Overview

Assiniboine’s two-year Social Service Worker diploma program prepares graduates for roles in community health centres, justice services, long-term care facilities, social service departments, schools, youth centres, outreach services, addiction centres and mental health services.

Program Learning Outcomes 

  • Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work. 
  • Record information accurately and communicate effectively in written, digital, verbal and non-verbal ways, in adherence to privacy and freedom of information legislation, in accordance with professional and workplace standards. 
  • Integrate a practice framework within a service delivery continuum, addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities. 
  • Plan and implement accessible and responsive programs and services, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities, and meeting these needs. 
  • Examine current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, historical, and/or economic systems and their impacts for individuals and communities when delivering services to the user/client. 
  • Develop strategies and approaches that support individual clients, groups, families and communities in building the capacity for self-advocacy, while affirming their dignity and self-worth. 
  • Recognize the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals and communities when responding to the diverse needs of marginalized or vulnerable populations to act as allies and advocates. 
  • Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human service profession. 
  • Work with individuals, groups, families and their communities to ensure that service provider strategies promote social and economic justice, and challenge patterns of oppression, discrimination and harassment, and sexual violence with clients, coworkers and communities. 
  • Develop the capacity to work with Indigenous individuals, families, groups and communities while respecting their inherent rights to self-determine. 
  • Identify and address systemic barriers that produce ill-effects, developing appropriate responses using approaches such as trauma informed care practice.

Examples of what social services workers can do: 

  • Administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services. 
  • Assess clients' relevant skill strengths and needs. 
  • Assist clients develop plans of action while providing necessary support and assistance. 
  • Assess and investigate eligibility for social benefits and refer clients to other social services or assist clients in locating and utilizing community resources.  
  • Participate in the selection and admission of clients to appropriate programs. 
  • Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment programs by tracking clients' behavioural changes and responses to interventions.

Success Factors 

You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy: 
  • Communicating with individuals from all backgrounds, including those who may be in distress or experiencing complex problems. 
  • Professional commitment to values and ethics, and to continuously developing professional competence. 
  • Thinking critically and creatively to find solutions to complex problems, often with limited resources. 
  • Understanding the challenges and experiences of the individuals and communities you work with, and show empathy and compassion in your interactions. 
  • Working collaboratively as part of a team. 
  • Working in an occupation that requires a deep understanding of the needs and experiences of individuals, families, and communities. 
  • Working with individuals, families, and communities to improve their well-being and quality of life. 

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for practicum placement. 

The industry and program environment require individuals to: 
  • Adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work. 
  • Be able to adapt to changing situations and work effectively in a variety of settings. 
  • Be able to manage their own emotions and respond appropriately to the emotions of their clients. 
  • Be patient and persistent in their work, as change may take time and involve setbacks. 
  • Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend work. 
  • Establish and maintain clear and appropriate boundaries between personal and professional relationships, in accordance with professional, legal, and ethical standards of practice for the well-being of self, co-workers, other professionals and with individuals and communities as service users. 
  • Have an awareness and understanding of different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles, and demonstrate cultural humility in their interactions with clients. 
  • Listening carefully, concentrating, and asking the right questions. 
  • Listening to direction and act on that accordingly. 
  • Recognize the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities. 
  • Record information accurately and communicate effectively. 
  • Work in accordance with professional and workplace standards. 
  • Work within the boundaries and scope of practice in the role of the social service worker. 

Admissions

Admission Requirements

  • A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
  • English 40G/40S or equivalent with a minimum mark of 60%
  • Current criminal record vulnerable sector check
  • Current child abuse registry check
  • Current adult abuse registry check

If you received your education outside of Manitoba, please review the equivalent admission requirements: Interprovincial or International.

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements.
 

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR EDUCATION JOURNEY?

Start your online application today and join Assiniboine College! View the Social Service Worker Program Application Checklist to help you submit a complete application for this program.

APPLY NOWProgram Application Checklist

 

DON'T MEET ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?

If you don’t meet admission requirements, visit our Centre for Adult Learning to upgrade courses or view assessment of special circumstances.

COURSE UPGRADING

Criminal Record Check/Abuse Registry Checks

Many agencies where students are placed for practicum experience require students to disclose convictions for any offenses. In some instances, applicants with a criminal record or listed on the Child Abuse Registry and/or Adult Abuse Registry may not be admitted to the program. If you fall into one of these categories, please contact the School of Health and Human Services prior to applying.

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

  • Probations
  • Child and family service agencies
  • Addictions
  • Mental health
  • Schools
  • Community group homes
  • Food banks
  • Resource centres 

Connections

Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For information on agreements, see Articulation Agreements.

Tools & Supplies

Program Checklists, Textbooks, and Supplies

 

ASSINIBOINE BOOKSTORE

Textbooks, supplies and uniforms may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program.

