Course description
Level One
COMM1860 Applied Writing Skills
Description: Students will be introduced to a variety of vocationally-specific formats and further development of their paragraph writing skills leading to the creation of more comprehensive documents.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
PSYC1040 Developmental Psychology
Description: This course combines the numerous theories of human growth and development, as well as practical appliction of the material as it relates to the human services field. It includes physical, social, intellectual, emotional and behavioural development from the contest of both family and community. The course also examines unusual and abnormal development or behavioural patterns. One hour weekly seminars provide a human services related perspective to the material, each one focusing on a specific phase of the life span.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
SOC1030 Sociology I
Description: The course deals with the systematic study of groups and societies. The major aspects of social life are analyzed, with special reference to the role of each aspect in the development, functioning, and change of large social systems. Current material is drawn upon in an effort to convey fundamental principles and concepts in a framework that is relevant to the Canadian student.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
SOCS1010 An Introduction To Helping
Description: In this course, students will focus on developing an awareness of themselves as a helper. By learning the fundamentals of the helping process, a focus of beginning to understand how to approach clients' needs, will develop. Through exploring and applying casework principles, skills in approaching and developing the professional relationship will develop. Students will also examine how their values and personal styles relate to effective helping. A review of theories of helping will assist students in developing a comprehensive view of approaching problem solving. Experience in public speaking and developing presentation skills will supplement didactic presentations.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
SOCS1040 Social Service Systems I
Description: This course introduces the concept of a family as a psychosocial system that is powerful in affecting the development and behaviour of its members. Healthy functioning and dysfunction will be discussed through the perspective of contemporary theories developed. Students will also have the opportunity to explore their own family of origin and the impact that their system has on their professional growth.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
SOCS1050 Social Work And The Law
Description: This course will examine topics such as divorce, separation, mediation and child welfare mental health, youth criminal justice, tenant protection, government support/disability, evidence, court types and the Charter of Rights/Ontario human Rights Code. These issues will be reviewed through a generic study of the Acts: Family Law, Child and Family Services, Youth Criminal Justice, Ontario Works/ Ontario Disability Support, Mental Health and Tenant Protection. A major learning objective is to develop the student's awareness of the impact that legislation has on social development and the social work profession. Students will have an opportunity to explore their own values relating to social work and the law.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
SOCS1060 Group Process And Dynamics
Description: The focus of this course is on group process, group dynamics and the stages of group development. Leadership skills and characteristics are examined as well as ethical standards in group work. Students learn through participation in an experiential group setting.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Level Two
PSYC1010 Psychology: Basic Processes Of Behaviour
Description: Psychology is the study of behaviour - that of humans and other creatures. This one-semester course is about the basic concepts of psychological research methods, learning, memory, perception, states of consciousness, motivation, and emotion.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
SOCS1020 Field Work Seminar I (Social Services)
Description: This course will provide an opportunity for students to discuss course material and personal growth in relation to their development as Social Service Workers. Through seminar groups and presentations, students will begin to integrate theory and practice and plan their field placement in relation to their learning. This course will also involve some individual time with faculty for the purpose of placement selection. Preparation for field placement will also involve instruction in report writing, résumé preparation and employee expectations.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
CoRequisites: SOCS1070
SOCS1030 Techniques Of Interviewing & Assessment
Description: This course will provide students with beginning assessment and interviewing skills. The primary focus will be on developing a relationship with a client and adapting these skills to various practice settings. Role-plays and simulations will provide an opportunity for students to begin practicing their skills. Evaluation will ensure a basic level of competence prior to entering the second year field placement.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1010, SOCS1060
SOCS1070 Field Work I
Description: Students, in consultation with program faculty are assigned an agency field placement and will spend 140 hours at that agency. The students will use the time to observe and participate in the agency's functioning at a level appropriate to that agency. Although students will not be responsible for a specific "caseload", assignments will result in some direct client contact under close supervision of the agency's field supervisor. Students will have an opportunity to relate the theory learned in other courses to a practice situation. Students will also have the opportunity to begin to assess their own learning and career goals.
Hours: 140
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1010, SOCS1060
CoRequisites: SOCS1020
SOCS1080 Client Systems
Description: This course is designed to provide students with more knowledge specific to working with selected groups of clients (high risk adolescents). The course will be divided into modules of three or four classes where different client groups each of whom will be analyzed specific to service delivery models, trend in service, clinical issues, new and innovative modes of intervention, as well as worker-related skills and abilities required to work effectively with this population. The major course assignment will provide each student with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding in this area of practice.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
SOCS1090 Group Work: Populations And Programming
Description: The focus of this course is on group work with specific population groups. The skills of working with groups of children, adolescents, adults, elderly and selected special needs populations will be examined. Program planning, evaluation and facilitation skills will be emphasized.
