About Social Service Worker - Gerontology (sswg) in Seneca College

About the Program

Canada now has more people over age 65 than any other age group and there is a great need for skilled and trained professionals to work with older adults. This two-year diploma program combines the knowledge, professional values and skill sets of social service to assist older adults to maintain independence and a good quality of life. The program focuses on a holistic strength-based approach, current legislation and best practices.

Along with your studies in mandated government initiatives and service delivery models for working with seniors, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge infield placement and participate in additional educational training. As a student you will engage in personal reflection and growth, work within a team, apply professional ethics, and successfully achieve the Ministry Vocational Learning outcomes so you are prepared to confidently enter the workforce.

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• Therapeutic program planning
• Individual and group modes of facilitation
• Interventions with clients, families and significant others
• Service coordination and navigation
• Interpersonal communications skills related to working with bereavement and grief
• Assessment of client’s needs and strengths
• Advocacy

Work Experience

Field Work

As a student of this program, if you meet all the academic requirements, you will have the opportunity to participate in a field placement. You will work in a professional capacity and 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. With the support and assistance from your professor, you will play an active role in securing your placement.

Fieldwork days are typically:

• Equivalent of two full days per week in semesters two, three and four
• Full week block placements as scheduled throughout the program duration
• One placement at a residential setting and one placement at a community agency which provides services to seniors

Your Career

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of employers waiting for you:

• Government agencies

• Not-for-profit agencies and facilities, such as long term care facilities, group homes, and community agencies providing services to older adults living in the community such as adult day programs

• For profit facilities such as retirement homes

• Co-ordination of home support services

• Supportive housing co-ordination

• Co-ordination of volunteer programs

• Therapeutic recreation/activation

Academic qualification equivalents

When applying to a Seneca degree program you must submit:

• High school transcripts for grades 10, 11 and 12 showing all program specific pre-requisite courses.

• Transcripts must include six (6) senior level courses equivalent to Ontario university preparatory credits with an overall average of 65%.
• High school/secondary school diploma (certificate of completion).
• You may submit transcripts or certificates for any completed university/postsecondary college courses or programs taken inside or outside of Canada.
• Academic records that are in a language other than English must include an official/certified English translation.
• Seneca reserves the right to verify submitted transcripts at any time. For courses and credentials earned inside of Canada, Seneca reserves the right to request original transcripts be sent directly to Seneca from the issuing institution. Applicants will be notified if this is needed.

When applying to a Seneca graduate certificate program you must submit:

• Complete university and college transcripts for all years of study.
• University or college credential (degree, diploma or certificate).
• A credential assessment from a recognized agency such as WES (World Education Services) may be required for some programs. Applicants will be informed by email if this is needed.
• Academic records that are in a language other than English must include an official/certified English translation.
• Seneca reserves the right to verify submitted transcripts at any time. For courses and credentials earned inside of Canada, Seneca reserves the right to request original transcripts be sent directly to Seneca from the issuing institution. Applicants will be informed by email if this is needed.

When applying to a Seneca certificate program and two- or three-year diploma program you must submit:

• High school transcripts for grades 10, 11 and 12 showing all program specific pre-requisite courses.
• High school/secondary school diploma (certificate of completion).
• You may submit transcripts or certificates for any completed university/postsecondary college courses or programs taken inside or outside of Canada.
• Academic records that are in a language other than English must include an official/certified English translation.
• Seneca reserves the right to verify submitted transcripts at any time. For courses and credentials earned inside of Canada, Seneca reserves the right to request original transcripts be sent directly to Seneca from the issuing institution. Applicants will be notified if this is needed.

English language requirements (one of the below):

Degree Programs and Graduate Certificate Programs

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0
• PTE: Minimum score 60

Certificate Programs, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Programs

• IELTS: Minimum 6.0 with no skill below  5.5
• PTE: Minimum score 58

Seneca College Highlights

Seneca College The Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the demands and requirements of the students attending Seneca College. To estimate the cost of things like food, accommodation, transportation, and other expenses, students can look at the table below.