Course Overview:

This course introduces students to the professional role of the social service worker in British Columbia. Learners explore the history and philosophy of the field, ethical responsibilities, and the advocacy role in supporting diverse individuals and families. Through case studies, reflective journaling, and group discussions, students develop a professional identity grounded in values such as respect, dignity, and social justice. Particular attention is given to BC’s service delivery systems, community resources, and the evolving expectations placed on frontline workers, with emphasis on working respectfully and effectively with diversified population (e.g. Indigenous, South Asian communities).

Prerequisite:

  • The students must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status (19 years or older).
  • Applicants must submit a written statement outlining their motivation, relevant experience, and career goals. An admissions interview may also be required to assess communication skills, professional awareness, and readiness for both academic study and practicum learning.
  • Because the program includes placements with vulnerable populations, applicants must provide a clear Criminal Record Check. Some sites may also require proof of immunizations, first aid certification, or other documentation to ensure safety and readiness for practicum participation.
  • All applicants must meet one of the following Language Proficiency Requirements (LPR):
    • Completion of 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
    • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
    • To meet BC Health Care Assistant English Competency Standards, students from non-English speaking countries must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education and provide verified results for one of the English Language Proficiency tests with minimum scores listed below:
      • IELTS: overall score of 6.0, with a minimum of 6 in Speaking/Listening, and not below 5.5 in Reading/Writing.
      • CAEL: overall score of 60, with no section below 50.
      • TOEFL iBT: minimum 76 overall, with no sub-scores lower than 20 (Speaking/Listening) and 18 (Reading/Writing), or
      • Another accredited equivalent score.
  • Mature Student Applicants
    Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and are unable to provide official secondary or post-secondary education records may demonstrate English proficiency by:
    • Submitting a signed attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages and
    • Completing the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) with the following minimum scores:
      • Reading: 235
      • Writing: 235
      • WritePlacer: 4

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

  • Distinguish and clearly articulate the key roles, functions, and practice boundaries of social service workers across diverse Canadian service settings.
  • Interpret, apply, and uphold GNI’s professional codes of conduct to ensure ethical policy-compliant frontline practice.
  • Analyze and interpret the historical evolution of social welfare systems in British Columbia and connect these developments to contemporary service delivery models.
  • Assess, illustrate, and critically evaluate how cultural diversity, particularly within Indigenous and South Asian communities, shapes client needs, communication, and service outcomes.
  • Design, refine, and present a comprehensive career development plan that aligns personal strengths with current labour-market opportunities in the social service sector.
  • Analyze and explain how colonial policies structured and continue to influence Canadian social welfare institutions and practices.
  • Integrate and operationalize decolonizing principles into frontline interactions, demonstrating cultural humility, relational accountability, and anti-oppressive practice.

Course Content & Topics:

Credit Information:

  • Credits: 3

Duration:

  • 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week

Course & Related Fees:

  • Domestic & International: $700 (Seven hundred dollars)

For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005 Programs & Course Fee Schedule

Non-Refundable Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)