Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a social worker in BC, you may choose to become certified through the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW). Eligibility is achieved through completion of an approved post-secondary program, criminal record checks, and successful writing of a licensure exam.

Social and community service workers

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals for the professional practice of social welfare administration and counselling, and that focuses on the study of organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. These programs include courses in social welfare policy; case work planning; social counselling and intervention strategies; administrative procedures and regulations; and specific applications in areas such as child welfare and family services, probation, employment services, and disability counselling.

Social work, general

Social workers

Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as an educational counsellor in BC, you may need a Certificate of Qualification in Teaching. Eligibility is achieved through meeting requisite education requirements, including a teacher education program.

Several years of related work experience are required for employment as a school principal.

Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as career development practitioner or career counsellor in BC, you may choose to earn the Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) designation. Eligibility is achieved through a combination of graduation from a recognized educational program and work experience.

Educational counsellors

Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education)

Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers

Social Work Bachelor's Degrees

Social Services Diplomas

Social and community service workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and assist clients to deal with personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments.

Social Service Worker Certificates

The Social Service Worker Diploma combines classroom theory with practical skills necessary for employment in a broad range of social services occupations. With practicum opportunities available, you will practice what they learn in workplace settings and gain experience. 

Social Service Worker Diploma

The Social Service Worker Applied Diploma focuses on residential child/adult care services, women's and men's programs, group homes, shelters, First Nations social services organizations, and more. Students at the diploma level work in situations requiring greater independence and a higher level of skill than expected in the Social Service Worker Certificate. Upon completion of this program, you can find work in a variety of areas including but not limited to residential child or adule care services, women's and men's programs, group homes, shelters, or First Nations social services organizations. 

Social Service Worker Applied Diploma

The Social Service Worker (UT) Diploma prepares you for the social service area and for entry into some universities' degree programs. After completing a university degree, career opportunities can include child protection, probation, mental health, residential treatment, alcohol and drug programs, and more.

Social Service Worker UT Diploma

The Human Service Worker Diploma is available for those who have completed the certificate program and who wish to continue their education for preparation for specialized work in the human service worker field. As a Human Service Worker student, you will be introduced to helping strategies so you can provide assistance to individuals or groups with a variety of needs. A major component of human service education is learning-by-doing. Our program provides extensive hands-on practicum experiences in a variety of community agencies. This allows you to practice the theory you are learning, better preparing you for employment.

Human Service Worker Diploma

The Social Service Worker Diploma prepares you for entry level in a variety of social service and health-related agencies, as well as for further education in Social Work and other helping professions. The program provides a combination of academic, experiential and community-based learning and focuses on the theory and practice of delivering basic social services. Upon graduation, you may find employment at family agencies, immigrant service agencies, rehabilitation centres, First Nations bands and councils, advocacy organizations, and government, among others. 

The Social Service Diploma will examine issues relating to inequality, social policy, human rights, multiculturalism, conflict management, program development and community development. Students will integrate theory with practical experience in the community through practicum opportunities, which will provide an understanding of current and emerging areas of best-practice.  

Social Service Diploma (NIC)

The Social Services Worker Diploma provides opportunities for you to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to enable them to work in a human services worker field.  The program involves two years of full-time study, with a combination of practice, theory, and academic course requirements aimed to prepare you to become critical practitioners with an emphasis on advocacy, social justice, and social change. you will complete a hands-on practicum to apply classroom learning in the real world. 

Social Services Worker Diploma

The Social Service Worker Diploma prepares you to work in social service agencies and schools. Graduates work in a variety of settings, including corrections, family support, Indigenous services, mental health, residential care, settlement services, substance use, and women’s services.

The Social Service Worker Diploma – Indigenous Focus prepares you to work in social service settings and schools in culturally safe ways with Indigenous Peoples. Working from Indigenous perspectives, you will work with individuals, families, groups, and communities on issues of concern to Indigenous Peoples. You will develop an understanding of the social, cultural, and political context of Indigenous communities.

Social Service Worker Diploma - Indigenous Focus

The Social Services Diploma gives you a strong foundation in developmental psychology, adolescent and child development, trauma resiliency and conflict resolution. You'll take courses in addictions and addiction treatment, conflict resolution, leadership and supervision, community development, interpersonal skills, and more. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared for roles such as human service assistant, probation officer, rehabilitation counsellor, school counselor, or marriage and family therapist.

Educational Path

Social Services Diplomas

Programs

Careers