Social Service Worker – Gerontology (SSWG)

Countries around the world are seeing a rapid increase in aging populations, resulting in an increased need for trained professionals. In Canada, one in four Canadians will be over the age of 65 by 2035. This two-year diploma program combines the knowledge, professional values and skill sets of social service to teach you how to support older adults to maintain independence and a good quality of life. The program draws from a biopsychosocial model and an anti-oppressive framework emphasizing a holistic, strength-based approach, situated within current legislation and best practices.

Through a combination of field placement and field related courses you will obtain the skills needed to work with older adults as part of a multidisciplinary team in partnership with allied health professionals. You will engage in personal reflection and growth, within a team, apply professional ethics and in class learnings in real world scenarios.

Due to the nature of this program and profession, some course work and field placements are held in-person to adequately form interpersonal communication skills.  

Please note: The SSWG program that starts in January at King Campus runs consecutively through the summer. This allows students to complete the two-year diploma in 1.5 years.

• Therapeutic program planning
• Individual and group modes of facilitation
• Interventions with clients, families and significant others
• Service co-ordination and navigation
• Supportive counselling for bereavement and grief
• Assessment of client’s needs and strengths
• Advocacy and community development
• Volunteer program management
• End-of-life care

You will have two field placements over three semesters, totaling 660 hours. Field placement commitments typically involve two full days per week during semesters two, three and four. Block placements are also scheduled throughout the program, where you will engage in full-time work for one week at a time.

Throughout your placement you will work in a professional capacity and your performance will be evaluated based on an approved three-part learning contract. This contract will be agreed upon by you, the approved fieldwork agency and the Seneca SSWG program.  Your Field Placement Coordinator will provide support throughout this process enabling you to secure a placement that aligns with your career goals.

You are required to do one field placement providing therapeutic recreation for older adults and a second placement providing service co-ordination and navigation. This arrangement allows you to gain diverse experience within different environments, showcasing a multitude of roles which helps you determine career opportunities and pathways.

Please note that prior to field placement, you must obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check as well as a 2 step TB test, cold and flu vaccinations and Covid vaccinations. Refer to admission requirements for details.