Course Overview:

This foundational practicum immerses students in a supervised social service setting across British Columbia, offering 100 hours of hands-on experience to bridge theoretical learning with practical application. Students will engage in real-world client interactions, applying core skills such as effective communication, crisis intervention, and cultural competence to support diverse populations under the guidance of experienced supervisors. The curriculum emphasizes skill integration through observation, active participation in case management, and professional development, with a focus on adapting to the dynamic needs of community-based environments. Regular debriefing sessions will provide opportunities for reflection, feedback, and growth, preparing learners to navigate workplace challenges and build a strong foundation for future practicum experiences. Through this placement, students will develop confidence in delivering client-centered services while adhering to provincial social service standards and ethical practices.

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:

By the end of Practicum 1, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate professional behaviour, punctuality, confidentiality, and respect for diversity.
  • Observe and describe the roles and responsibilities of social service workers in practice settings.
  • Apply foundational communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with clients, families, and professionals.
  • Begin integrating ethical and culturally safe practices into interactions.
  • Reflect on personal strengths, challenges, and learning needs in the context of social service 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)