Diploma in Social Service Worker & Community Mental Health Training Program

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• High school graduation verified by transcript and/or Proof of higher academic credentials verified by transcript;
  OR
• Mature Student Status (19 years old before starting classes)

English Language Proficiency Policy

In addition to the admission requirements listed above, must also meet one or more of the following English language proficiency requirements:

• Completion of grades 9-11, including English 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. See Appendix A for the list of approved countries. OR
• Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: overall score of 5.5 or higher.
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test: overall score of 40 or higher
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): overall score of 95 or higher
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Minimum overall score of 46
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP):
    Minimum overall score: Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 43
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE): Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
  • Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
  • The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
  • iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
  • EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Appendix A:

The list of approved countries:

• Flexible Schedules

Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Develop foundational knowledge of social service principles and mental health practices to support individuals, families, and communities effectively.
• Apply case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy skills to address diverse client needs.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and ethical decision-making in social service and community mental health settings.
• Utilize trauma-informed approaches and mental health assessment techniques to promote resilience and recovery.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and community organizations to enhance access to resources and services.

Program Fees

Method(s) of Evaluation

Students will be evaluated in each course required to complete the Program (see course outlines).

Completion Requirements

Program (see course outline)

• Course Completion: Successful completion of all 12 required courses, with a minimum passing grade of 60% in each course.
• Attendance Requirement: Students must maintain a minimum attendance of 80% of the total scheduled instructional hours. Attendance is tracked for both in-class and synchronous distance components. Failure to meet the minimum attendance requirement may result in ineligibility for program completion.
• Practicum Completion: Successful completion of the practicum component consisting of 80 hours. The practicum is evaluated on a pass/fail basis and requires satisfactory performance as assessed through written evaluations completed by the host supervisor and reviewed by the institution.

Program Duration

• 960 hours (880 Instructional Hours + 80 practicum)
• 48 weeks Full-time

Homework Hours

• 4 – 6 Hours per course

Delivery Method(s)

• In-class instruction: 100% hours of instruction delivered in a classroom or other setting, where instructors share the same physical space as students
• Distance education: 100% hours of instruction, if applicable, delivered remotely from a BC location.
• Combined delivery (both in-class and distance): Instruction provided through a combination of in-class and distance delivery.
  • 50% of the combined program will be provided by distance (online) delivery.
• If distance or combined delivery is indicated, the online components are:
  • Synchronous, meaning students attend classes virtually in ‘real time ‘with instructors and classmates.