Diploma in Social Service Worker in Gerontology

at Seneca College - King Campus Canada

This eight-month graduate certificate program enhances the knowledge and skill sets of front line service providers or recent graduates of relevant programs with a specialization in mental health intervention. Along with studying theoretical and practical course content in family dynamics, community mental health and crisis intervention, you will be introduced to practical applications of the latest research and develop an understanding of risk, protective factors as well as early intervention applications. This training will prepare you to provide expertise to individuals and families in need of support.

During your second semester, the unique ‘Community Outreach’ course challenges your abilities to innovate new practices in the field. You will be placed on a team with fellow students where you will develop original modules based on best practices in mental health detection, prevention and outreach thereby contributing to the expansion of mental health knowledge and practices to the broader community.

Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• Research 
• Practical applications 
• Ability to use good judgment

In this two-year program, you will study theories and clinical applications including the use of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – the science of understanding, analyzing and modifying human behaviour. Through applied learning and placement, you will learn the applications of ABA, including its use in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities.

As a graduate of this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you are eligible to pursue Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology program. This unique pathway allows you to earn a degree within two years (4 semesters plus a work-term) after completion of a summer bridging stream.

If you meet the admission requirements, you may also be eligible to receive a 42 credit block transfer when entering the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology within the Faculty of Health at York University.

Skills
Throughout this program, you will be trained in intervention techniques used in clinical areas, such as gerontology, educational services, healthcare services, mental health, special education and working with children and adults with developmental disorders, along with other areas where the use of behavioural sciences is expanding rapidly.

Field Work
Over the course of this program, you will work in a professional capacity with the help of a field placement opportunity. Your field work placements will give you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and apply what you have learned in a work environment. You will work individually and in a group in a professional capacity, with specific job tasks and responsibilities, time management requirements and appropriate interpersonal skills.

This eight-month graduate certificate program provides you with additional training and skills to enhance your current career and open up new opportunities. As a student in this program, you will gain the tools necessary to support young families to promote positive mental health and to help prevent long-term mental health issues. You will also acquire skills, knowledge and judgment to make positive contributions to the best start in life for infants and their families.

Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• Practical applications of current research
• Understanding of risk and protective factors
• Early intervention applications

Field Placement
During this program you will complete a mandatory field placement. Prior to beginning your field placement, you will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Check, an up to date medical form, and Standard First Aid and CPR. The documents will be validated by a third party.

This is the first crime and intelligence degree offered at an Ontario postsecondary institution which focuses on the application of analytical techniques and technologies as well as the core elements of a public safety/criminal justice education.

This program will prepare you for the challenging and complex environment by providing you with in-depth knowledge of crime and intelligence as well as develop a breadth of analytical and research skills.  You will learn how to analyze and address public safety matters by applying professional practices, strategies and use the latest analytical tools and technologies. Your studies will include law, criminology, investigation and community policing which will be applicable to understanding topics and trends in crime and investigations.

Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Communication
• Effective collaboration

Work Experience
Mandatory Degree Work Term
A work experience that includes at least one term in a formal work environment. The work term(s) may be a paid or unpaid position that is completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory degree work term regardless of success in securing a work position. 

Canada now has more people over age 65 than any other age group and there is a great need for skilled and trained professionals to work with older adults. This two-year diploma program combines the knowledge, professional values and skill sets of social service to assist older adults to maintain independence and a good quality of life. The program focuses on a holistic strength-based approach, current legislation and best practices.

Along with your studies in mandated government initiatives and service delivery models for working with seniors, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge infield placement and participate in additional educational training. As a student you will engage in personal reflection and growth, work within a team, apply professional ethics, and successfully achieve the Ministry Vocational Learning outcomes so you are prepared to confidently enter the workforce.

Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• Therapeutic program planning
• Individual and group modes of facilitation
• Interventions with clients, families and significant others
• Service coordination and navigation
• Interpersonal communications skills related to working with bereavement and grief
• Assessment of client’s needs and strengths
• Advocacy

Field Work
As a student of this program, if you meet all the academic requirements, you will have the opportunity to participate in a field placement. You will work in a professional capacity and will be evaluated on the basis of an approved three–part learning contract as agreed by you, the approved fieldwork agency and the Seneca SSWG program. With the support and assistance from your professor, you will play an active role in securing your placement.

