Social Service Community Worker

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
Fredericton September 2025 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
MiramichiSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International
MonctonSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International
Saint JohnSeptember 2025 (Blended Delivery)
 
Domestic | International

Program Overview

How we care for our most vulnerable community members is an important sign of how well we’re doing as a society. Social Service Community Workers are advocates who support the well-being of individuals and families facing challenging life events, including poverty, domestic violence, social, emotional, behavioural or mental trauma. They are strength-based problem solvers and relationship builders who understand the growing challenges facing communities. Every day, they help clients access the resources and develop the skills to gain more independence and control over their lives. Social Service Community Work is a foundation helping profession working within community-based health centers, from community-based care environments and shelters to family support and outreach programs.
 
Our Social Service Community Worker program prepares you to create positive change in people’s lives. You’ll learn about human development and relations, family dynamics and support, interpersonal communications, counselling, program planning, social policy and legislation, and advocacy. Students also participate in experiential and applied learning opportunities in the community. You’ll learn a lot about yourself too. If you’re patient, mature, and have a big heart for strengthening people and communities, enrol today and pursue a rewarding career that lifts people up.


Duration

The requirements for this diploma program may be achieved within two years of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile A

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies


    Career Possibilities

    There are many ways to make a difference, and the outlook for new jobs over the next few years is strong. Social Service Community Worker graduates may find employment as community or family support workers, outreach workers, behavioural interventionists, residential care workers, intake workers, or case managers.
     
    Graduates work in diverse settings, including community and refugee centres, emergency shelters, youth employment agencies, hostels, social development agencies, and agencies within the justice system. Many community service workers choose to further their education with additional degrees or specialized training in specific areas.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.



    Specific Considerations

    Host agencies require students to provide a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check from a recognized police service in order to be considered for tours/or field trips and applied workplace experiences. Individuals who have been convicted criminally and not pardoned will likely be prohibited from proceeding to a work placement. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she is eligible to participate.

    Mature applicants with related experience or training who do not meet the academic admission requirements may be considered for acceptance following additional assessment conducted at the college. Please contact us for further direction.

    Prior to the beginning of the applied workplace experience, host facilities may require the completion of an Immunization and Medical Form (pdf). It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she has met these requirements.

    Technology Requirements
    NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


    Areas of Study

    • Human Growth and Development
    • Interpersonal Communications
    • Legislation and Social Policy
    • Program Planning
    • Documentation
    • Family Dynamics
    • Counselling Skills
    • Mental Health
    • Behavioural Intervention
    • Crisis Intervention
    • Integrated Community Relationships
    • Leadership
    • Advocacy


    Program Courses

    Courses are subject to change.

    This course is designed to examine effective document use in the social services field, aligned with social service agency guidelines. Scenario-based incidents will be used to create and develop professional communication practices. Community service model documents and exercises will give the opportunity to practice and perfect their writing skills. This course will prepare students to have polished written communication skills as they will write various documents for permanent and legal records.

    This course is designed to help students strengthen their fundamental skills in writing clear, effective sentences and paragraphs, and enable them to create organized, unified and coherent documents. The writing process is introduced. Students will recognize the importance of writing for the intended purpose and audience.

    This course is designed to prepare learners to evaluate and apply research to social service practice. Learners will examine how qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods contribute to social transformation. Learners will consider the research process during the design of an evidence-based paper and the various aspects associated with research design, such as ethical issues and recruitment.

    Prerequisites:

    • COMM1264A

    This course is designed to introduce group interpersonal skills required in professional practice. Foundational skills will be developed in leadership styles, communication, group roles, group cohesion, relationship building, and trust. 

    This course is designed to provide advanced interviewing and counselling theoretical concepts. Emphasis will be placed on helping clients identify and capitalize on their strengths and assets. 

    This course is designed to introduce theoretical concepts and practical skills necessary to assist in defining concerns and identifying desired outcomes for individuals across the life span. Emphasis will be placed on promoting a wide range of skills for interviewing.
     

    This course is designed to provide an overview of relevant historical and theoretical influences in the development of social and human service practice and methods. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the purpose, values, skills and ethics associated with the profession.

    During this work-integrated experience course, learners will gain familiarity and experience within the field of social services at an agency. Learners will apply foundational skills related to documentation, interpersonal communication skills, interventions, wellness, and safe work practices. This course also includes a bi-weekly seminar that provides the opportunity to debrief, reflect, and enhance learning within the field.

    This course is designed to explore the topics, issues and information related to self-care practices.  Emphasis will be placed upon examining the dimensions of wellness and how these dimensions impact the lives of the frontline worker.
     

    This course is designed to allow learners to build a more in-depth understanding of crisis, crisis intervention and trauma informed practice. The focus will be placed on applying best practice approaches of crisis intervention and trauma informed care.

    During this work-integrated experience course, learners will apply their developing skills and knowledge within the field of social services at an agency. These include skills related to communication, professionalism, inclusiveness, interventions, and effective client support. This course also includes a bi-weekly seminar that provides the opportunity to debrief, reflect, and enhance learning within the field.

