Sheridan’s Social Service Worker–Gerontology Program will help you develop the skills and expertise to become a leader in the field of elder care. This gerontology training will prepare you to help meet the needs of Ontario’s seniors, who are expected to number over three million within the next 20 years. Success in the program requires you to also be open to the specific contexts and issues of seniors from different racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
The first year of your program is a common foundational preparation shared with students enrolled in the Social Service Worker Program. In your second year, your specialized elder care training begins.
You'll learn such specialized gerontology skills as:
- How to advocate for older adults
- How to develop and implement suitable recreation programs for seniors
- How to work with the cognitive impaired to improve skills and slow the progression of Alzheimer's or dementia
- How to deliver a holistic service plan to improve the lives of older adults
- How to work with family members and service agencies to coordinate care
- How to facilitate small groups
- How to assess and refer clients
Outstanding Professors
Your professors are not only outstanding educators, but also well experienced in a variety of community service positions. The faculty includes social workers, service policy developers and family therapists. Each brings a unique and valuable perspective to the study of assisting Canada’s senior population.
You'll learn through:
- Lab simulation activities that give you an opportunity to test your skills before your field practicum experience
- Seminar learning sessions
- Lectures and in-class group collaborative activities
- Guest speakers from the helping professions
Get Practical Experience Working with Senior Adults
During your second year of specialized elder care training, you'll have the opportunity to work with older adults three days a week in a field placement setting. Your practicum gives you valuable on-the-job experience and the opportunity to put theories learned in class to practical use. You will have the choice of working with healthy older adults in senior centres or working with older adults and their family members who are facing the physical and/or mental challenges of aging.
Gain Professional Registration
When you graduate from the Social Service Worker– Gerontology Program, you will be eligible for admission to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. As a member of this body, you can use the title “Registered Social Service Worker.” For additional details, visit www.ocswssw.org.
University Linkage
This college diploma program maintains linkages with a number of universities, which offer further educational opportunities for our graduates.
The Social Service Worker–Gerontology Program is located at the Davis Campus in Brampton, Ontario and at the Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville, Ontario.
Sheridan provides training in fields with a bright future . When you graduate from the Social Service Worker–Gerontology Program, you'll be ready to enter a field that continues to grow with new and emerging job opportunities such as:
- Social service worker/family resource worker in a retirement or long-term care home
- Program/recreation assistant in an adult day program
- Case worker in supportive housing
- Community outreach worker
- Hospice worker
- Senior centre worker
- Senior mental health outreach assistant
- Employment in entrepreneurial enterprises serving the growing senior sector with:
- Recreation
- Transportation
- Travel
- Banking
- Housing design
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:
- One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)
or
Mature student status. (See "Admissions" section for details.)
APPLICANT SELECTION
Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.
PREPARATION FOR APPLICATION
Speaking to employers in adult day programs, long-term care facilities and supportive housing will help to establish an understanding of the various roles and employment opportunities available to social service workers in gerontology. Related volunteer and/or part-time employment in a social service setting or with older adults is highly encouraged.
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Sheridan field placement agencies may require a police record check for criminal offences, a vulnerable sector check and/or a current acceptable record of immunization. Students will be required to provide this documentation directly to their field placement prior to the start of the placement and at their own expense. Students who cannot meet these requirements may have limited field placement opportunities. A blank immunization form can be found at: healthforms.sheridancollege.ca
*Course duration for September starts is two academic years. Course duration for January starts is 16 months continuous.
| CODE |
TITLE |
CREDITS |
| |
|
|
| *Terms 1 and 2 are common with Year 1 of Social Service Worker. |
| |
|
|
| TERM 3 |
|
|
| CSRV 21425 |
Group Work Methods |
3 |
| GERO22534 |
Cognitive Impairment: Communication Strategies and Implications |
3 |
| GERO15982 |
Recreation, Activation and Motivation in Older Adults |
3 |
| CSRV20691 |
Professional Practice Issues 1: SSWG |
2 |
| FLPL25812 |
Practicum 1: SSWG |
9 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
20 |
| |
|
|
| TERM 4 |
|
|
| TBA |
Integration of Therapies and Practices and Helping Models and Strategies |
3 |
| GERO 20153 |
Gerontological Issues |
3 |
| CSRV24143 |
Professional Practice Issues 2: SSWG |
2 |
| FLPL 21095 |
Practicum 2: SSWG |
9 |
| GNED |
General Education Elective |
3 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
20 |
Note: Courses subject to change.