Heritage Institute (Perth)

Our Program

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program prepares students to empower individuals, groups, and communities who are in the process of change and growth.

The program consists of four levels where learning occurs in both the classroom and social service agency settings. The curriculum includes courses in social service ethics, social welfare, addictions, mental health, and crisis intervention. Other courses focus on work with children and families, seniors and people with disabilities.

The program specializes in rural social service work and students work in partnership with people in El Salvador through the Algonquin College SalvAide Project.

Students participate in a series of workshops led by a native elder.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are mature and dependable.
• Have effective interpersonal skills.
• Are committed to social justice and anti-oppressive action against racism, sexism, homophobia and colonization.
• Understand the importance of successful communication with people they support and community partners.
• Are team-oriented and enjoy working with others.
• Are able to deal effectively with stressful situations.

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Your Career

Graduates may be employed to work as entry-level social service workers in federal, provincial, municipal, non-profit and private social service
agencies, including youth service agencies, family service agencies, social service departments, homes for seniors, nursing homes, agencies assisting homeless people, halfway houses, addiction recovery homes, schools, community health centres, group homes, shelters and residential treatment centres. Self employment opportunities may also be available. Graduates support people who are affected by poverty, violence, homelessness and life transitions/crisis situations.

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Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Level: 01		Hours
ENL9212	Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.	45.0
FAM9002	History of Social Welfare This introductory course allows students to explore the diverse achievements of social work and social welfare pioneers in Canada. By understanding the development and establishment of social welfare programs, students understand the important struggles and historical contexts of income security programs, health care, immigration and aboriginal assimilation policies.	30.0
FAM9004	Social Service Work Interviewing This course explores the basic intervention methods used as part of a social work interview. The major objective of the course is to understand the essential components of an interview and to develop basic skills for use with a variety of clients.	30.0
FAM9006	Social Services with Specific Populations This course allows students to understand the needs, resources, and strategies that can be employed to support seniors and people with disabilities in our communities. The distinct needs and strengths of people with developmental disabilities is also covered.	30.0
FAM9007	The Science of Addictions This introductory course gives students a broad knowledge and understanding of chemical and behavioural addictions including identification, treatment and recovery.	45.0
FAM9008	Preparation for Field Work This course allows students to explore personal and professional goals in preparation for work as a social service worker student in a field placement agency. Resume preparation, behavioural interviewing techniques and safe work practices are reviewed. Local agencies are discussed so students become aware of Social Service resources.	45.0
FAM9009	Social Service Work Ethics This introductory course allows students to examine the ingredients of professional helping in generic social service work including ethical principles, principles required of the worker in the professional use of self and principles of method. Introduction to OCSWSSW Code of Ethics occurs.	45.0
PSY9000	Developmental Psychology I This course is a general overview of human development from birth to adolescence. The course gives students an integrated understanding of life span development with attention to diversity.	30.0

Level: 02		Hours
ENL9006	Communications II for the Social Service Worker This advanced course teaches students specialized recording and reporting skills used by social service workers. It also covers effective intra agency and external communication skills. Prerequisites: ENL9212	45.0
FAM9010	Social Group Work and Life Skills This basic course offers an introduction to the theory and practice of group work. Special emphasis is placed upon helping students acquire the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to facilitate group work as a social service work intervention. It also explores group dynamics and helps to develop leadership and teamwork skills.	30.0
FAM9011	Governance, Legislation and Advocacy This intermediate course gives students an understanding of legislation in Canada and how citizens can participate in the process of governance, advocacy, and change at the local, provincial, federal and international levels.	45.0
FAM9012	Practicum Seminar I This introductory course is designed to help students integrate theory and practice as they begin a work placement in a social service agency. Offered in a small group setting, this course assists students to understand the structure and function of the agencies. Each student prepares and presents a case study, and using a cooperative team approach, students celebrate successes in placement and brainstorm solutions to challenges and barriers. Co-requisites: FAM9018	30.0
FAM9013	Crisis Intervention and Family Violence This intermediate course explores the practice of crisis intervention in social service work. Family violence topics, including intimate partner violence and child abuse, are covered. Resources and strategies for survivors and offenders are reviewed. Topics pertaining to bereavement and loss, trauma and HIV/AIDS are reviewed.	30.0
FAM9018	Field Work I This course is an introduction to field practice. Students work in an agency under the supervision of agency personnel and are involved in many functions. Emphasis is on beginning interviewing techniques and assessment skills, and demonstrating a teamwork approach and committed interest in the field. Prerequisites: ENL9212 and FAM9002 and FAM9004 and FAM9006 and FAM9007 and FAM9008 and FAM9009 and PSY9000 Co-requisites: FAM9012	196.0
PSY9001	Developmental Psychology II This course is a general overview of human development from young adulthood to late adulthood. The major crises of adult life are reviewed, as well as the tasks of development occurring at each stage. The course provides an integrated understanding of lifespan development with attention paid to diversity. Prerequisites: PSY9000	30.0

