Overview
The Social Service Worker program is open for applications for the Fall 2022 intake.
Langara College's Social Service Worker Program prepares students for immediate entry into all social service sectors, as well as for further education in Social Work and other helping professions. Program participation and employment in the social service's field require commitments of physical and emotional energies.
Students who successfully complete the nine-month program earn a Social Service Worker Certificate. They also have the option of adding 30 Arts and Sciences credits to the Certificate to earn a Coordinated Diploma.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Langara Social Service Worker Program have an excellent track record in gaining employment in the fields of work that interest them. Graduates are prepared for entry level employment in a variety of social service and health-related agencies While some students may choose to continue with their education, many find immediate work at the entry level in a whole range of social and health services. The social service sector is dynamic and always evolving. Once graduates have found employment in an organization, many find that the development of new programs, staff turnover and changes in current funding priorities provide opportunities for advancement. Many graduates of the program who are considering continuing their education find that their Certificate or Coordinated Diploma opens doors to employment and helps them to gain important experience. It also helps them to fund future educational opportunities.
Graduates are hired by agencies serving children and youth, programs for women, schools, Neighbourhood Houses and family serving organizations. They also find work in programs for persons with disabilities, advocacy programs, shelters for persons with mental health and substance abuse issues, seniors' programs, immigrant-serving agencies and programs for Aboriginal and First Nations Peoples.
Program Outcomes
The Social Service Worker Program aims to provide graduates with:
excellent interpersonal communication skills
a professional manner
a respect for diversity
empathy and a caring attitude
an understanding of problems and issues of individuals and families in the social environment
knowledge of community resources
social work principles and ethics
problem-solving abilities
an ability to work effectively in groups
a knowledge of social policy
a combination of academic, experiential and community-based learning that focuses on the theory and practice of delivering basic social services
skills for self-care