Program Introduction

Program Overview

This program prepares students with the foundational knowledge and core skills required to work in the diverse and challenging field of eldercare. Theories relevant to the Social Service Worker profession, its ethics, values and practice standards, the aging process and the needs of seniors are emphasized. Program content includes essential Social Service Worker training in interpersonal communication, case management, interviewing, group work intervention, diversity, advocacy, social justice, and community practice. In addition, a number of specialized courses such as Activation and Restorative Care, Recreation, Leisure and Therapeutic Program Planning, Dementia Care, Adult Development, Death, Dying, Grief and Bereavement and Volunteer Management expand the knowledge and skill base of students beyond traditional social service worker roles.

Program Highlights

• Students who successfully complete the Social Service Worker - Gerontology diploma and the block field placement are eligible for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and may then use the title of Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW).
• Field placement experience, a 510-hour block field placement arranged with agencies providing services to older adults.
• Faculty teaching in the program come with extensive experience in the social work and community sectors.
• Future pathways to success – on completion, students may gain advanced standing towards a Bachelor of Social Work, a Bachelor in Gerontology, a Bachelor in Disabilities Studies, or an Honours Therapeutic Recreation Degree at specific universities.

Employment Opportunities

As our population ages, new and emerging job opportunities in the field of gerontology are on the horizon. Graduates may work in a range of settings that provide services to seniors such as retirement and long-term care facilities, health and recreation programs, private home support services, adult day programs, dementia programs, elder abuse services, seniors’ centres, and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus:

Grade 12 English - ENG4U, ENG4C, EAE4U or EAE4C

Field/Clinical Placements

Employers who provide our field placement settings require a CLEAR POLICE RECORD CHECK for criminal offenses with vulnerable sector screening before accepting a student into the field placement setting. The record check MUST be obtained by the student at the student's expense prior to the commencement of field placement in semester four. Information and details about applying for a police clearance will be provided to the student prior to placement.

Health Requirements

Students must submit proof of a satisfactory medical examination and up-to-date immunization records prior to beginning clinical/field placement in semester four. Lack of documented health records and immunizations may result in the restriction of clinical/field placement and therefore may delay and/or prevent completion of the program.

• Medical Requirements Form

Flu shots are strongly recommended. Students without flu shots may be temporarily prohibited from participating in placement in residential and long term care settings should flu outbreaks occur.

International Students

The language proficiency requirement is IELTS 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5, or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Level 54, or TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) score of 550, or internet-based test (iBT) score of 78, or computer-based test (CBT) score of 213, Duolingo score of 100.

Courses

Semester 1

Code	Title	Credits
ENG107	COLLEGE WRITING	3
SSW102	INTRODUCTION TO AGING	3
SSW103	INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK	3
SSC160	BASIC PSYCHOLOGY	3
SSC145	ISSUES IN DIVERSITY	2
SSW105	INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS	3

 

Semester 2

Code	Title	Credits
SSW207	ACTIVATION & RESTORATIVE CARE	3
SSW402	DEATH DYING GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT	3
SSW204	INTERVIEWING FOR HUMAN SERVICES	3
SSW208	GROUP DYNAMICS - SOCIAL SERVICE	3
SSC174G	INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE IN CANADIAN SOCIETY	3
SSW303	DEMENTIA: FAMILY & CARE GIVING	3
SSW202	GERONTOLOGY FIELD WORK SEMINAR I	3

 

Semester 3

Code	Title	Credits
ELEC1030	CHOOSE 1 ELECTIVE COURSE	3
ELEC1030	CHOOSE 1 ELECTIVE COURSE	3
SSW301	CASE MANAGEMENT	3
SSW307	VOLUNTEER PROGRAM MANAGMENT	3
SSW403	COMMUNITY PRACTICE	3
SSW304	RECREATION LEISURE & THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM PLANNING	3
SSW308	GERONTOLOGY FIELD WORK SEMINAR II	3

 

Semester 4

Code	Title	Credits
SSW406	GERONTOLOGY FIELD WORK SEMINAR III	3
SSW410	GERONTOLOGY FIELD WORK	34