Social Services Worker –Native Specialization two-year diploma is one of a few across Canada that uses social work knowledge and skills with individuals, families and communities that reflect culturally based solutions.

The holistic approach and design of the curriculum is interconnected, based on the concepts of protection, nurturing and growth through the learning objectives from semester to semester working toward wholeness.

 

Historically, Canadian Aboriginal people have experienced oppression through systemic obstacles and barriers built into Canadian policy and actions. The goal of the program is to empower students to use social services skills that draw on the experiences of the individual, family, community and nation to define the problems and establish solutions within their own worldview, while striving for social justice.

 

The SSW-NS graduate will possess excellent professional skills and a distinctive voice in advocating and capacity building in relation to issues relevant to working with both Native and non-Native people and communities across the broad spectrum of the social services field.

Discover: Students will examine a range of social issues, social services worker skills, with an added focus on the historical oppression and current realities of Canadian Aboriginal peoples.

Cultivate: The Aboriginal worldview-holistic approach taken with this specialized curriculum contributes to the students’ learning experience and nurtures the development of culturally informed and prepared social service workers who will act in the best interests of those seven generations to come.

Professional: Social Services Workers are a regulated profession. Graduates of the program are eligible for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW). Graduates can compete in the social services field with their professional social service worker skills along with their specialized knowledge of Aboriginal issues.

 

As a recognized Ministry of Training, Colleges and University Social Services Worker program, the Social Services Worker – Native Specialization diploma qualifies graduates to seek employment in areas such as private, governmental, and First Nation programs addictions, outreach, family services and social welfare.

 

Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C, or mature student status.

 

Students will complete a total of 500 hours of fieldwork placement. Fieldwork placement is designed as a developmental process and builds on the previous semester’s skills and familiarity with the field of social services.

Fieldwork placement has been completed in a variety of local agencies and services.

 

Graduates of the program may use their knowledge and skills as a stepping stone for further education. Former students have gone onto university in areas such as Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Community and Social Development. 

 

CMM110-3          College Communication Skills

NSA 135-3           Anishinaabemowin-Conversational

NSW100-3           Addictions: Individuals, Family and Community

NSWW101-3       Foundations for Balanced Practices

NSW103-4           The Parallel Worlds of Mental Health

PSY102-3              Introduction to Psychology

 

CMM225-3          Human Services Communication

NSW102-4           Capacity Building for Communities

NSW104-3           Canadian Social Welfare and Aboriginal Social Policies

NSW110-3           Human Behaviour and Social Environment

NSW112-3           Social Work with Families: Issues, Strengths and Services

PSY218-3              Psycho-Social Approach to Human Development

 

NSA214-4            Balancing Life, Loss and Grief

NSW200-4           Groups for Multi-Cultural Practice

NSW203-3           Essential Skills for Social Services

NSW204-2           Patterns and Impacts of Family Abuse

NSW205-3           Fieldwork Seminar for Social Services 1

NSW206-6           Fieldwork Placement for Social Services 1

 

NSA204-4            Crisis Intervention

NSW210-2           Fieldwork Seminar for Social Services 2

NSW211-15         Fieldwork Placement for Social Services 2