University Diploma - Social Service Worker

Program Description

The Social Service Worker diploma is a two-year, 62-credit program that prepares graduates to work in social service settings and schools. Graduates work in community-based corrections, family support, Indigenous services, mental health, residential care, schools, settlement services, substance use, and women’s services.

The Social Service Worker diploma – Indigenous focus prepares graduates to work in social service settings and schools in culturally safe ways with Indigenous Peoples. Working from Indigenous perspectives, graduates will work with individuals, families, groups, and communities on issues of concern to Indigenous Peoples. As Indigenous Peoples assert their right to self-determination – particularly in the areas of child welfare, healthcare, and education services – demand will continue to grow for Indigenous social service workers to work in culturally safe ways with Indigenous communities. At the same time, students will develop an understanding of the social, cultural, and political context of Indigenous communities.

Both streams of the Social Service Worker diploma will provide students with employment-related skills while earning university-level credits towards a Bachelor of Social Work or other degree at UFV. Thus, a student who is interested in becoming a social worker will be able to develop skills and seek employment as a social service worker before going on to complete a degree. The number of transfer credits in each stream depends on students’ choice of courses. Consultation with an Academic Advisor is recommended.