Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a social worker in B.C., you may choose to become certified through the B.C. College of Social Workers (BCCSW). Eligibility is achieved through completion of an approved post-secondary program, criminal record checks, and successful writing of a licensure exam.

Social and community service workers

This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the general study and provision of human and social services to individuals and communities and prepares individuals to work in public and private human services agencies and organizations. These programs include courses in the social sciences, psychology, principles of social service, human services policy, planning and evaluation, social services law and administration, and applications to particular issues, services, localities, and populations.

Human services, general

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals for the professional practice of social welfare administration and counselling, and that focuses on the study of organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. These programs include courses in social welfare policy; case work planning; social counselling and intervention strategies; administrative procedures and regulations; and specific applications in areas such as child welfare and family services, probation, employment services, and disability counselling.

Social work, general

Human and Social Service Diplomas

Mental Health and Addictions Certificates

Human and Social Service Certificates

Social and community service workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and assist clients to deal with personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments.

The Social Service Worker Certificate combines classroom theory with practical skills necessary for employment in a broad range of social services occupations. With practicum opportunities available, You will practice what they learn in workplace settings and gain experience. 

Social Service Worker Certificate

The Social Service Certificate focuses on residential child/adult care services, men's and women's programs, group homes, shelters, First Nations social services organizations, and more. This program gives you the basic skills and knowledge needed for work as a social service paraprofessional. It combines theory and classroom instruction with practicum experience.

The Human Service Worker Certificate focuses on strategies to provide assistance to individuals or groups with a variety of needs. A second year diploma is available if you wish to continue your education to prepare for specialized work in the human service worker field. A major component of human service education is learning-by-doing. Our program provides extensive hands-on practicum experiences in a variety of community agencies. This allows you to practice the theory you are learning, better preparing you for employment.

Human Service Worker Certificate

The Social Service Worker (Gerontology) Certificate program prepares graduates for employment in the community-based seniors’ services sector. This entry-level certificate program does not require applicants to have previous post-secondary experience. The program also ladders directly into the existing Diploma in Gerontology program at Langara College for those who would like advanced certification. [View program information](https://langara.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/gerontology/program-curriculum.html)


Social Service Worker (Gerontology) Certificate

The Social Service Worker Certificate prepares you for entry level in a variety of social service and health-related agencies, as well as for further education in Social Work and other helping professions. The program provides a combination of academic, experiential and community-based learning and focuses on the theory and practice of delivering basic social services. Upon graduation, you may find employment at family agencies, immigrant service agencies, rehabilitation centres, First Nations bands and councils, advocacy organizations, and government, among others. [View program information](https://langara.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/social-service/program-curriculum.html)

The Indigenous Human Service Certificate and Diploma prepares you for a career in non-profit agencies, Indigenous communities, and government. Graduates of the certificate program will be able to provide support and assistance to agencies and communities coping with economic disadvantage, mental health issues, developmental, gender and diversity issues, as well as challenges such addictions, family change and involvement with the justice system. Once you complete the Diploma portion of the program, you will be able to extend these supports and services to individuals and families. Students who wish to continue their education have the opportunity to ladder into the Social Work Degree Program at NVIT.

Indigenous Human Services Certificate

The Human Services-Educational Assistant/Community Support Certificate prepares students to provide support and assist individuals with a broad ranger of differing abilities through first-hand experience and workplace practicums. Core themes of social issues and ethics pertaining to disabilities, human development, and health and wellness will allow students to implement their skills and knowledge through supervised practice experience in a school or community agency. 

Human Services Certificate - Educational Assistant/Community Support (NIC)

The Human Services - Educational Assistant/Community Support, Indigenous Focus Certificate provides a base for enhancing communication skills and critical analysis in understanding contemporary Canadian social and family issues, with a focus on Indigenous populations. Core themes of  human development through the lifespan and health and wellness will allow students to implement their skills and knowledge through supervised practice experience in a school or community agency. 

Human Services Certificate - Educational Assistant/Community Support, Indigenous Focus (NIC)

 This program will prepare graduates for employment as a Human Service Worker, with a focus on serving Indigenous people on or off a reserve. Students will acquire culturally appropriate knowledge, skills, and values while working with individuals, groups, and communities. Indigenous Human Service Worker (IHSW) Certificate graduates will earn course credits that can be applied to NLC’s Early Childhood Education and Care Diploma, Education Assistant Diploma, and Social Service Worker Diploma. Conversely, graduates from these diploma programs may apply relevant course credits to completion of the IHSW Certificate.

Indigenous Human Service Worker Certificate

The Social Service Worker Certificate prepares you to work as an entry-level practitioner in the Human Services field. You will learn practical interviewing and counselling skills, development of written and oral communication, promotion of self awareness, personal growth and readiness for practice, critical thinking, team building and problem solving skills, individual, group and family strategy skills. Feminist and Indigenous approaches to practice are introduced and anti-oppressive perspectives are a foundation of the program. Your SSW Certificate transfers to two Human Services diploma specialties at Selkirk and also to related programs at other universities. Program includes a practicum.

The Social Service Worker Certificate provides an understanding of relational and communication skills for practice with individuals in distress and involved in programs in human service agencies. While developping knowledge of human development, economic disadvantage, diversity issues, adversity, and change theories. You will participate in a field education course in a community social service agency. 

The School and Community Support Worker Certificate prepares you to work as education assistants in schools or support workers in the community. You'll acquire the knowledge and skills required to support diverse students with a variety of learning needs under the direction of a classroom teacher. You'll also be prepared to assist adults and children with diverse needs in the community in vocational, residential, and recreational settings, as well as long-term care facilities. 

Educational Path

Human and Social Service Certificates

Programs

Careers