Program Curriculum

Program Curriculum

The nine-month (September through May) Certificate in Social Service Worker prepares students for employment at the entry level in a variety of social service and health-related agencies. The program provides a combination of academic, experiential and community-based learning and focuses on the theory and practice of delivering basic social services. Students take eight courses each term including Arts and Science support courses. The support courses may be taken in advance of entering the program. The program emphasizes practical skills that are transferable to a wide range of community social services including interviewing, problem solving, team-work, self-care, working in supervised environments, assessment, and referral.

The Certificate in Social Service Worker is awarded to students who successfully complete the two four-month terms and subsequent five-week block practicum. A Diploma in Social Service Worker (Co-ordinated) is awarded to students who have also completed an additional 10 courses (30 credits) of academic studies at Langara College.

Employment opportunities for graduates of the Certificate and Diploma in Social Service Worker vary based on new and emerging needs, funding priorities, development of new services, and expansion of existing programs. Graduates of the program find employment in both private and public sector agencies and in a variety of programs. Among the types of organizations and services that employ graduates are Neighbourhood Houses, youth service agencies, family centres, women’s programs, immigrant service agencies, rehabilitation centres, First Nations bands and councils, advocacy organizations, social and recreational programs, the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry for Children and Families.

In compliance with provincial legislation, the College requires the completion of a criminal record check (CRC) for students in this program. This CRC must be completed by students using the forms provided by the College. Students will be supplied with these forms via email once they are accepted to the program. There is a fee for students to complete the CRC. For more information visit the Ministry of Justice website.

Certificate in Social Service Worker

CURRICULUM

Total Credits: 42

Term One

Courses Credits
All of
PSYC 1115 Introduction to Biological, Cognitive, and Developmental Psychology
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

An introduction to theories, methods, and research findings of modern psychology. Topics may include but are not limited to research methods, biological bases of behaviour, sensation and perception, development, consciousness, learning, and memory. PSYC 1115 and PSYC 1215 can be taken at the same time or in either order.

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SSRV 1115 History and Philosophy of Social Work
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

A historical study of social problems, concepts, and trends in Britain, Canada, and the United States. Emphasis is on the changing methods employed to meet changing social needs. The profession's Code of Ethics is studied.

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SSRV 1116 Social Service Methods I
2

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 0.0

A study of the concepts and basic principles of working with people in a helping relationship, including interpersonal skills and self care.

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SSRV 1117 Social Problems
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

A study of special family and community problems, including areas such as poverty, diversity, and structural disadvantage.

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SSRV 1118 Community Practice Skills
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course will introduce students to some concepts of community organising related to social service work. It will focus on interventions and practice skills that impact change at the community level.

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SSRV 1131 Social Service Field Work I
1

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 5.0

Students have the opportunity to spend five hours a week in a practicum placement at a designated social service community agency under the supervision of an agency field supervisor. Through this experience, students develop and practice professional behaviours and learn how particular agencies meet the needs of their client populations. Graded S/U.

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SSRV 1132 Integrated Experiential Learning I
1

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 4.0

Through a combination of visits to community agencies and public institutions, guest speakers, classroom sessions, and group activities, students will become familiar with various aspects of human service delivery and the social context in which those services are delivered.

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One of
ENGL 1123 Introduction to Academic Writing
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students read and analyze a variety of texts in order to develop techniques of research, critical thinking, close reading, and clear writing in an academic context. Course readings, which include a selection of scholarly articles, are drawn from at least three academic disciplines. By exploring and responding to a range of topics, students develop a foundation for post-secondary writing.Students will only receive credit for one of ENGL 1123, 1127, or 1128.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110; or a minimum "C" grade in three credits of university-transferrable English.

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ENGL 1127 Essay Writing and Short Prose Selections
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course emphasizes the principles of composition through the study and writing of various kinds of essays, including the research essay. As a secondary aim, it encourages an appreciation of modern literature through a study of the short story.Students will receive credit for only one of ENGL 1123, 1126, 1127, or 1128.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; or an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110.

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ENGL 1128 Short Prose Selections and Composition
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

ENGL 1128 introduces students to the principles of composition through the study of various kinds of essays, including the research essay. It also emphasizes an appreciation of modern prose writing through the study of both short stories and essays. Most writing assignments are related to the literature studied. Because this course is designed for students with superior writing skills, more intensive reading will be required. Students will receive credit for only one of ENGL 1123, 1127, or 1128.Students intending to pursue studies in the Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia should choose ENGL 1100.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 5 (or LPI equivalent) or a minimum 85% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12 or Literary Studies 12, or equivalent.

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Notes:
* Students must complete six credits of university-transferable English courses for which Langara College awards credit.
  
19 Credits

Term Two

Courses Credits
All of
PSYC 1215 Introduction to Social, Personality, and Abnormal Psychology
3

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 0.0

An introduction to theories, methods, and research findings of modern psychology. Topics may include but are not limited to thinking, language, intelligence, personality, emotion, stress and health, motivation, social behavior, and psychological disorders and therapies. PSYC 1115 and 1215 can be taken at the same time or in either order.

