diploma program

Social Service Worker - Indigenous Specialization

This unique program is designed for Indigenous learners who want to make a difference in their communities through social services. This diploma program will prepare you to work in a variety of social services, including mental health, education, family services and more.

How to apply

Your Career Path

A Diploma in our Social Service Worker – Indigenous Specialization program prepares you for a career in the social services sector. Graduates could be employed in private, governmental and Indigenous programs in the areas of mental health, education, addictions, outreach, family services and social welfare.

In partnership with Sault College, Oshki-Wenjack’s special blended delivery method allows you to stay in your home community for the majority of the program You will take courses through on-line and independent study at home and attend classes and field placements in Thunder Bay twice per semester.*

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Program Information

Program Length: 2 Years (5 semesters)
Start Date: September 2024^*
Tuition Fees: The tuition fees are published by the partner college. Please visit Sault College for details.

*start dates are subject to change

Documentation Requirements

Vulnerable sector criminal reference check
Complete up-to-date immunization
First Aid – CPR level C

Admission Requirements

Ontario High School Diploma with Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U) or Mature Student Test (19 years +)

Note: Low enrollment may result in cancellation of this program

Curriculum

First Semester

CMM 110 – College Communication Skills – 45 hours
HDG 122 – Personal and Academic Success Strategies – 45 hours
NSW 101 – Foundations for Balanced Practice – 45 hours
NSW 105 – Fieldwork Placement IA – 110 hours
NSW 106 – Fieldwork Seminar IA – 15 hours
SSW 126 Trauma Informed Care – 45 hours
PSY 120 – Lifespan Development – 45 hours

Total hours: 350

Second Semester

NSW 104 – Canadian Social Welfare and Indigenous Social Policies – 45 hours
NSW 111 – Human Behaviour and Social Environment – 45 hours
NSW 114 – Understanding Indigenous Wellness in Canada – 45 hours
NSW 116 – Fieldwork Seminar IB – 15 hours
NSW 120 – Fieldwork Placement IB – 110 hours
NSW 125 – Working with Families – 60 hours

Total hours: 320

Third Semester

NSW 100 – Addictions: Individuals, Family and Community – 45 hours
NSW 107 – The Parallel Worlds of Mental Health – 45 hours
NSW 203 – Essential Skills for Social Services – 45 hours
NSW 217 – Groups for Multicultural Practices I – 30 hours
NSW 250 – Fieldwork Seminar IIA – 15 hours
NSW 253 – Fieldwork Placement IIA – 110 hours

Total hours: 290

Fourth Semester

CMM 235 – SSW Documentation and Record Keeping – 45 hours
NSW 135 – Anishinaabemowin – 45 hours
NSW 214 – Incorporating Indigenous Healing Methods Into Practice – 60 hours
NSW 227 – Groups for Multicultural Practice II – 30 hours
NSW 251 – Fieldwork Seminar IIB – 15 hours
NSW 254 – Fieldwork Placement IIB – 110 hours

Total hours: 305

Fifth Semester

GEN 100 Global Citizenship – 45 hours
NSW 102 – Capacity Building for Communities – 60 hours
NSW 221 – Crisis Intervention – 45 hours
NSW 252 – Fieldwork Seminar IIC – 15 hours
NSW 255 – Fieldwork Placement IIC – 110 hours

Total hours: 275