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Technology Requirements

Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. See Technology Requirements for detailed information.

Courses & Costs

Costs

Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
 Year 1Year 2
Credits67.068.0
Tuition$3,980$4,040
Course Fees$940$1000
Students' Association fees (including Health Premium)$540$540
Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies$1,920$1,710

All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs (International students)
 Year 1Year 2
Credits67.068.0
Tuition$17,510$17,770
Course Fees$940$1,000
Students' Association fees (including Health Premium)$540$540
Required Health Insurance$750$750
Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies$1,920$1,710

All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.

Courses

To graduate with a Social Service Worker diploma, students must successfully complete 123 academic credits and 12 practical credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.

Year One Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Applied Field Practice 1 (PRAC-0342)

Prerequisites: COMP-0662Technology in the Workplace, INDG-0012 Indigenous Persepectives, COMM-0431 Writing & Documentation Skills, COMM-0430 Interpersonal Communication Skills, PSYC-0001 Psychology
This four-week practicum will allow students to observe and place meaning to classroom lessons as they apply in the community context. Students will be required to reflect on their observations and make journal entries as to how theoretical knowledge is applied in a real-world setting.

1 credit(s) No No No
Canadian Governments (LAWG-0099)

This course examines the current institutions and the politics of federal, provincial, and local governments in Canada. Students learn about the primary components of government structure, the political process and the interrelationship between the different levels of government. There is a focus on the impacts of Canadian legislation and government policies on Indigenous people and their governance. The course examines the relationship between government decision makers and different stakeholders outside of government, and the resulting political decisions which shape people's everyday lives and communities, as well as the social services they depend on.

6 credit(s) No No No
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)

This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

0 credit(s) No No No
Counselling Foundations (HMSV-0012)

This course focuses on the basic skills used to interview clients in a counselling setting. It examines how the foundational values of respect, genuineness, and empathy support the helping relationship. Students develop skills in attending, listening, paraphrasing, responding, and effective questioning through participation in group activities and role plays. Students will also familiarize themselves with strengths-based practices and be introduced to common industry strategies such as brief counselling and motivational interviewing.

6 credit(s) No No No
Fields of Practice (HMSV-0013)

This course introduces students to the scope and dimensions of social service organizations and generalist practice. This course emphasizes the variety of roles that social service workers fill within the generalist framework of social services. Structural, strengths-based, systems and anti-oppressive theoretical perspectives are examined to prepare students for their own emerging practice. Students are introduced to foundational practice knowledge for a broad spectrum of employment fields including working with racialized and newcomer populations, women, violence, gender diversity, seniors, disabilities, child welfare practice, and healthcare settings.

6 credit(s) No No No
Indigenous Perspectives (INDG-0012)

This course examines issues and topics as they relate to the Canadian Indigenous experience from precontact to contemporary challenges. Course content includes colonization, Indigenous customs and beliefs, from First Nations, Metis, and/or Inuit perspectives. Examination of a variety of legislation and government policies will be undertaken. The residential school system and its impacts along with contemporary challenges including Treaties, Self- Government initiatives, Truth and Reconciliation, MMIWG and Bill C92 will be evaluated. Students will analyze the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous systems, outcomes, and programming.

6 credit(s) No No No
Interpersonal Communications (COMM-0430)

Interpersonal communication is the study of theories and practice in verbal and non-verbal communication with a focus on interpersonal relationships. Emphasis is placed on the importance of communication, improving interpersonal relationships and increasing communication competence in everyday social exchanges. Topics include interpersonal language skills, listening and responding, conflict management, and verbal and non-verbal communication theories. Students will be given opportunities for skill building and practice in professional communication.

6 credit(s) No No No
Life Cycle Development (HLTH-0312)

Social service workers engage with people and families to provide direct services and support. This course introduces students to the complexities of human development across the lifespan and the dynamics of family systems. It covers the stages of growth from conception to old age, incorporating the physical, cognitive, social, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. Students learn to identify developmental milestones and understand the impact of family relationships and cultural traditions on individual development. Students examine the evolution of the family unit, exploring how family structures, boundary and attachment issues, and couple relationships affect children's functioning. Topics such as family scripts, scapegoating, grief, and the implications of divorce are discussed in the context of promoting functional family systems. Equipped with this knowledge, future social service workers are prepared to assess behaviors and support clients through a range of life experiences.

6 credit(s) No No No
Psychology (PSYC-0001)

A foundational understanding of psychology supports future Social Service Workers to implement programs that promote mental health and well-being across populations. Students will explore key psychological concepts and theories, such as the origins of psychology, major perspectives and concepts. The course content includes foundational concepts of psychology such as biological basis of behaviour, sensation and perception, theories of learning, cognition, personality, stress, social psychology and psychological dysfunction. Students will begin to integrate this knowledge with professional and ethical practices critical to client engagement, support, and advocacy.

