Social Service Worker – Gerontology
Seneca College, Canada
Social Service Worker – Gerontology (SSWG)
Seneca Polytechnic
Social Services & Gerontology
Program Overview: Social Service Worker – Gerontology
The Social Service Worker – Gerontology (SSWG) diploma program at Seneca Polytechnic is a two-year program designed to prepare you to support Canada's growing aging population. It combines the knowledge, professional values, and skill sets of social service work to help older adults 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 grounded in current legislation and best practices. Through a combination of field placements and field-related courses, you will develop the skills needed to work with older adults as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside allied health professionals.
Upon graduation, you will meet the educational requirements to apply for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). This credential also qualifies you for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, opening pathways to professional practice in Canada.
Key Program Highlights
- 660 hours of supervised field placement across residential and community settings serving seniors
- Validated Ontario College Credential recognized by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities
- Degree pathway opportunities including Seneca's Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction
- PGWP-eligible program supporting your transition to the Canadian workforce after graduation
Curriculum & Modules
The SSWG curriculum spans four semesters and integrates theoretical coursework with extensive practical training. You will study core social service work foundations alongside specialized gerontology content, preparing you to address the complex needs of older adults and their families.
Foundations of Social Service Work
CoreIntroduces the fundamental principles, ethics, and professional standards of social service work practice in Canada, including anti-oppressive frameworks and strength-based approaches.
Gerontology and Aging Studies
CoreExplores the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of aging, examining current legislation, government initiatives, and service delivery models for working with seniors.
Interpersonal Communications and Counselling
CoreDevelops essential communication skills including therapeutic program planning, individual and group facilitation, and interpersonal skills related to bereavement and grief.
Mental Health and Crisis Intervention
CoreCovers mental health issues affecting older adults, crisis management strategies, and interventions with clients, families, and significant others in various care settings.
Field Placement I and II
CoreProvides 660 hours of supervised practical experience across residential settings and community agencies serving seniors, allowing you to apply classroom learning in real-world scenarios.
Social Policy and Advocacy
CoreExamines current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, historical, and economic systems and their impacts on older individuals and communities when delivering services.
Elective & Breadth Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Social Service Worker – Gerontology program is open to applicants who meet the academic and language proficiency requirements outlined below. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on your application and eligibility assessment.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent (Ontario Secondary School Diploma or international equivalent)
- English RequirementGrade 12 English (C or U level) or equivalent
- Prior EducationTranscripts from any completed postsecondary courses or programs (if applicable)
- Transcript TranslationAcademic records in languages other than English must include an official certified English translation
- Additional RequirementsPolice Vulnerable Sector Check, flu shot, and TB test required prior to field placement
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS AcademicMinimum overall score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 80 with no skill below 20
- Seneca ELICompletion of Seneca's English Language Institute (ELI) Level 8
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Seneca Polytechnic offers several financial support options for international students. Scholarships are automatically considered upon acceptance, and additional funding opportunities may be available based on academic performance and program length.
Seneca Entrance Scholarship for International Students
Up to CAD 5,000Available to all international students starting a full-time postsecondary program. The scholarship amount is based on the number of years of study and is automatically applied upon confirming your admission offer.
Diploma-to-Degree Pathway Scholarship
CAD 2,500Graduates who pursue a Seneca degree program after completing their diploma may be eligible for this scholarship, supporting continued academic advancement.
Seneca Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries
VariesSeneca offers a range of internal awards and bursaries recognizing academic achievement and community engagement. Contact Uni4Edu for details on current opportunities available to SSWG students.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Social Service Worker – Gerontology program are well-positioned to enter a growing field driven by Canada's aging population. The program equips you with specialized skills in advocacy, assessment, therapeutic planning, and service coordination for older adults.
Potential Job Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Seneca Polytechnic is one of Canada's largest and most respected polytechnic institutions, recognized nationally for its career-focused programs, industry partnerships, and strong graduate outcomes. As a polytechnic college, Seneca is evaluated through national college rankings rather than traditional university ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sciences & Community Services | CourseCompare | Top 5 Nationally |
| Technology in Education | National Recognition | Most Innovative |
| Applied Research | Colleges Ontario | Top Research College |
| Business & Media Programs | University Magazine | Top Ranked |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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