    This course is designed to explore professional practices and ethical issues within social service work. Emphasis is placed on assessing ethical principles that establish professional standards of practice through ethical decision-making and self-awareness. There will be a focus on the Canadian Association of Social Work (CASW) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice.

    This course is designed to provide an overview of the charitable and non-profit sectors of human service agencies in Canada. Emphasis will be placed on how agencies are structured, governed, and managed. The structure of non-profit organizational funding will also be explored along with strategies for accessing government, corporate, private, and foundational backing as part of an overall financial strategy.

    This course is designed to allow learners an opportunity to devise solutions to real world issues. Learners will apply their knowledge and skills by selecting and focusing on a topic within the social services field. Once chosen, learners will research the topic and associated issues, including identification of ethical, legal and social policy concerns impacting service delivery.

    This course will provide learners with the foundation for best practices in case management within a social service setting. Through reflective practice, learners will focus on current theory, evidence-informed practice, sociohistorical context, and evaluation methods relevant to quality case management and the population served.

    This course is designed to introduce the required knowledge and strategies for constructive social change through the process of community work. Learners will consider various theories, historical overviews, and practical applications. The value of community work, power, and social structures will be explored with a global focus.

    During this work-integrated experience course, learners will apply the knowledge and core skills required of an entry-level social service worker at an agency. This includes skills related to communication, working safely, professionalism, interventions, client support, agency administration, legislation, case management, and advocacy. This course also includes a seminar that provides the opportunity to debrief, reflect, and enhance learning within the field.

    This course will provide learners with an understanding of the role of the law in social services by examining case law and legislation. Learners will recognize when someone's legal rights or their rights to dignity and equality have been violated and how to challenge these violations. Emphasis will be on learning how to access and apply resources while keeping abreast of various levels of government.

    This course is designed to focus on current social issues and trends that inform social service community work. As a result of sector-specific skill development needs, topics will be selected to build on existing knowledge and enhance practical understanding of contemporary topics.

    This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities.

    This course is designed to study human development across the life span. Emphasis will be placed on identifying growth patterns as a frame of reference for differentiating typical and atypical development.

    This course is designed to provide information on mental health and wellness.  Emphasis will be placed on abnormal psychology including terminology, diagnostic features, assessment, and treatment of the major psychological disorders.

    This course is designed to develop practical strategies to help clients in the behaviour change process while being trauma-informed. Emphasis will be placed on the application of behaviour modification and strength-based practice to increase quality of life. 

    Learners are introduced to the major concepts and theoretical perspectives of the field of psychology. They explore such topics as history, research methods, sensation, perception, consciousness, memory, and intelligence using critical thinking and skeptical inquiry.

    A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.

    This course is designed to discuss the major concepts and theoretical perspectives of sociology, leading to the ability to define and analyze various social issues and their causes. In addition, it will develop skills and knowledge in the area of cultural and personal diversity along with the knowledge, attitudes and basic skills necessary to develop and deliver effective supports to diverse populations.

    This course is designed to explore the dynamics of family relationships. Emphasis will be placed on family development and ecological perspectives that enhance the understanding of diverse family experiences and strategies for intervention.
     

    This course is designed to introduce the systems and processes of the Canadian government. Learners will acquire knowledge in governance, participation in politics, political culture, and other contemporary issues relating to politics in Canada. Also, learners will explore how the political process can be applied to promote the social determinants of health locally, provincially, and federally.

    This course is designed to explore areas and issues of local, regional, and national importance to the Indigenous peoples of Canada. Learners are introduced to Indigenous history and culture, including the past and present consequences of colonialism. This includes matters related to identity, land, governance, and community. This course will focus on building allyship through understanding, critical thinking, reflection, and reconciliation.


    NOC Codes

    40030 - Managers in social, community and correctional services
    42201 - Social and community service workers


    Articulation Agreements

    Institution: Humber College
    Information: Bachelor of Social Service - Addictions and Mental Health
    Students with an NBCC Social Service Community Worker diploma may transfer with advanced standing into year 3 of Humber's Bachelor of Social Service - Addictions and Mental and Health degree.


    Institution: University of New Brunswick - Saint John
    Information: Bachelor of Social Work.
    Graduates of the NBCC-SSCW diploma program will be eligible for transfer credit to the UNBSJ-Bachelor of Social Work.
     
    Institution: University of Maine, Presque Isle, Maine
    Information: Bachelor of Social Work
    Graduates of the NBCC-SSCW diploma program will be eligible for transfer credit to the University of Maine - Bachelor of Social Work.
    Institution: University of New Brunswick Saint John - Faculty of Business
    Information: Bachelor of Applied Management Degree
    NBCC graduates of any 2 year diploma program with a GPA of 70% or greater receive 2 years full credit toward this degree and will be eligible to enter year 3 of the 4 year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) program.

    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.

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