The field of social services is diverse, dynamic, and ever-changing. Opportunities in BC's community support sector will continue to be in-demand over the next decade with over 16,000 jobs as forecast by the BC Labour Market Outlook, 2020.
Langara's Social Services Department offers four programs: Social Service Worker Certificate, Social Services Worker Diploma (Coordinated), Social Service Worker Certificate (GERO), and a Gerontology Diploma. These programs will help you earn positions such as social and community service workers. Our innovative curriculum and practical training will help get you job-ready.
Over the years the courses and programs offered have evolved and changed, but the department has consistently maintained its commitment to offering high-quality applied educational opportunities to students who wish to work in frontline positions in the social services, and the community-based senior service sector.
We also offer two university-transferable social work courses (SSRV 2000 - Introduction to Social Welfare in Canada and SSRV 2001 – Introduction to Social Work Practice) which are open to non-program students.
Department faculty are all registered social workers with considerable experience in the social welfare field. In addition to their teaching, they are actively engaged in the local community and the social service sector. This allows them to stay current regarding changes and developments in social work and social welfare. Faculty have close working relationships with dozens of social services agencies and programs. Students in the department’s programs can choose from a diverse selection of agencies and organizations for their practicum placements.
Langara's Social Services department was first established in the early 1970s and originally offered the Welfare Aide Program. It was introduced to train students to become social work assistants. The curriculum was modeled on the Bachelor of Social Work degree. It was one of the first programs in the Province to offer this training.
The department and its faculty are committed to providing an outstanding educational experience which will prepare students for a rewarding career in all sectors of the social services field. This is reflected in the success of our certificate and diploma graduates who have directly gone on to successful careers, or who have chosen to pursue further education in social work and related disciplines.