Level: 03		Hours
FAM9201	Practicum Seminar II This intermediate course focuses on linking theory to practice with an emphasis on ethical behaviour. Self-care and burnout prevention is included in this seminar. Co-requisites: FAM9204	30.0
FAM9204	Field Work II This intermediate field experience is performed in a different agency from that of the first-year practicum. It emphasizes the translation of theory into practice and in-depth involvement with the agency. Prerequisites: FAM9018 Co-requisites: FAM9201	294.0
FAM9208	Community Organization This course focuses on the issues, models and practice applications in community organization. Students complete profiles of local communities, which review service strengths and gaps. Strategies for community enhancement and review of "best practices" in rural settings occur, including volunteer management.	30.0
FAM9211	Service Delivery Strategies and Fundraising This advanced course is an overview of the various ways in which social welfare services are provided to Canadians. This course explores social agencies, private, commercial and public services, working with informal helpers and fundraising. The differences between rural and urban practice are reviewed with an emphasis on creative solutions. Best practices in service delivery with women, people with disabilities, GLBT participants and aboriginal peoples are explored. Students participate in fundraising for the Algonquin College SalvAide Project.	45.0
FAM9212	Mental Health, Mental Illness and Psychopharmocology This course gives students an introduction to the challenges and realities faced by people with mental health issues. Resources and strategies for support and empowerment are covered. Common medications and their side effects are explored.	45.0

Choose one from equivalencies:		Hours
GED2432	General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or GED6022 or GED5005 or GED5002 or GED5006 or GED5004 or ENL7643 or GED1896 or GED5009 or PSI0003	45.0

Level: 04		Hours
FAM9203	Advanced Practice This course helps to develop and refine social service work practice skills including data collection, assessment, treatment and evaluation. A variety of practice theories and models are reviewed such as Generalist, Strengths, Ethnic Sensitive, Feminist, Cognitive Behavioural and Structural.	30.0
FAM9205	Social Welfare: Local/Global In this advanced course, students are required to critically analyze social welfare systems. An understanding of local and global issues, sustainability (environmental, economic and social), political ideology and economic factors is required with emphasis on social action. A study tour to El Salvador in partnership with the Non-Governmental Organization Salvaide may be offered to students at a cost of approximately $2,300. Students must complete an application and have a medical certificate indicating good health for this excursion.	30.0
FAM9206	Practicum Seminar III In this course, students continue to link theory to practice as they engage in more advanced skills within the social service agency. Preparation for securing employment, plans for lifelong learning and professional responsibilities are covered. This final seminar helps students to consolidate learning experiences as they prepare for graduation. Co-requisites: FAM9209	30.0
FAM9207	Working with Children and Families This course, taught from a systems perspective, helps students to understand theory related to practice with children and families with an emphasis on practical skills and local resources.	45.0
FAM9209	Field Work III In this advanced, final work experience, the translation of theory into practice at a more advanced level and an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work as a change agent rounds out students' experience and prepares them for graduation. Prerequisites: FAM9204 Co-requisites: FAM9206	294.0

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Fees & Expenses

Approximate 1st Year Costs

Tuition/Fees: $ 3,104
Books/Supplies: $ 1,000
Incidental Fees: $ 25
Total: $ 4,129



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $1,212.20 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $1,206.40 per term in Levels 03 and 04.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Incidental Fees: $25 in Levels 02, 03 and 04.

Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually. **

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $1000 in the first year and $650 in the second year and can be purchased in the campus bookstore.

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Admission Requirements  2012/20132011/2012

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Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
Heritage Institute
7 Craig Street
Perth, ON K7H 1X7
Telephone: 613-267-2859
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723

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Additional Information

The SSW diploma program is offered in a variety of formats at Algonquin College campuses, in Ottawa at the Woodroffe Campus, at the Pembroke Campus and at the Perth Campus which is located in the town of Perth in Lanark County, one hour from Ottawa. While the learning outcomes at the Woodroffe, Pembroke and Perth Campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of the local circumstances which affect program delivery.

The intake of the SSW program in Perth is limited to 30 students. Practicum Seminar classes are capped at 10 students to ensure individual attention and a small team approach.

"Social Service Worker" is a registered professional title which may only be used by members in good standing of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). This relates to the Ontario legislation called the "Social Work and Social Service Work Act". The OCSWSSW recognizes the SSW Program at Algonquin College in Perth. Graduates of the program are required by law to join this College in order to use the professional
title. The OCSWSSW grants or denies membership. It is important to note that applicants to OCSWSSW must disclose all criminal convictions including those for which they have been pardoned to the Registrar. Their website is
ocswssw.org.

The Perth Campus is an elearning environment; to ensure your success as a student, we recommend that you bring a current laptop computer to support your studies. It is highly recommended that SSW have students access to Internet, and computer skills including word processing, PowerPoint and email.
Applicants without these skills should seek training prior to entering the program.

Classes occur daily between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and are scheduled according to College policy. SSW students are expected to attend all classes.

The program of study stipulates that students must successfully complete all courses and field placements at each level before moving on to the next.
Students with access to transportation and a driver's licence have a wider selection of field placement opportunities and applicants should note that there is no bus service in the town of Perth.

Students in the SSW program must meet and continue to meet the Program Eligibility Requirements for field placements. Students who do not meet these requirements are not eligible to participate in field placements. Those who have a criminal record for which they have not been pardoned have serious challenges securing a field placement in the SSW Perth program due to the extremely low number of agencies in the region that accept a student with a criminal record. We suggest that applicants in this situation explore the programs at other Algonquin campuses.

Students in the SSW program may be required to attend counselling as directed by the program faculty. This may require students to defer academics or field placements until personal issues have been resolved. The SSW program in Perth has a no drug/alcohol policy for classes and field work. Applicants with addiction issues should have received treatment and have a period of one year of sobriety prior to entering the program.

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Awards & Bursaries

The Community Living Lanark County Bursary is open to students in the Social Service Worker program, who is entering his/her third semester and demonstrates financial need.

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