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Community Social Service Work Program

Note: for the Fall 2013 intake, the application deadline has been extended to April 15, 2013. This deadline may be extended.

The Community Social Service Work (CSSW) program is designed to prepare new professionals for work in the field of social services. The program includes both classroom-based studies and field-related work (practicum) at social service agencies. A practicum involves placement in a community social service agency with an opportunity to practice skills learned in the program. The program has two practicums, one in the second semester and one in the third. Students on practicum are expected to be available to travel anywhere in the Lower Mainland.

Department Website

For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the department website.

Career/Further Educational Opportunities

The Community Social Service Work program prepares graduates for work in a wide range of social service settings, such as transition houses, seniors' centres, crisis centres, employment counselling centres, multi-service agencies, drug and alcohol centres, multicultural services, mental health and family support services.

Graduates from this program may apply to receive transfer credit to the Child & Youth Care BA at Douglas College, School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria, University College of the Fraser Valley, Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation at the University of Calgary and Vancouver Island University. Contact an Academic Advisor for details.

Location

This program is offered at the New Westminster Campus of Douglas College.
In September 2012, most CFCS programs are moving to the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam. Please check with your program for more details.

Intake Dates/Application Deadlines

Note: for the Fall 2013 intake, the application deadline has been extended to April 15, 2013. This deadline may be extended. 

Enrolment in the program is limited. Applications must be submitted by April 1 each year. The program commences in September and may be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Students are advised to apply early and to prepare all supporting documentation as early as possible. Applicants who apply and submit all documents early may be offered early admission. The intake process also involves an interview with program faculty.

Other Information

This program offers free information sessions. For more details about dates, times and locations, please check on-line.

Please refer to the section on the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies regarding an English Competency exit requirement.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Community Social Service Work program is contingent upon availability of seats and applicant ranking as determined by a process of selective admission evaluation. To be considered for a seat in the program, applicants must meet all admission criteria. The selective admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants in relation to the admission criteria established for the program. Following this review applicants are ranked according to the degree to which they have met the admission criteria and their demonstration of communication skills, motivation to enter the program and knowledge of the demands of the profession.

NOTE: Applicants are advised to meet all admission criteria as early as possible to demonstrate preparedness and motivation for obtaining a seat in the program.

In addition to Douglas College General Admission Requirements, students must:

1. Meet the admission requirements for the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies;
2. Provide evidence they have recently (in the last two years) completed at least 100 hours of work (paid or volunteer) in the social services field (this experience must have been acquired prior to the time of the selection interviews)
3. Submit two letters of reference at the time of the selection process, one of which must come from a former supervisor in the social service field and which must verify hours and evaluate work performance.
4. Meet the minimum age requirement of 19 years.

Students are strongly advised to acquire basic computer skills (word processing and e-mail) prior to entering the program. Increasingly, field agencies will not accept students who are not computer literate.

Once all materials have been received, applicants are contacted to schedule a selection interview. Readiness of an applicant to enrol in the program on a full-time or part-time basis will be determined by the faculty selection team based upon specific criteria.

Part-Time Studies

The course sequence for part-time students is fixed over seven semesters and is arranged in consultation with program faculty. Seat availability cannot be guaranteed for part-time students who do not follow the fixed sequence. Note: It is possible for part-time students to accelerate providing they meet certain prerequisites.

Part-time students are advised that practicums require a commitment of two days per week for a full semester.

Credentials

Courses lead to a four-semester (60 credit) Diploma in Community Social Service work.

Program Content

The courses in the program are listed below and a brief description of each can be found in the calendar under Course Descriptions.

Semester I

Semester II

Semester III

Semester IV

*Elective: CFCS, CODS or UT (University Transfer) course

Total credits for diploma: 60