Social Service Worker | Certificate
Certificate
Do you wish to become a skilled social services practitioner, helping and supporting people with different needs?
The Social Service Worker (SSW) program integrates university credit courses with social service career courses, and combines classroom theory with the practical skills necessary for employment in a broad range of social services occupations.
Practicum opportunities available in Northwest communities allow you to practice what you learn in workplace settings and gain valuable practical experience. SSW Certificate graduates are prepared to work at the para-professional level or to continue their education to diploma and degree levels of education. SSW Diploma program graduates can either work at the para-professional level or continue their education to a degree.
Earns you a SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER CERTIFICATE or a SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER DIPLOMA
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 2024 | Terrace Campus |
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. Students 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 | |
- Apply direct to Social Service Worker (SSW)
- Submit proof of English 12 or equivalent
- Once admitted, register in the courses required for the SSW program
Certificate program prerequisites include:
Admission to this program is on a course-by-course basis. Applicants to this program must meet the prerequisites for the individual courses in which they wish to enroll.
Course prerequisites include:
- Math 11
- English Studies 12 , English First Peoples 12 or equivalent
The prerequisites for individual courses are outlined in the course descriptions. Students missing prerequisites may enrol in Career & College Preparation (CCP) upgrading courses while completing the program.
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. All students admitted to the SSW program will be required to take the CAT 3 English Assessment test.
Note: Grade 12 high school graduation is recommended.
Note: Applicants planning to apply to a School of Social Work (e.g. UNBC or UVic) or Child and Youth Care should consult with the institute in order to take the appropriate university credit electives.
Additional certificate requirements
- A work/volunteer experience résumé and a written statement describing career goals, special interests and reasons for seeking entrance to the program
- Two reference forms from an employer, volunteer supervisor, teacher or human service professional, attesting to the applicant's personal suitability for work in human services
- 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 before the practicum placement. 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
Year one
| Fees | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time: | 37 Credits | 37 Credits |
| Tuition: | $3,880.93 | $16,493.86 |
| Student Union Fees: | $163.92 | $163.92 |
| Extended Health and Dental*: | $285.00 | $602.04 |
| Mandatory Fees (including labs): | $348.50 | $424.74 |
| Tuition Total: | $4,678.35 | $17,684.56 |
| Additional Costs: | ||
Books:1 |
$2,000.00 | $2,000.00 |
Supplies/Clothing:1 |
$500.00 | $500.00 |
Fieldwork/Practicum:1 |
$250.00 | $250.00 |
| Total Program Cost: | $7,428.35 | $20,434.56 |
Fees are effective as of August 1, 2024 for the 2024/25 academic year.
- 1
Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on courses taken and location of practicum. Laptops required for students of this program.
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 : Golnoosh Namazi, 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.