Social Service Worker - Accelerated Courses

In this course, students will examine the nature of interpersonal communication, how it is influenced by perception and how it gives rise to the creation of the self. It deals with the nature of emotions and how they are communicated. It looks at verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, communication climates, the nature of friendships, intimate relationships, and how to manage conflict in relationships.

In this course, students will be introduced to the field of social service work practice through an exploration of the history, key concepts, and theoretical perspectives of the profession. This course also examines the regulatory body and the relationship between the values, the Code of Ethics, and the professional standards governing the profession. The importance of anti-oppressive practice in social service work is highlighted through an examination of social structures, forms of oppression and their impact on people`s ability to access resources.

In this course, students will examine structural violence, and its affects on individuals, families, groups and communities. Students will learn how to identify and respond to various types of violence using an anti oppressive lens. Students will apply a trauma-informed approach to the screening, assessing, reporting and intervention for both victims and offenders. Students will examine possible solutions and strategies to address violence.

In this course, students will gain an understanding of some of the major theories that underlie the practice of social service work. Students will examine the core beliefs and values that govern the ethical practice of generalist social service work. Students will have the opportunity to review relevant literature of interventions for clients to be used in multiple practice settings. Students will examine the concept of critical thinking, and how it applies to social service work practice.

In this course, students will be able to observe and practice their knowledge and skills in a social service-related agency practice. Students will work under the supervision of a professional staff person, have the opportunity to observe social services procedures and practices, and take part in developing professional relationships with clients based on the profession's values and ethics. The student is guided and evaluated by an agency supervisor and a faculty supervisor; who work together to provide a constructive learning experience for the student. Students will also be expected to maintain a record of their placement activities through the submission of a learning plan, reflective journals and other documentation. Students will participate in a monthly seminar where they will discuss challenges and opportunities that arise in field practice, and integrate learning acquired from academic courses with practical experiences. The seminar component transitions the student to professional Social Service Worker and highlights what is required to be successful in the field.

In this course students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary for working with individuals, families and communities experiencing substance misuse and abuse. The primary focus of this course will be examining students own values and beliefs towards people who abuse substances. Students will learn how the complexities and myths of addictions effect societal perceptions, laws and legislation and resources offered for substance abuse.

In this course, students will have the opportunity to develop the counselling skills needed in a professional 'helping' relationship. This course will provide students with an opportunity to apply the theoretical concepts and core skills needed to develop and maintain therapeutic relationships and guide clients through the change process.

In this course, students will gain an understanding of some of the major theories that inform the practice of social service work. Students will have the opportunity to review relevant literature of interventions for clients to be used in multiple practice settings. Students will examine and critique each theory from an anti-oppressive lens.

This course is the second field placement for the student, which gives further opportunity to integrate knowledge, values and skills in a practical social service-related environment. The student is assigned to work within an agency four days per week, for the semester. Relationships with clients and skill development will be more advanced and broader than the first placement. Student will demonstrate the ability to relate to a variety of clients and/or client groups. The student will demonstrate positive functioning as part of the social service team. Plans for future professional growth will be explored.