NUNAVUT HEALTH & WELLNESS CAREERS Social work PROGRAM REPORT 014 Social Services Worker Program Start Term: No Specified Start Date End Term: No Specified End Date Program Status: Approved Action Type: N/A Change Type: N/A Discontinued: No Latest Version: Yes 1
Program Details 014 - Social Services Worker Program Start Term: No Specified Start Date End Term: No Specified End Date Program Details Code 014 Title Social Services Worker Program Start Term No Specified Start Date End Term No Specified End Date Total Credits 60.00 Institution Nunavut Faculty Health & Wellness Careers Department Social work General Information Eligible for RPL No Description This program prepares graduates for employment in a wide variety of social service areas. Students may exit after one year with a Certificate or after two years with a Diploma. The first year provides a general introduction to the field with an emphasis on developing the applied skills needed to work in entry level positions in social work, school counseling, addictions workers, justice workers, family violence workers, youth or elders workers etc. In the second year, Diploma students build on the foundations in counseling skills and professional values as well as develop an understanding of theoretical models related to human social problems, social systems and intervention methods. The program is generalist in orientation in order to meet the needs of employment in a wide variety of social service agencies and to enhance the graduate s ability to fulfill a variety of roles in these agencies. In the last semester of the diploma year the student will choose a specialty area of study: Alcohol and Drug Counseling or Social Work. The program is designed to be of particular relevance to the Nunavut Territory and its social problems, cultural groups, delivery systems and resources. Both the courses and the Field Practice aim to meet the educational needs of students who will be working in the north after completion of the program. Program delivery is geared to meet the needs and 2
characteristics of adult multi-cultural learners. Inuit Qaujimaningit Career Opportunities Graduates of this program may seek employment in a wide variety of service areas including family service, mental health, youth work, social work, alcohol and drug programs, community development programs etc. Program Learning Outcomes Program Objectives 1. To provide a sound, basic preparation in professional skills needed to work in a variety of employment settings within the fields of social services. 2. To provide a program that is relevant to the needs of Nunavut communities. 3. To prepare students to fulfill professional roles in the social services field in a manner that reflects professional values and ethics. 4. To provide field practicum experience in order for students to have supervised practice in skill development and integration of theoretical materials in actual agency settings. 5. To provide a program that is highly relevant to the needs of the human services professions. 6. To enable students to transfer credits towards a Bachelor of Social Work degree. 7. To be consistent with the overall goals and objectives of the Nunavut Arctic College. Program Delivery Model Admission Requirements Program Eligibility Applicants wishing to apply to this program must: - Be 18 years of age or older 3
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent or take appropriate Arctic College placement exams with acceptable scores. - Mature candidates, 21 years or older, who do not meet the academic requirements will be considered Applicant Assessment Applicants will apply to the Registrar s Office to ensure they meet requirements for the program eligibility. - Three letters of reference must be submitted (Program staff will check these references) - Applicants must submit a statement of interest in the Socil Services Worker field - Applicants must submit a learner readiness form - The Social Services Worker Program Admissions Committee will interview all students. - A criminal record check must be completed. Program Admission Applicants will be admitted to the program based on space availability and their ability to meet the entrance requirements. The program admissions committee will conduct interviews with students to assess qualifications. In some cases, students may be required to meet special conditions before entry, or enter the program on a probationary basis Program Information Previous experience in Social Services activities can enhance the student's understanding of course materials. Maturity and ability to deal with stress and organize one's time are important for successful completion of the program. Classes are small. Instructors are available to assist students with learning needs and students are encouraged to request assistance when needed. Students take 5 credit courses per semester. Practicum (work placement) is set up for 8 weeks in May and June of each year. In the final semester of the diploma year, students choose an area of specialty and complete the 5 credit courses from that specialty area, either Alcohol and Drug Counselling or Social Work. Transferable Credits Applicants should contact program managers for clarification of transfer of credit arrangments with other 4
institutions of learning. Some or all course credits may be transferable to a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Selection Process Application Criminal Record Check English Assessment Testing Inuinnaqtun Testing Inuktitut Testing Letter of Intent Math Assessment Testing Reference Letter(s) Transcripts Practicum or Work Experience Credential Certificate Yes Length of Program 3 semester Degree No Length of Program 12 semester Diploma Yes Length of Program 6 semester ROA No Length of Program ROP Length of Program Two (2) Years Graduation Requirements Graduation Requirements 5
