Social Service Worker - Gerontology

Program Description

The Social Service Worker - Gerontology program integrates the knowledge base, professional values, and skill sets of social service work with a specific concentration on the needs, challenges, and concerns of Canada’s aging population. The program focuses on a holistic and strength-based approach to help aging clients maintain a good quality of life. As a student, you will have the opportunity to develop skills such as individual and group modes of facilitation, interventions with clients, their families and significant others, case management, interpersonal communication, and skills related to working with bereavement and grief. You will also benefit from a very substantial fieldwork placement component which starts in the second semester and runs through the third and fourth semesters.

Advanced standing and prior learning assessment opportunities are also available. An official transcript and subject outlines, for the courses that students wish to present for consideration for advanced standing, must accompany such requests. Only courses from post-secondary institutions, where the student has achieved at least a final mark of 60%, will be considered for advanced standing.

Your studies in the Social Service Worker - Gerontology program include opportunities to engage in personal change and growth, to work cohesively as a member of a team, to integrate and apply professional ethics, to meet deadlines, manage personal issues that might arise, and successfully achieve the learning outcomes of the various subjects. The College offers a variety of supports to assist you in this self-directed learning environment where you are ultimately responsible for your personal success. Be prepared to spend 20 or more hours each week working on assignments, etc.

Graduates tell us important factors for success in SSWG are: study skills; time management; class attendance and participation; taking personal responsibility for the outcomes of one’s actions; minimizing the number of hours that might be occupied by part-time employment; and the ability to deal constructively with the stresses of a busy life.

Program Learning Outcomes

This Seneca College program meets the system-wide standards for all Ontario College Credential programs as set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the following:

• identify needs, strengths and resources of older adults to assist them in setting goals that promote their optimal functioning, well being, and quality of life.
• plan, implement and evaluate services and programs in response to identified needs and goals of older adults.
• function effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary and interagency team, in the development and provision of relevant services and programs for older adults.
• record information accurately and communicate effectively in oral, written and electronic formats, in adherence to privacy, and freedom of information legislation.
• establish and maintain helping relationships which adhere to professional, legal and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
• recognize diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families, and communities, to promote accessible and responsive programs and services.
• develop strategies and plans that lead to the promotion of self care, improved job performance, and enhanced work relationships.
• work in communities to advocate for change strategies that promote social and economic justice and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination.

Essential Employability Skills

• Essential Employability Skills (link to information on Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website)

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)

Applicant Selection:

• In the event of oversubscription, applications will be selected on the basis of a reading comprehension and English test, usually administered at a College orientation session. This assessment, along with academic achievement (i.e. grade in the pre-requisite English subject or its equivalent) will provide the basis upon which selection of applicants is determined.

Please Note: A current Police Reference check is REQUIRED for entry into the field practice component of this program.

A flu shot and TB test are generally required for placement at long term care facilities.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Your Career

Demand for skilled and knowledgeable professionals to work in a helping capacity with seniors is increasing as Canada’s population ages. The Social Service Worker Gerontology Diploma prepares graduates to provide gerontological services and products in institutions, community agencies, and in clients’ homes for seniors with a wide range of physical, psychological, social and financial challenges. After four semesters, you may find fulfilling employment opportunities with agency providers of seniors’ services such as government agencies, not-for-profit agencies, for-profit agencies, and private individuals. You may also find employment in different types of agencies at many different levels, including co-ordination of home support services (e.g., meals on wheels, transportation, friendly visiting, congregate dining, homemaker services, and telephone reassurance); work in Alzheimer's programs; activation co-ordination; supportive housing co-ordination; co-ordination of volunteer programs; and some have started their own businesses. Advocating for, and empowering seniors to achieve their goals is an important aspect of all these employment possibilities. Graduates of the SSWG program are eligible for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Provincial Registration

In order to practice in Ontario as a "Social Service Worker" or a "Registered Social Service Worker", graduates must apply for registration in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Graduates of the SSWG program will meet the education requirement for registration. For more information, please visit www.ocswssw.org.

Field Work

Field work is a valuable opportunity to gain work experience while meeting the learning outcomes of the SSWG program. You will work in a professional capacity, with specified job responsibilities, record keeping evaluations, time management requirements, contracted hours of work, expectations of teamwork, and appropriate interpersonal interaction. You will be evaluated on the basis of an approved three-part learning contract as agreed by you, the approved fieldwork agency, and the Seneca SSWG program. This work calls for individuals who are self-aware, reliable, sensitive and facilitative, and mature enough to focus on the needs and interests of others.

Fieldwork days are typically:

• The equivalent of two full days per week in semesters two, three and four;
• Full week block placements as scheduled throughout the program duration.

Students typically have one placement at a long-term care facility and one placement at a community agency which provides services to seniors.

A Seneca professor will assist you in the selection and approval of a fieldwork placement, though the final contract will be your responsibility. This experience will help you develop job-search skills while in the supportive environment of the program. All fieldwork placements must be approved by the College and you will receive individual help in determining which settings will be most beneficial to you.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

International

Curriculum

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