Hours: 20
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1010, SOCS1060
SOCS2150 Social Service Systems II
Description: This course further builds on the prerequisite to further investigate the current crisis in social service work in terms of finance, downsizing, amalgamation and employee moral and retention. Current government policies regarding social services will also be examined according to the party platforms. Further study will encompass structural social work, internal/external change agents and their implications and the recognition of key trends that are presently in the field and how they impact practitioners and consumers.
Hours: 20
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1040
Level Three
SOCS1100 Field Work II (Social Services)
Description: Students, in consultation with program faculty, are assigned to a social service agency two days a week from September to December. Students will carry responsibilities for working with individuals and groups in the agency setting under close supervision of an agency supervisor. Field Work provides a significant practical learning laboratory where theory and practice come together. A student is required to follow all codes of conduct deemed appropriate by the agency and consistent with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Hours: 224
Credits: 8
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1070
CoRequisites: SOCS2050
SOCS2020 Social Work Values And Ethics
Description: This course is designed to encourage students to examine their own values, attitudes and behaviours in relation to the Professional Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The purpose of this course is to enable students to enhance their awareness of the role of a professional social service worker within the context of the Ontario College of Social Worker's and Social Service Workers Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1050
SOCS2030 Counselling Interventions
Description: This course is designed to expand the student's understanding of the purpose, and use, of case management and counseling intervention. Emphasis is placed on the development of a purposeful relationship, assessment, contracting and evaluation skills. The Integrative, Contemplation, and Strengths Models will provide the student with a practical, yet organized framework for completing the process of assessment, contracting and termination stages of the helping process. A major learning objective is to enhance the student's awareness of his/her conscious use of self in a professional helping relationship. The course will also consider a more in depth analysis of intervention skills utilized at the "working stage" of the counseling process, and in particular situations of crisis and trauma.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1070
SOCS2050 Field Work Seminar II (Social Services)
Description: This seminar provides the opportunity for students to learn from each other about their field experience and to raise general questions about working in the Social Services system. In addition, the students use this seminar to examine the reality of applying basic social work principles, values and ethics to the practical field experience via role plays, taped simulations and case analysis. Guest speakers, field trips and specialized training are also included in the seminar time.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1070
CoRequisites: SOCS1100
SOCS2060 Group Work: Assessment, Intervention And Evaluation
Description: This course examines the use of a range of member assessments, group interventions and evaluation techniques. Students will become familiar with a set of therapeutic interventions designed to be applied within a wide variety of small group settings. Emphasis will also be placed on empirical methods of evaluation in group work.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1070
SOCS2080 Understanding Families: A Systems Approach
Description: This course introduces the concept of a family as a psychosocial system that is powerful in affecting the development and behaviour of its members. Healthy functioning and dysfunction will be discussed through the perspective of contemporary theories developed. Students will also have the opportunity to explore their own family of origin and the impact that their system has on their professional growth.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1050
SOCS2110 Community Organization I
Description: Social Service Systems Casework I
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1050
Level Four
COMM2000 Advanced Writing Skills
Description: In conjunction with the student's specified vocational program course, students will be guided in the creation of a major writing project or assignment that is required by their vocational program course. Students will be introduced to fundamental research skills and assignment-specific vocational document formats.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
SOCS2010 Violence/Abuse/Neglect
Description: Admission: Persons who successfully complete all course requirements will receive credit if accepted into the Social Services Diploma Program. This course is recommended for health and social services personnel and interested individuals.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1050
SOCS2040 Group Work: Practical Applications
Description: This course will provide students with the opportunity to examine group work applications in a variety of settings in the social services field. Students will develop leadership skills through planning, assessing, facilitating and evaluating a group. Emphasis will be placed on an analysis of the student's ability to determine goals, develop and implement program, use relevant interventions and formally measure the effectiveness of the program.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SOCS2060
SOCS2090 Helping Families: Supporting The System
Description: This course explores and provides skills in interviewing and assessment of families’ use of drawing on a families strengths to create change will be emphasized. Students will play a major role in their own education by providing a workshop that focuses on a particular family problem, interventions and referrals in the community. Knowledge of family services will be extensive.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: SOCS2080
SOCS2120 Community Organization II
Description: Casework I Community Organization I
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: SOCS2110
SOCS2130 Field Work III (Social Services)
Description: Field Work III is a continuation of Field Work II. It provides the student with practical experience in a social service agency setting from January to April. Field Work II builds upon the skills acquired in Field Work II, allows the student to accept higher levels of responsibility and enables the student to fully integrate theory and practice.
Hours: 238
Credits: 8
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1100
CoRequisites: SOCS2140
SOCS2140 Field Work Seminar III (Social Services)
Description: Field Work Seminar III builds upon Field Work Seminar II. It continues to provide the opportunity for students to learn from each other about their field experience and to raise general questions about working in the Social Services system. In addition, students use this seminar to examine the reality of applying basic social work principles, values and ethics to the practical field experience vial role plays, taped situations and case analysis. Guest speakers and specialized training are also included in the seminar time.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: SOCS1100
CoRequisites: SOCS2130