6 credit(s) No No No
Sociology (SOCI-0001)

Social Service Workers must engage professionally and ethically with a diverse population of colleagues, collaterals, and service users. In order to do so, students need to have a solid understanding of diversity, social structures, and inequity. This course studies social behaviour in human groups. Students are introduced to foundational sociological theories and frameworks for analysis. Concepts such as culture, society, socialization, deviance, stratification and others are illustrated from a sociological perspective. We will discuss patterns of social interaction and how these patterns change over time and setting. Students will develop the foundational knowledge required for later development of advocacy for social justice.

6 credit(s) No No No
Technology in the Workplace (COMP-0662)

In this course, students master technology-based competencies indispensable in today’s workplace. They manage files across local and cloud platforms and engage in electronic collaborations on these files using tools like Teams. Students develop proficiency in various Outlook capabilities to facilitate communication and coordination with clients, colleagues, and collaterals, reinforcing professional networking and communication skills. Students prepare reports using advanced functions of word processors and spreadsheets to communicate workplace information with clarity. These competencies culminate in the ability to deliver compelling multimedia presentations, aimed at achieving strategic goals and fostering meaningful engagement with clients, colleagues, and broader professional communities.

6 credit(s) No No No
Writing & Documentation Skills (COMM-0430)

Social Service Workers compose documents that inform critical decisions and have meaningful consequences in the lives of their clients and in service to their workplaces. They must demonstrate strong ethics and integrity in all written documentation – academically and professionally. This course develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills required by students for success. The focus will be on practicing effective written and electronic communication skills including typical reports social service workers would complete in the field.

6 credit(s) No No No
Year Two Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Applied Field Practice 2 (PRAC-0343)

Prerequisites: HMSV-0020 Trauma Informed Practice, HMSV-0021 Women and Gender Studies, PEDV-0395 Professional Practice, HSMV-0017 Non-Governmental Organizations, LAWG-0099
This eight-week practicum is designed to give students an opportunity to apply classroom learning. Students are required to design and/or implement and monitor project activities in professional settings.

1 credit(s) No No No
Child Welfare (HMSV-0014)

Prerequisites: HMSV-0020 Trauma Informed Practice, HMSV-0021 Women and Gender Studies
It is imperative for social service workers to have knowledge of the history and practices in child welfare as it is nearly impossible to separate this system from service delivery in every field of practice. In this course, students explore the Canadian child welfare system with a focus on Indigenous perspectives and the impacts of colonization, including the residential school system and the 60’s Scoop. We examine Manitoba's Child and Family Services Act alongside Bill C-92, highlighting the shift towards Indigenous self-determination in child and family services. Students learn to identify signs of child maltreatment through real-life scenarios, understanding the implications of cultural context and intergenerational trauma. The course emphasizes developing effective reporting strategies and engaging empathetically with diverse families, employing strengths-based and culturally informed approaches. This foundational course provides insights into prevention, risk assessment, safety planning, and resource development, all through a lens of cultural relevance and evidence-based best practices in child welfare service delivery.

6 credit(s) No No No
Co-occuring Disorders (HMSV-0015)

Prerequisites: PSYC-0001 Psyhcology, HLTH-0312 Life Cycle Development
This course introduces the etiology, theoretical frameworks and best practice approaches treatment approaches regarding Co-occurring disorders. Students examine the link between mental health and substance abuse disorders. The assessment, diagnosis and best practice treatment approaches are examined in relation to the individual, family and community, as it pertains to both mental health and substance abuse definitions, diagnosis and treatment. Course topics include the examination of common mental health disorders such as depression, bi-polar, schizophrenia, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder from mainstream and Indigenous perspectives.

6 credit(s) No No No
Group Facilitation (HMSV-0016)

Prerequisites: HMSV-0012 Counselling Foundations, COMM-0430 Interpersonal Communications
This course presents an overview of the evolution of groups and group dynamics. Students practice goal setting, decision-making and addressing conflict withing a group setting. This foundational learning will be applied to skill development in facilitating psycho-educational groups in professional settings. Students will demonstrate skills in planning, facilitating, and evaluating effective groups. Content includes stages of group development, developing evidence-based group activities, ensuring age-appropriate scaling of group content/delivery models, mandated and non-mandated groups. Students will practice developing group activities appropriate to various topics, such as substance abuse, parenting, social skill development, and others.

