Social Services Worker Diploma

About this programme

The Social Services Worker Diploma (SSWD) program provides opportunities for students to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to enable them to work in a human services worker field. The program involves two years of full-time study, with a combination of practice, theory, and academic course requirements aimed to prepare students to become critical practitioners with an emphasis on advocacy, social justice, and social change. The program may also be taken on a part-time basis The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2025 . The SSWD program prepares students to work as paraprofessionals in a variety of social service and health agencies. Typical jobs include, but not limited to: financial assistance worker, bail supervisor, residential service worker, social work assistant, mental health assisted living worker, family support worker, supported employment, community living worker, transition houses, women’s programs, Aboriginal support worker and family violence worker. The SSWD program can be available at remote campuses through a combination of online and videoconference course delivery methods. Arrangements can be made practicum placements at remote locations. 60 credits (1055 hours), minimum. This is a two year program taken over four semesters with minimum of 15 credits per semester. Part-time studies will take longer and all key SSWD courses (SSWD 110, SSWD 120, SSWD 210, SSWD 215/PSYC 220/ECTA 121, SSWD 220, SOWK 200, an