Social Service Worker | Certificate (CIP 44.0000)
Certificate
Become a Skilled Social Services Practitioner with the Social Service Worker (SSW) Program
Are you passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in your community? The Social Service Worker (SSW) program is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to support individuals with diverse needs. This program blends university-level credit courses with career-focused social service training, offering a well-rounded education that combines classroom theory with hands-on experience.
Gain Practical Experience Through Practicum Opportunities
Our program provides practicum placements in Northwest communities, where you can apply your learning in real-world social service settings. These practical opportunities help you gain valuable experience, preparing you for a successful career in a variety of social services occupations.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates of the SSW Certificate program are equipped to work at the para-professional level in various social service roles. Alternatively, you can further your education by pursuing a Social Service Worker Diploma or a degree program in social services.
Flexible Education Pathways
Upon completing the Social Service Worker Certificate, you can advance to the SSW Diploma program, which offers more in-depth training. SSW Diploma graduates can either begin their careers at the para-professional level or continue their education towards a degree in social services or child and youth care (CYC).
Get Started Today
If you're ready to take the next step towards becoming a skilled Social Service Worker, apply now to begin your journey!
Apply to CMTN
Visit Apply to CMTN for an Admissions Checklist and to apply online.
Our Educational Advisors are here to help if you have any questions or need guidance along the way.
Dates and locations
| Intake | Location |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Smithers |
| Fall 2026 | Terrace and Smithers |
Program length
- Full-time students starting in September can complete the certificate in 1 year
- For part-time studies please contact Marja Burrows, the program coordinator
Speak with an Educational Advisor or Marja Burrows, the Program Coordinator, for assistance with course selection
The Social Service Worker (SSW) program is offered on a full- and part-time basis. Learners must maintain an average GPA of 2.0 to receive the credential.
SSW certificate
The one-year SSW Certificate includes two semesters plus a practicum.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LPAT 100 | Learning Pathways | 1 |
| ENGL 101 | Introduction to Composition | 3 |
| CPSC 111 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| SSW 112 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| SSW 191 | Introduction to Social Service Agencies | 3 |
| PSYC 101 | Introductory Psychology I | 3 |
| SOCI 101 | Introductory Sociology I | 3 |
| ANTH 112 | First Nations of B.C. | 3 |
| SSW 113 | Helping Skills | 3 |
| SSW 192 | Introduction to Social Service Practice | 3 |
| PSYC 102 | Introductory Psychology II | 3 |
| SOCI 102 | Introductory Sociology II | 3 |
| SSW 197 | Social Service Wkr Pract I | 3 |
| Total Credits | 37 | |
Certificate program prerequisites include:
- Math 11
- English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12 or equivalent
English proficiency is required for all students entering CMTN programs. Please visit our English Language Alternatives page to see how this requirement can be met.
Note: Grade 12 high school graduation is recommended.
- A work/volunteer experience résumé and a statement describing career goals, special interests and reasons for seeking entrance to the program. These may be written or oral (video or interview).
- Two references from an employer, volunteer supervisor, teacher or human service professional attesting to the applicant's personal suitability for work in human services. These may be written letters, reference form or a telephone interview between the referee and program coordinator.
- SSW Reference Form [PDF]
- Documentation of a minimum of 45 hours of satisfactory work or volunteer experience in a human service agency related to the training program within the last three years
- Hazelton Volunteer Agencies [PDF]
- Terrace Volunteer Agencies [PDF]
- Smithers Volunteer Agencies [PDF]
- Completion of a Criminal Record Check (CRC) is required. The presence of certain crimes on the record will prevent practicum placement, graduation and subsequent employment. Note that CRC’s may take up to eight weeks
- Program coordinator or designate review of the application package. Program coordinator assesses suitability of reference forms, criminal record check, and experience. A successful program coordinator review is the final step before acceptance.
Year one
| Fees | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time: | 37 Credits | 37 Credits |
| Tuition: | $3,958.63 | $16,818.35 |
| Student Union Fees: | $169.14 | $169.14 |
| Extended Health and Dental*: | $295.00 | $618.38 |
| Mandatory Fees (including labs): | $355.10 | $432.50 |
| Tuition Total: 1 | $4,777.87 | $18,038.37 |
| Additional Costs: | ||
Books: 2 |
$2,000.00 | $2,000.00 |
Supplies/Clothing: 2 |
$500.00 | $500.00 |
Fieldwork/Practicum: 2 |
$250.00 | $250.00 |
| Total Program Cost: | $7,527.87 | $20,788.37 |
Fees are effective as of August 1, 2025 for the 2025/26 academic year.
- 1
These fees are an annual cost. Program takes one year to complete.
- 2
Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on courses taken and location of practicum.
* The Coast Mountain Students Union (CMSU) is pleased to offer Extended Health and Dental Insurance to all qualifying members. The plan is mandatory for all students enrolled in 6 or more credits or a trades program of 26 weeks or longer. Some students, including those studying overseas and those with existing extended health coverage, are eligible to opt out. Visit https://cmsu.studenthealthbc.ca/ to learn more about the plan or request to opt out. You will also receive a detailed introductory email no later than 6 weeks after your semester starts. For any inquiries about the plan, please contact the Students’ Union Organiser : Bhushra Ansari, organiser@mycmsu.ca
* Basic Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Health insurance costs will be charged every term until students provide proof of MSP.
Career opportunities
Opportunities for graduates from this program include:
- Child and Youth Workers
- Financial Assistance Workers
- Teacher Assistants
- Support Workers
- Family Resource Workers
- And much more
Diploma graduates may continue their education to further a professional career in human and social services, including:
- Social Worker
- Family Counsellor
- Probation Officer
- Corrections Officer
- College Counsellor
- And any other professional position in the human service field
All successfully completed university credit courses in the program are transferable.
Under the collaborative agreement between UNBC and CMTN, students who complete the Social Service Worker Diploma program are eligible to receive credit as determined under the agreement. UNBC's Bachelor of Social Work Degree can be obtained at UNBC's Terrace Campus. The University of Victoria awards, on an individual basis, additional transfer credits for a SSW diploma or certificate.