individual clients, groups, families and communities in building the capacity for self-advocacy, while affirming their dignity and self-worth.
- Work from an anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice, recognizing the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals and communities when responding to the diverse needs of marginalized or vulnerable populations to act as allies and advocates.
- Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human service profession.
- Work with individuals, groups, families and their communities to ensure that service provider strategies promote social and economic justice, and challenge patterns of oppression, discrimination and harassment, and sexual violence with clients, coworkers and communities.
- Develop the capacity to work with the Indigenous individual, families, groups and communities while respecting their inherent rights to self-determine, and to identify and address systemic barriers that produce ill-effects, developing appropriate responses using approaches such as trauma informed care practice.
- Develop creative approaches to social service work practice that meet social enterprise objectives and the needs of a changing workforce.
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