Department of Social Services Social Worker
Langara College’s Social Service Worker program prepares students for immediate entry into all social service sectors, as well as for further education in social work and other related disciplines.
Programs
The certificate program consists of two semesters of full-time studies including practicum placements, and a five-week, full-time block placement at the end of the second semester. Students have the option of adding 30 arts and sciences credits to the certificate to earn a coordinated diploma.
Students move through the program together as a cohort. All core Social Service Worker program courses are taught by program faculty. This provides a supportive, experiential learning environment and a personal, professional network both during the program and after its completion.
Although enrolment in the certificate only occurs each fall term, students can be completing the 10 additional courses (30 credits) towards their diploma before and/or after completing their certificate. Students may begin courses in any of Langara's three semesters as a general arts student in order to complete the courses towards their diploma.
The College now requires all students to complete a criminal record check once admitted to the program.
Why Study Social Service Work?
The Social Service Worker Program aims to provide graduates with:
- excellent interpersonal communication skills
- a professional manner
- a respect for diversity
- empathy and a caring attitude
- an understanding of problems and issues of individuals and families in the social environment
- knowledge of community resources
- social work principles and ethics
- problem solving abilities
- an ability to work effectively in groups
- a knowledge of social policy
- a combination of academic, experiential and community-based learning that focuses on the theory and practice of delivering basic social services
- skills for self-care
Testimonials
The program set the stage for a future of personal growth and empowerment and unpredicted professional opportunities. It is amazing how nine months can move you forward from curious to confident, skilled and thriving in a career dedicated to the helping profession.
Leisha Lee
Bachelor of Social Work
University of Victoria
The Social Service Worker Program changed my life and the impact on my career is ongoing. What impressed me was not only the content of the courses but the quality of delivery from the instructors.
Phyllis Devlin
Employment Counsellor
We were placed into the field, through agency visits, practicum placements and guest speakers, all of which made the transition from the classroom to the workplace that much smoother.
Chris Fink
Outreach Worker
Opportunities
Careers
Graduates of the Langara Social Service Worker Program have an excellent track record in gaining employment in the fields of work that interest them. Graduates are prepared for entry level employment in a variety of social service and health-related agencies. While some students may choose to continue with their education, many find immediate work at the entry level in a whole range of social and health services. The social service sector is dynamic and always evolving. Once graduates have found employment in an organization, many find that the development of new programs, staff turnover and changes in current funding priorities provide opportunities for advancement. Many graduates of the program who are considering continuing their education find that their certificate or coordinated diploma opens doors to employment and helps them to gain important experience. It also helps them to fund future educational opportunities.
Graduates are hired by agencies serving children and youth, programs for women, schools, Neighbourhood Houses and family serving organizations. They also find work in programs for persons with disabilities, advocacy programs, shelters for persons with mental health and substance abuse issues, seniors' programs, immigrant-serving agencies and programs for Aboriginal and First Nations Peoples.
Practicum
Social Service Worker Program students complete two practicum placements in community agencies. The program faculty organize the placements after consultation with each student. The weekly placement (4 to 5 hours per week) lasts throughout the school year. After final exams in the Spring term, students begin their five week full-time block placement in a different agency. Students are expected to learn about the agency, its operations, the community in which it operates, the challenges experienced by the consumers of the services and the methods of helping. Practicum placements are developmental in that students are expected to assume more responsibility as they develop their own skills and knowledge.
Program faculty maintain contact with students and their agency supervisors throughout the placements. Curricula in all courses is linked to learning that takes place in the placements. Students and faculty participate in practicum seminars throughout the school year. Students keep a weekly journal in which they reflect on their experiences, learning, and professional development in their field placements.
Some popular types of placements include:
- Programs for children and youth
- Women’s shelters
- Shelters for persons experiencing homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse issues
- Elementary and secondary school placements
- Immigrant serving agencies
- First Nations programs
- Street youth programs
- Services for persons with disabilities
- Neighbourhood houses
- Seniors programs
- Crisis services
- Advocacy programs
Contact
Janet Douglas
Office: B148h
Phone: 604.323.5354
Email: jdouglas [at] langara.ca (jdouglas[at]langara[dot]ca)
