Algonquin College offers Diploma in Social Service Worker - Intensive, a diploma in Social Work programme in Ottawa, Canada. The programme runs for 42 weeks, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English.
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Social Work
Duration: 42 weeks
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
We have no tuition fees on record for this programme yet.
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Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
Overview Pursue a fulfilling career working on the frontline of social services. The Social Service Worker (Intensive) program, comprised of three terms, is an accelerated model of the two-year Social Service Worker program. This program is available for students who have completed prior post-secondary education in a related field (six courses in psychology, anthropology, and/or sociology). Through theory and practical experiences, the program prepares you to support a wide range of client groups and communities who are in the process of change or growth, including those impacted by issues such as: loss and separation family crisis poverty violence homelessness addiction disability unemployment oppression resettlement issues As a student, you complete one field placement experience totaling more than 350 hours. You identify, practice and incorporate theoretical knowledge at a level that provides top client service. As well, you strengthen the bond between yourself and the community by participating in various applied research projects and direct practice opportunities. With these opportunities, you are ready to work on the front line of social services. Graduates may secure employment as Social Service Workers in provincial, municipal and private social service agencies including: drop-in centres employment services addiction and mental health services schools and youth services community health and resource centres shelters residential treatment programs
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Admission is post-credential entry: Algonquin requires an Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, or Degree, or equivalent, in Social Services. International or non-Canadian transcripts must be assessed through ICAS or WES, and the program's published English-proficiency requirement is IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0, OR TOEFL iBT overall 88 with a minimum of 22 in each component for tests before 21 January 2026 (a rescaled overall 4.5 with a 4.5 component minimum applies to tests from that date), OR Duolingo English Test overall 120 with at least 120 in Literacy and no score below 105. Applicants must also be physically and emotionally able to cope with field placement, and before placement must submit a Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) and complete immunizations through ParaMed; failure to clear these can bar placement and graduation.
Application Details
Start Date:September
Application Deadline:Domestic applicants apply through ontariocolleges.ca: for September 2027 entry the application portal opens 26 September 2026, the equal consideration date is 1 February 2027, and offers must be accepted by 1 May 2027, while later applications are still assessed as space allows; Algonquin publishes no separate equal-consideration date for the January 2027 intake. International applicants apply directly via Algonquin's own International Application Portal, not ontariocolleges.ca; instead of one fixed date the college posts a program-by-program closing-date list shortly before each term starts - for Fall 2026 most programs closed 16 September 2026, technology programs by 9-10 September; no Winter 2027 or Fall 2027 international list has been posted yet, so admission remains effectively rolling until each list is published and fills. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