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SSRV 1119 Social Service Methods II
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

Building on the concepts of Social Service Methods I (SSRV 1116), this course will emphasize the mastery of practical skills and their application to the helping relationship.

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SSRV 1120 Social Policy
3

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 1.0

A job-oriented study of legislation and social policies in the areas of income security, mental health, health and family services.

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SSRV 1121 Family in Society
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

A study of the family as a unit in society. The growth and development stages, expanding and contracting family with emphasis on the changing roles and structure of families.

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SSRV 1219 Responding to Trauma
2

Lecture Hours: 2.0 | Seminar: 2.0 | Lab: 0.0

Students explore the nature and scope of trauma and post-traumatic stress as they relate to problem areas such as child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, addiction, and suicide ideation, and examine specific interventions within a trauma informed practice framework.

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SSRV 1230 Social Service Field Work II
2

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 5.0 | Lab: 0.0

Formerly SSRV 1231This is a continuation of the five hours per week practicum placement. Drawing upon the knowledge and training gained in previous courses, students continue to work under the supervision of an agency field supervisor in order to identify the needs of particular client populations and describe how a particular agency meets those needs. Students further develop professional relationships with agency staff and clients and engage in service delivery.Students will receive credit for only one of SSRV 1230 and 1233; or 1231.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Social Service Worker.Prerequisite(s): An "S" grade in SSRV 1131.

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SSRV 1232 Integrated Experiential Learning II
1

Lecture Hours: 4.0 | Seminar: 0.0 | Lab: 4.0

Building on the concepts of Integrated Experiential Learning (SSRV 1132), students will focus on additional human service sectors.

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SSRV 1233 Social Service Field Work III 1
3

Lecture Hours: 0.0 | Seminar: 35.0 | Lab: 0.0

After the completion of the social service worker core curriculum, students integrate and apply the knowledge, values, and skills they gained in the program during a five-week, full-time block placement in a social service agency setting. The practicum provides students with the opportunity to work under the supervision of an agency field supervisor in order to learn how the needs of a particular client population are met by a specific agency. Students develop deeper professional relationships with agency staff and clients and take greater responsibility for carrying out specific social service functions at their assigned agency.Note: Practicum placements are not guaranteed. Students who have not successfully completed the core courses of the Diploma in Social Service Worker will not be permitted to undertake the practicum.Students will receive credit for only one of SSRV 1230 and 1233; or 1231.Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Certificate in Social Service Worker.Prerequisite(s): A minimum "C-" grade in SSRV 1131 and 1230 (SSRV 1230 may be taken concurrently).

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Notes:
1 SSRV 1233 includes a five-week block practicum at the end of the program.
  
One of
ENGL 1129 Modern Novel, Poetry, and Drama
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course introduces students to the modern novel, to a selection of poems, mainly from the twentieth century, and to a sampling of modern drama. Writing assignments are related to the literary works studied.Students will receive credit for only one of ENGL 1129 or 1130.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110; or a minimum "C" grade in three credits of university-transferable English.

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ENGL 1130 Modern Novel, Poetry, and Film
3

Lecture Hours: 3.0 | Seminar: 1.0 | Lab: 0.0

This course introduces students to the modern novel, to a selection of poems, mainly from the twentieth century, and to the dramatic elements and narrative techniques of modern film. Writing assignments are related to the works studied. A feature film series accompanies the course, in addition to class hours.Students will receive credit for only one of ENGL 1129 or 1130.Prerequisite(s): One of the following: LET 4 (or LET 3 with a strong recommendation of concurrent registration in ENGL 1121); a minimum 70% in English First Peoples 12, English Studies 12, Literary Studies 12, or equivalent; a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120; an "S" grade in ENGL 1107, 1108, or 1110; or a minimum "C" grade in three credits of university-transferable English.

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Notes:
* Students must complete six credits of university-transferable English courses for which Langara College awards credit.
  
23 Credits

Program Option Notes:

  • Progression requirements: Students who have two unsuccessful attempts in one required program course, or have one unsuccessful attempt in two or more required program courses, will not be permitted to continue in the program unless the department chair has granted approval.
  • The program is demanding; therefore, students are advised to try to complete one or more of the academic support courses in advance of admission to the program.

Diploma in Social Service Worker (Co-ordinated)

To receive the Diploma in Social Service Worker (Co-ordinated), students must successfully complete the Certificate in Social Service Worker and a minimum 30 credits including a minimum 24 credits of university-transferable courses that have science, social science, or humanities attributes, and six credits of any course eligible to be used towards a Langara College credential. A link to course attribute information can be found in the course description.

Unless students transfer in courses earned before they began the social service worker program, they must complete the 30 credits at Langara. Refer to co-ordinated programs information for details.

Courses Credits