Overview
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while you promote social well-being and long-lasting change. The skills you learn in this diploma program will help people and communities address social issues.
Work with individuals, groups and communities to develop strategies and programs to proactively address social challenges, including poverty, addiction, abuse and mental health issues. This program, with an Indigenous focus, will prepare you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful contribution.
Gain practical skills and knowledge in counselling and interviewing professional communication and proposal writing while also learning more about Indigenous cultures through hands-on activities and field trips. Through your placements you will explore roles in community health, education and institutional environments.
Work on the front lines of social services for provincial, municipal and private agencies. Gain experience in community health centres, justice services, long-term care facilities, social service departments, schools, youth centres, outreach services, addiction centres and mental health services.
The next intake for this program at our Parkland Campus is September 2022.
Admissions
- A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
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English 40G/40S or equivalent with a minimum mark of 60%
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Current criminal record check
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Current child abuse registry check
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Current adult abuse registry check
This is a competitive entry program. Early application is strongly recommended. To view the competitive entry requirements for this program, please visit the competitive entry page for further details.
Please use the application checklist to help you submit a complete application for this program.
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 be unable to complete the program. If you fall into one of these categories, please contact the School of Health & Human Services prior to applying.
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 requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.
Careers & Connections
Careers
Graduates may find employment in a wide variety of community programs such as a case worker with social services, the regional health authority, provincial corrections, probation services, or community-based assistance programs. Community-based programs may include: drop-in centres, crisis centres, food banks, homeless shelters, group homes, and mental health settings.
Connections
Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit the Articulation Agreements page.
Tools & Supplies
Textbooks, supplies and uniforms for all of our programs and courses may be purchased at the ACC Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Assiniboine Bookstore website to learn more.
Program Checklist:
Booklists:
At-Home Computing
Programs at Assiniboine have certain technology requirements. Students require access to computer devices at home and may be required to bring these on campus when instructed.
For this program, you are expected to have access to a computer at home. It should have a webcam, microphone and internet access to enable remote learning for the theory portions of your programs.
Courses & Costs
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.
Estimated Program Costs
Tuition, fees and Students’ Association fees total approximately $4,260 for year one and $4,380 for year two. Estimated costs for books and supplies are $1,680 for year one and $1,790 for year two. All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Estimated Program Costs (International, 2020-21)
Credits | Tuition & Related Fees | Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies | Student Health Insurance | |
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Social Service Worker (Year 1) | 67 | $16,800 | $1,680 | $1,000 |
Social Service Worker (Year 2) | 68 | $17,110 | $1,790 | $1,000 |
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.
Year One Courses
Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aboriginal Studies (ABOR-0019)This course provides students with an historical review of Indigenous culture, pre and post-colonial contacts. Students will examine the impact of government policies, treaties and acts. Students will also explore the significance of traditional customs, ceremonies, demographics, urbanization, the reserve system, education, employment and other topics relevant in today's society. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Applied/Field Practice 1 (PRAC-0240)Prerequisites: COMM-0338 Professional Communications, PSSY-0090 Organizational Behaviour, PSSY-0091 Social Service Foundations, PSSY-0070 Counselling & Interviewing, PSSY-0071 Sociology and minimum 2.0 CPGA |
4 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Canadian Governments (LAWG-0070)This course examines the current institutions and the politics of federal, provincial, municipal and Aboriginal band governments in Canada. Students learn about the primary components of government structure, the political process and the interrelationship between the different levels of government. Manitoba politics receive special reference. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
College Foundations (PEDV-0345)This course will improve students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment. In this course, students will reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and selfdirected learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, communication skills, test taking strategies, academic integrity, and information literacy, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation. |
0 credit(s) | No | No | No |
College Writing (COMM-0337)The ability to gather and interpret information, then create clear, concise and coherent written material is essential for professional communications. This course focuses on the fundamental building blocks of writing: grammar, punctuation, spelling and word usage. |
6 credit(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
Community Development (PSSY-0086)Students examine the concepts, values, and strategies of community development to achieve social change. By conducting a community assessment, students learn how to balance mind, body and spirit from an Indigenous perspective in order to identify health and human services, and community recreation needs. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Computer Skills (COMP-0353)In this course, students learn file management, email and Internet concepts. They use a popular word processing package to prepare professional documents. |
3 credit(s) | No | Yes | No |