Fieldwork days are typically:

• Equivalent of two full days per week in semesters two, three and four
• Full week block placements as scheduled throughout the program duration
• One placement at a residential setting and one placement at a community agency which provides services to seniors

In this four-year degree program, you will learn to assess, design, evaluate and implement therapeutic interventions for future clients. Therapeutic interventions are activities designed to achieve outcomes in the physical, psychological, social, cognitive and spiritual domains. As a student of this program, you will gain essential knowledge and expertise in various health disciplines such as health sciences, recreation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychology. In semester eight, you will take professional stream options to increase your knowledge in a specialized area and gain an added advantage in the workplace.

Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• Client assessments
• Evaluation and implementation of therapeutic intervention
• Therapeutic intervention activities

Mandatory Degree Work Term
You will complete at least one term in a formal work environment. It takes place in the fall semester of the final year and it may be a paid or unpaid position that requires a minimum of 420 hours of work. Students must be in good standing and meet all requirements prior to participating in the work term. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory degree work term regardless of success in securing a work position. Please be aware that students in the program will take Semester 7 classes over summer in order to complete a fall work term and Semester 8 in the winter.

This rigorous and fast-paced program has been preparing commercial divers for a variety of industry careers for more than 45 years. That’s why contractors continue to contact Seneca looking for skilled graduates to work in offshore construction, salvage, inspection, offshore oil and gas exploration, and production.

In this 35-week program, you will dive to a maximum of 50 metres (165 feet), led by Seneca’s Unrestricted Surface Supplied Supervisors, who have more than 100 years of combined commercial diving experience. Graduates will receive an internationally recognized certificate as an Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver from the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC).

Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• Commercial diving techniques
• Surface and underwater welding and cutting
• Construction and salvage work
• Underwater inspection and repair work related to the civil and offshore oil industry
• Safety and competently using equipment in open water
• Ability to assess the cause of pressure-related diseases and conditions

This eight-month certificate program will provide you with principles and skills to effectively manage the public and work in emergency services and perform under stressful conditions. An emergency services communicator is often the first person involved in responding to members of the public during times of distress and crisis. Your training will combine professional knowledge and practical scenarios, including utilizing Hexagon’s industry-leading Computer-Aided Dispatch System (I-CAD) system. You will learn how to record and analyze data received from calls, and how this critical information can direct the response to an incident. This program uses blended and online strategies across our curriculum to deliver innovative and flexible learning.

Upon completion of required hours and professional exams, you will have the opportunity to qualify for the Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate offered by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO).

Graduates of Ontario Police Foundations programs are eligible to receive four courses as credit towards the 12 courses required for the certificate in Emergency Services Communications.

Seneca's King Campus is part of a provincially significant wetland complex and is a valued source of headwaters to the Humber Rivers watershed, which is part of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. In this unique two-year diploma program, the majority of your outdoor training will take place on this land. You will study ecology, traditional types of landscaping, practical skills and receive an overview of the ecosystem allowing you to understand the impact humans have on the environment and how to protect and restore its natural landscapes.

The demand for environmental landscape management is growing within private and public organizations, therefore employers are in search of graduates who are committed, skilled and knowledgeable in the profession.

Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

• A blend of theoretical and applied practical skills valued in the environmental landscaping field
• Knowledge of the latest landscaping techniques, including fusion landscaping approaches
• Computer aided design techniques
• Business and marketing skills
• An advanced awareness of ecology and the interactions between humans, plants and the environment.

Optional Co-op
You will be given the opportunity to complete an optional co-op work term in a professional work environment. To be eligible, you must meet all academic requirements as well as have a passing grade on a communication assessment. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional co-op. 

This one-year certificate program is designed to provide you with the core knowledge, skills and abilities fundamental to academic success in health sciences and other high affinity programs. You will develop knowledge and skills in communications, mathematics, human anatomy, biology, and organic/inorganic chemistry. You will be well prepared to further your study in the health sciences at either the diploma or baccalaureate level. The program also provides you with the opportunity to learn about potential careers in the health sciences, and to identify other programs focusing on the biological or chemical sciences that will enable you to achieve your career objectives.