6 credit(s) No No No
Justice and Reconciliation (LAWG-0106)

Prerequisites: INDG-0012 Indigenous Perspectives, LAWG-0099 Canadian Governments, COMM-0430 Interpersonal Communications
It is important for employees in the social services field to have a basic understanding of the various components of the Canadian Justice System in order to effectively assist and guide clients in conflict with the law. The Criminal Justice system is examined through Federal, Provincial and Indigenous concepts of Law including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, justice, deterrence, punishment, victims and restorative justice. Students will research various conflict resolution and mediation approaches that provide alternate options to the mainstream criminal justice system. Additionally, students explore topics including incarceration, alternative measures and community-based rehabilitation programs and services.

6 credit(s) No No No
Non-Governmental Organizations (HMSV-0017)

Prerequisites: COMP-0662 Technology in the Workplace, COMM-0431 Writing & Documentation Skills
Students acquire knowledge and approaches needed to achieve constructive social change through the process of community work in non-governmental organizations. The focus is on building healthy communities through processes which are inclusive, self-determining, and community driven. Students examine the concepts, values, and strategies of community development to achieve social and economic change. Since non-governmental organizations frequently rely on outside financial support to maintain, expand, or create programs and services, students have an opportunity to develop practical skills such as writing proposals and planning programs and events.

6 credit(s) No No No
Professional Practice (PEDV-0395)

Prerequisite: HMSV-0020 Trauma Informed Practice
This course provides students with opportunities to consolidate their learning, develop their own emerging practice framework, and focus on their skill set as a beginning Social Service Worker. Students examine personal and professional social work values for ethical decision making and professional conduct within the scope of the Canadian Association of Social Work (CASW) Code of Ethics. Students will construct a generalist assessment and intervention plan framework that will assist them in honing these skills within a wide variety of practice fields. Students construct and engage in a viable self-care plan to increase their own wellbeing now and in the future as practicing SSWs. Students participate in a wide range of case studies introducing them to practice modalities, language, and expectations in a broad range of fields.

6 credit(s) No No No
Social Determinants of Health (HMSV-0018)

Prerequisite: HMSV-0013 Fields of Practice
In this course students examine the complex interplay of contemporary issues together with the social determinants of health such as income and social status, employment and working conditions, education, physical environments, social supports and coping skills, access to health services, gender, culture and race. Students explore how these issues pertain to the health and wellbeing of underserved populations in Canada today. Emphasis is placed on Indigenous populations, newcomer populations, and homeless populations as some of the most underserved persons in our communities.

6 credit(s) No No No
Social Policy (HMSV-0019)

Prerequisite: HMSV-0013 Fields of Practice
This course introduces students to Canada’s social welfare system of income security and social services. Students learn historical and foundational concepts underpinning the Canadian social welfare system and explore the development of our social welfare system throughout history. Students evaluate social welfare policy in Canada as it relates specifically to poverty and to various marginalized sectors of our society. Specific populations examined will include women, children, Indigenous populations, elderly people, immigrant populations, and disabled persons in Canadian society. Students examine the impacts of recent international events, such as the globalization of economies and governments, on legislation and service delivery. On a national level, students evaluate the role of social service workers within a variety of service sectors and community agencies.

6 credit(s) No No No
Trauma Informed Practice (HMSV-0020)

Prerequisites: PSYC-0001 Psychology, INDG-0012 Indigenous Perspectives, HLTH-0312 Life Cycle Development, HMSV-0012 Counselling Foundations, COMM-0430 Interpersonal Communicaitons
This course introduces the foundations of trauma-informed practice, a compassionate approach in social service work addressing the effects of trauma. Students learn to recognize and address trauma at personal, community, and societal levels, considering the roles of systemic issues like racism and colonialism. The curriculum emphasizes practical strategies for supporting recovery, including understanding trauma's impact on behavior and development. Culturally sensitive practices are highlighted, with a focus on respecting diverse backgrounds. Key skills such as ethical standards, self-care, and documentation within a trauma-informed framework are also covered to prepare students for empathetic and effective engagement with clients.

6 credit(s) No No No
Women and Gender Studies (HMSV-0021)

Prerequisite: SOCI-0001 Sociology, HLTH-0312 Life Cycle Development
This foundational course explores the interaction of gender with race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, Indigeneity, and (dis)ability. The topics provide a practical understanding of gender dynamics and equity. The focus on Canadian gender issues, including the historical impact of feminist movements and current gender-based policies, will help to strengthen students' advocacy and client support skills. Through case studies and real-world scenarios, students learn to communicate sensitively about gender topics, engage ethically with diverse communities, and develop strategies for addressing gender inequities. The course emphasizes the importance of professional ethics, client engagement, and collaborative approaches within social service frameworks. Students explore feminist contributions and the effects of systemic factors like colonialism and racism in social service work. They enhance skills necessary for effective program design and service delivery, promoting empowerment and social justice for women and gender-diverse individuals.

6 credit(s) No No No

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