Social Service Worker - Current Academic Year

A Two Year Ontario College Diploma Program
Program Code: SSW1
Campus Code: LC (LC - London)
September Admission
Academic Calendars available at www.fanshawec.ca/academicdates
School of Human Services: 519-452-4224

Program Code: SSW1J
Campus Code: SC (SC - Simcoe)
September Admission
Academic Calendars available at www.fanshawec.ca/academicdates
James N. Allan Campus: 519-426-8260

This is a highly competitive program. Post-secondary education may be required for successful entry and completion of the program.

Program Description

This two year program is designed to prepare students for basic social work practice in social agencies and social welfare programs, both public and private, by providing them with a sound knowledge of human behaviour, of individual and social problems and of the necessary helping techniques and skills.

University Transfer Credits and Degree Completion

For information concerning the Degree Pathways for this program visit www.fanshawec.ca/degreepathways. 

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:

1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario.
2. Receipt of Application by February 1st.
3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements.

Note:

• Admission to the Fanshawe College Human Services Foundation program does not guarantee admission in a subsequent year to the Social Service Worker program. Successful completion of the Fanshawe College Human Services Foundation program, however, does enable the student to be given additional consideration when applying to the Social Service Worker program. The Human Services Foundation program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to the Social Service Worker program.
• *Students who are currently registered in the Human Services Foundation program at Fanshawe College or at any Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology must successfully complete their Human Services Foundation Ontario College Certificate with a minimim 2.0 GPA by April 30, 2011 and meet the academic pre-requisite course for the Social Service Worker program in order to be eligible for admission consideration in the immediately following academic year to the Social Service Worker program.
• **Students who are currently registered in the General Arts and Science program at Fanshawe College or at any Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology must successfully complete their General Arts and Science Ontario College Certificate with a minimum 2.0 GPA by April 30, 2011 and meet the academic pre-requisite course for the Social Service Worker program in order to be eligible for admission consideration in the immediately following academic year to the Social Service Worker program.

First Aid/Basic Rescuer Certificates

Applicants who accept admission to the program will be required to possess a Standard First Aid course certificate (either St. John Ambulance or Canadian Red Cross or equivalent) and a Basic Rescuer course certificate (Level 'C' CPR) VALID FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM.  Note:  CPR certification expires after one year regardless of certifying body.  First Aid certification usually is valid for two or three years, depending on the certifying organization.  If either expires during the program, the student must renew and provide documentation to the Program Co-ordinator within one month from the time of expiration.  Failure to do so will result in removal from the clinical/field component of the program of study and progression to the next level may be denied.

Evidence of Good Health

Applicants who accept admission to the program must possess good health and must present written evidence of this as a condition of registration. This will include a medical review, complete immunization and T.B. test (and a Chest X-ray if the T.B. test is positive). 

Pre-Clinical/Placement Condition

An essential component of your education will be experiential learning through clinical or field practice relevant to your chosen profession.  In order to ensure high standards and quality educational offerings which will permit students maximum opportunities to achieve learning objectives, Fanshawe College reserves the right to place students in an agency or combination of agencies it determines to be appropriate.  While every effort is made to maximize use of local agencies, there is sometimes a need to place students outside of the area for some programs or portions of programs.  Accordingly, an offer of admission to this program is subject to the condition that the student must be prepared for the possibility of assignment to experiential learning outside of the area, and for the possibility of having to relocate, at the student's own expense, for all or a portion of this experience.  Students are responsible for all costs associated with clinical/field placement (including volunteer hours).

Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening

 As a condition of admission to this program, students will be required to have a Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening, including a check of the Pardoned Sexual Offenders Database, prior to the first day of class.  The College does not review or use this information, however, the College must ensure that students who are admitted to the program are prepared to meet an important and standard condition for placement.  Most agencies will require students to produce the results of a recent screening.  This documentation must be valid for the duration of the program.  Applicants should be aware that certain criminal convictions for which pardons have not been received may or may not permit placement in these agencies.  In the latter cases, program completion will not be possible.  Further information concerning this admission condition will be available in early May at http://www.fanshawec.ca/registration.    Any questions regarding the Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening may be directed to the Academic Manager of the School of Human Services of the College.

Other Information

• Due to the academic and field placement rigor required in the Social Service Worker program, applicants applying from secondary school, without additional post-secondary education, are encouraged to consider applying to the Human Services Foundation program.  The Human Services Foundation program is an excellent preparatory program for those considering a career as a human services professional.
• Due to the nature of social service work and employer requirements, students with significant social maturity and life experience are encouraged to apply.
• Older students who have developed emotional maturity and stability through involvement in the working field are encouraged to apply. 
• In some cases applicants may be recommended to complete the Human Services Foundation program for additional preparation.   
• Social Service Worker is a registered professional title which may only legally be used by members in good standing of The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Graduates of the Social Service Worker program will be required by law to join the College after graduation in order to use this professional title. Further information may be accessed at: www.ocswssw.org
• Students who graduate from this program and wish to transfer to another Human Services program at Fanshawe College, may qualify for some internal credits that have already been achieved.
• Terms are normally 15 weeks unless otherwise stated under Campus Codes and Intakes and at www.fanshawec.ca/academicdates.