- Application Deadline:March 1
- Program Code:388.A1
- DEC in:Social Service
- Program Length:3 years
If you would like to:
- Make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities
- Work with vulnerable populations
- Collaborate with people from various communities and cultural backgrounds
- Support people living with physical, psychological and mental health issues
- Develop positive changes in public policy
- Work as part of a team
Then the Social Service Program could be for you.
The heart of social service is to accompany individuals, families and communities, helping them overcome difficult life challenges. In this program, you will learn skills and techniques that will help you accompany, care for and guide vulnerable individuals, families and communities. You will be challenged to explore the systems that maintain inequalities and injustice in our society and learn skills and strategies to empower people and accompany them in the fight for social justice. With these skills, you will intervene in difficult situations with empathy, find resources, inform clients about their rights, bring people together to break isolation and empower them to achieve their goals. Classroom learning is put into practice during two internships in the community.
The teachers gave me all the knowledge I needed, and then I applied it through case scenarios or fieldwork. I was constantly learning!— Jessica G.
What you will learn?
- To develop core social work skills: empathy, active listening, non-violent communication, conflict resolution
- To perform needs assessments
- To perfect interview and group facilitation skills
- To create and maintain helpful relationships with clients and co-workers
- To practice crisis situation intervention
- To gain knowledge of community resources
- To develop and implement community action projects
- Empowerment models such as the strength-based approach, anti-oppressive practice and cultural sensitivity training
- To be sensitive to the defence of rights (individual and collective)
Where will this program lead you?
A DEC in Social Service Technology prepares graduates to work in a variety of health and social service organizations, such as hospitals, community health centres (CLSCs), youth protection agencies as well as rehabilitation centers and longterm care facilities.
Graduates also work for the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la solidarité and for the Ministère d’Éducation. They are employed by schools, community organizations, shelters, senior centres, advocacy groups, popular education groups and drop-in centers, working with very diverse populations—from the elderly to youth and families, to immigrants and people with mental health issues, as examples— in the following roles:
- social service workers
- case workers
- educators in group homes
- child care workers or behaviour technicians in schools
- outreach workers
- community intervention workers
- group facilitators
Graduates who pursue university often apply to programs such as Social Work or Applied Human Services.
What else you should know?
- Teachers are experienced social service workers who are passionate about teaching and coaching students through the rewards and challenges of working in the human services field
- An interdisciplinary approach brings students together for shared courses with students from Nursing, Diagnostic Imaging Technology and Physiotherapy Technology
- Students benefit from one-on-one time with teachers
- Students have access to a dedicated student lounge that is equipped with a microwave and sink
- Students must pass a mandatory police background check in the first semester in order to participate in fieldwork
What do you need to apply?
- A Diploma of Secondary Studies (DES) or academic background judged equivalent to the DES
- Letter of intent
- Two recommendation forms
- An interview may be required to assess academic backgrounds, qualifications, or experiences and how they fit with the program
Application Deadline
March 1