Contemporary Issues (PSSY-0087)This course examines the current issues affecting our environment and community health. Relevant research in areas such as poverty, abuse, addictions and parenting are reviewed. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Counselling and Interviewing (PSSY-0070)This course provides an introduction to basic counselling skills of attending, listening and empathy. Students learn to apply a functional model to counselling situations and integrate the basic skills. The course involves classroom and videotaped role-plays, observation and interactive learning. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Cross-Cultural Awareness (PSSY-0011)In this course, students explore the significance of anti-bias curriculum. They gain an awareness of a variety of cultures and learn ways to deal effectively in a multi-cultural society. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Group Processes and Dynamics (COMM-0032)Prerequisite: PRAC-0240 Applied/Field Practice 1 |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Negotiation Theory & Practice (HRMG-0013)This course examines fundamental principles to successful negotiations. Topics include positional and principled negotiation and four prime principles of negotiation. Students have the opportunity of developing and role-playing a negotiation case study in this course. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Organizational Behaviour (PSSY-0090)Students study behaviour science theory and concepts useful in organizations. Topics include perception and learning, stress management, applied performance practices, team dynamics, decision-making, power and influence, as well as organizational structure, design, culture and change. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Presentation Skills & Graphics (COMM-0110)This course provides students with the skills needed to produce and present professional presentations. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Professional Communications (COMM-0338)Prerequisite: COMM-0337 College Writing |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Self Government (LAWG-0084)In this course, students learn the history and current development of self-government initiatives and implications of the dismantling of Indian Affairs Canada. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Social Service Foundations (PSSY-0091)In order for a social service worker to function within a community, they must have an understanding of the factors that influence the quality of life for those living in that community. This course will provide students with the basic understanding of both external and internal factors that influence day to day life. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Sociology (PSSY-0106)The purpose of this course is to introduce the theoretical approaches of sociology. It investigates the structures of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these environments. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Year Two Courses
Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
---|---|---|---|---|
Applied/Field Practice 2 (PRAC-0241)Prerequisites: PSSY-0089 Human Behaviour, PSSY-0088 Social Welfare Policy, PSSY-0014 Counselling, HLTH-0182 Mental Health, PEDV-0279 Professional Practice, PSSY-0026 Psychology and a minimum 2.0 CPGA. |
8 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Conflict Resolution (PSSY-0012)In this course, students learn techniques on how to resolve conflicts before they escalate to a crisis situation. They learn how to analyze a variety of confrontational situations and learn personal triggers and reactions to conflicts. Through situational role-playing and other techniques, students learn defusing skills. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Counselling (PSSY-0014)Prerequisite: PSSY-0070 Counselling and Interviewing. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Family Systems (PSSY-0015)This course examines the dynamics of various family situations, the evolution of the family unit and how these factors affect the development of the child into adulthood. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Health, Recreation & Housing (ECON-0010)Prerequisite: PRAC-0240 Applied/Field Practice 1 |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Human Growth and Development (HLTH-0297)Learners study the normal growth and development across the human lifespan and take into account the physical, cognitive, social, spiritual and emotional factors. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Justice System (LAWG-0006)Prerequisite: PRAC-0240 Applied/Field Practice 1. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Mental Health (HLTH-0296)This course focuses on mental health and mental illness in all ages in today's society. It includes topics such as personality and behaviour, anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, abusive behaviours, and psychogeriatrics. Treatment |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Professional Practice (PEDV-0279)Prerequisite: PRAC-0240 Applied/Field Practice 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Project Planning & Evaluation (BUSN-0156)Prerequisite: PRAC-0240 Applied/Field Practice 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Proposal Writing and Research (COMM-0204)In this course, students learn to develop proposals to meet community needs or implement new projects. The course provides an overview of basic research issues of data collection, sampling and questionnaire design and evaluation. Students are required to address these research issues in their proposal. They learn format, components, structure and organization of a formal proposal. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Psychology (PSSY-0105)In this course learners begin to examine basic concepts and principles of individual behaviour. Social service workers require effective interpersonal skills and an ability to relate to people in a broad range of circumstances. Topics covered include the biological basis of behaviour, sensation and perception, theories of learning, cognition, mental abilities, and personality. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Social Welfare in Canada (PSSY-0092)Prerequisite: PRAC-0240 Applied/Field Practice 1 Students examine the underlying causes of social welfare in the Canadian context and programs, initiatives and community services that are in place to address these causes. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Social Welfare Policy (PSSY-0088)Prerequisite: PRAC-0240 Applied/Field Practice 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Understanding Addictions (PSSY-0093)Prerequisite: PRAC-0240 Applied/Field Practice 1 |
3 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |
Violence & Reconciliation (PSSY-0089)Prerequisite: PRAC-0240 Applied/Field Practice 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | Yes |