SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER
selkirk.ca/ssw

SSW 157 - GROUP SKILLS

Effective social service workers need a good
understanding of groups and group skills. This
knowledge and skill development can be applied to a
large number of settings: in the workplace as a team
member; working with specific client groups including
children, adolescents, families, special interest
groups, learning and discussion groups; planning,
implementing and evaluating community development
work. Students will work in groups to gain first-hand
experience in group dynamics.

SSW 160 - INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK

This course is designed to introduce students to the
practice of social work considering the ideological
and historical influences which have shaped social
work in Canada. The value, knowledge and skill
foundations to this challenging profession are
investigated. Further, it explores the roles of social
workers and their methods of intervention based
on several practice frameworks, including systems,
strengths perspectives, structural, feminist and
Aboriginal approaches. Throughout the course, the
present trends and directions of the profession and
field are discussed.

Pre-requisites: ENGL 12 or equivalent with a grade of "C"
or better.

SSW 161 - INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL POLICY

Introduction to Social Policy explores social issues
and how they are influenced by cultural ideologies
and values. The historical development of social
security policies and programs in Canada, within
the context of larger global trends is examined. The
impact of social policy on populations such as those
who live in poverty, people with disabilities and
minority populations will be explored with a view
to the past, present and potential future status of
the social safety net in Canada and other countries
around the world.

Pre-requisites: ENGL 170 or equivalent with a grade of
"C" or better.

SSW 162 - COMMUNITY RESOURCES

This course is designed to provide an orientation

to professionals and agencies providing social
services in the West Kootenay as well as to prepare
students for practicum activities. Students visit a
variety of settings where services are available to
deal with a wide range of issues. Resource people
are brought in to furnish workshops and information
which supplements the course content. The course
is an introduction to the notion of applying theory to
practice. These experiences should assist students in
making their choice of field placement for the winter
term as well as increasing their understanding of
the depth and breadth of the social service system in
this area. Data collection, observation and analytical

236 Selkirk College Academic Calendar 2016-17

skills will be developed and demonstrated through
this course.

SSW 163 - FIELD WORK I

This Winter semester of practical experience in a
social service organization involves a one week
orientation followed by one day a week in the
field placement. Required competencies must be
demonstrated at an appropriate level in order to
advance to final practicum course.

Pre-requisites: Completion of all first semester courses.

SSW 166 - APPLICATION OF
THEORY TO PRACTICE

This weekly on-line seminar in the Winter semester

is for students enroled in SSW 163. Discussions will
focus on field placement activities. The emphasis of
the course is on applying the theory of social services
to its practice.

SSW 168 - FIELD WORK II
(BLOCK PLACEMENT)

A full time work study program for five weeks

after Winter semester that affords the student an
opportunity to practice the skills learned in the
previous two semesters. Field work provides an
opportunity for students to demonstrate competency
required for permanent employment in Social Service
Agencies. On-line weekly seminars will support this
practicum.

Pre-requisites: SSW 163 and completion of all program
COUFSES.

Contacts

JENNY LATREMOUILLE

Enrolment Officer

Phone: 250.365.1233 ext 21233

Direct:

Email: admissions@selkirk.ca, jlatremouille@
selkirk.ca

TERESA PETRICK

School Chair

Phone: 250.365.7292 ext 21442
Direct: 250.365.1442

Email: tpetrick@selkirk.ca

selkirk.ca/programs