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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the program?

Fennell - The Social Service Worker Program is a two year/four semester full time program running from September to April both years. Students are expected to be available for learning Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students complete supervised field placement practicum in their second, third and forth semesters of the program.

Brantford - The Social Service Worker Program is a 16 months "Fast Track full Program" beginning every January. Students are expected to be available for learning Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students complete supervised field placement practicum in their second, third and forth semesters of the program.

How to apply for the program?

Students who wish to apply are advised to do so before the equal consideration deadline each year. Students are encouraged to apply prior to mid January and can access the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) online application process found at www.OntarioColleges.ca


Is There a Program Orientation?

At the start of the program there is a program orientation. Applicants have a chance to meet faculty and other students. This is a chance for applicants to hear greater detail about the program and ask questions that are specific to their needs. Additionally, Mohawk College welcomes program inquiries at any time.

How can I prepare for the Social Service Worker Program?

We encourage students to gain volunteer experience prior to beginning their studies. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with how social service agencies are structured. It is also recommended that applicants who expect to begin professional training take time to interview people working within the profession of Social Service Work and Social Service Agencies.

What kind of job can I expect?

Many of our graduates find employment helping others with issues around housing, poverty, mental health and disabilities. The college provides excellent services to support and refine your job search.

Graduates of the Social Service Worker Program who plan to work as Social Service Workers are required to register with the College of Social Work and Social Service Workers – a provincial regulatory body. Registration in the Province of Ontario is mandatory in order to use the Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) designation.

Additional information about the Profession of Social Service Work can be found at: www.ocswssw.org

Prior to beginning Field Work Practicum’s, the following may be required by the placement agency.  If required, it is the students responsibility to ensure that they have proof of these:


What happens if I have taken some courses at college or university before being accepted into the Mohawk College Social Service Worker Program?

If you have taken courses at Mohawk College or another educational institution you may be eligible for an exemption. All exemptions are granted after acceptance into the Social Service Worker Program in accordance with the exemption policy of Mohawk College. Students are given credit for courses previously completed where appropriate. A full listing of our courses is found at:http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/calendar/socialServWorker.html

Students are required to complete all other courses according to the full time Program of Study schedule for the Social Service Worker Program.

Can I get Credit for Some of My Previous Experience?

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process where you can obtain credit for up to 75% of the program based on your work/life experience. You must take at least 25% of the courses her at Mohawk college in order to obtain a Mohawk College Diploma. The courses are challenged on a course by course basis. There is a non-refundable fee of $104.00 per course. Once a student is accepted into the Social Service Worker Program they are eligible to apply for Prior Learning Assessment.

Prior Learning Assessment as it applies to Field Placement is only applicable for  the first year practicum - Field Placement 1 and Seminar 1 (WORK 10005). Credit will only be given for paid or volunteer work experience completed under the supervision of a trained Human Service Professional as is required in the Social Service Worker Program. Prior Learning Assessment does not apply to second year Field Practicums and Seminar 2 and 3  (WORK 10006, 10007).