Certificate: Students are required to successfully complete all 10 courses specified in the program design. In addition to the credit courses, students must successfully complete an 8-week practicum placement. Normally, this will be done in the spring semester. Diploma: Students are required to successfully complete all 20 courses specified in the program design. Students must successfully complete a total of 16 weeks of practicum placement in addition to the credit courses. Normally, this will be done as an 8 week block in the spring semester of each year. Some students may be required to upgrade their English skills by taking Writing Skills 014-100. Graduation Eligibility Graduation Eligibility Mandatory Mandatory Core Courses Year One 014-104 - Tradional Values and Methods in Social Services - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 1 014-102 - Interpersonal Communication Skills - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 1 031-145 - Introduction to Microcomputers - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 1 014-103 - Human Development I (Child/Adolescent) - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 1 017-202 - Applied Counselling 1-45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 1 017-206 - Applied Counselling II - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 014-203 - Human Development II (Adult/Aging) - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 014-207 - Introduction to Group Work Practice - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 6
014-101 - Introduction to Sociology - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 014-105 - Community Development and Assessment - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 014-211 - Practicum - 8 weeks - non-credit - Semester 3 Core Courses Year Two 014-301 - Sociology: Family Dynamics - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 1 014-215 - Theories of Counselling - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 1 014-217 - Group Counselling Skills - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 1 014-308 - Introduction to Psychology - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 1 014-401 - Sociology: Social Problems and Policy - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 1 Plus 5 courses from specialty or electives for Semester 2 and practicum 014-411 Semester 3 SPECIALTY IN ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELLING ( 5 courses as follows) 017-203 - Treatment and Prevention - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 017-201 - Fundamental Concepts of Chemical Addiction - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 017-208 - Emotional Health - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 017-209 - Assessments and Referrals - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 XXX-XXX Relapse (Aftercare) and treatment - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 SPECIALTY IN SOCIAL WORK (5 courses as follows) 7
014-406 - Child Welfare - 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 014-206 - Social Policy and Services- 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 014-307 - Social Services Administration- 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 090-107 - Family Development- 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 014-114 - Permanency Planning- 45 hours - 3 credits - Semester 2 (FOR BOTH AREAS OF SPECIALTY) 014-411 - Practicum - 8 weeks - non-credit - Semester 3 ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE COURSES (language policy under review) 080-151 - Aboriginal Language Level 110-45 hours - non-credit 080-152 - Aboriginal Language Level 120-45 hours - non-credit 080-153 - Aboriginal Language Level 130-45 hours - non-credit 080-161 - Aboriginal Language Level 115-75 hours - non-credit 080-162 - Aboriginal Language Level 125-75 hours - non-credit 004-800 - Inuinnaqtun Appreciation - 45 hours - non-credit Electives Electives 014-100 - Writing Sklls - non-credit - 30 hours 8
067-207 - Addiction 3 credits 45 hours 067-109 - Introduction to Mental Health 3 credtis 45 hour 163-265 - Personal & Professional Growth 3 credits 45 hours Course Descriptions Course Descriptions 014-104 Traditional Values and Methods in Social Services Services - 45 Hours - 3 Credits An introduction to social work, social services and traditional counselling methods and values. Students will look at the history of counselling as well as the purpose and use of counselling methods and consider how these methods can be used today in Nunavut. Emphasis will be on providing an overview of generalist practice including the skills and qualities required to be an effective councellors. 014-102 Interpersonal Communication Skills - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of effective interpersonal communication. Students will examine the impact that self-concept, personal perceptions, emotions, language, non-verbal messages, and listening have on communication processes, interpersonal relationships and conflicts. 031-145 Introduction to Microcomputers - 45 Hours - 3 Credits The student is introduced to microcomputer hardware, software and operations. The course is designed to give students a conceptual and operational understanding of operating systems and software applications with an emphasis on Word-processing. There is sufficient reinforcement to enable students to acquire usable skills. 014-103 Human Development I (Child and Adolescent) - 45 Hours - 3 Credits Human Development I examines human development in infancy, childhood and adolescence within a human services context. This class considers major biological, psychological, social and cultural factors of normal growth and development. There will be a brief introduction to research and theory in the areas of social learning, attitude formation and change, and the social origin of personality and motivation as they relate to children and adolescents. Students will also research information on northern and local expectations and practices in child rearing. 017-202 Applied Counselling Skills I - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course introduces students to a helping model within which counselling can take place, and to basic counselling skills and strategies. Students develop skills through demonstration, written exercises, videos, role plays, and instructor and class feedback. Skills build up systematically from initial interview to termination of counselling. 017-206 Applied Counselling Skills II - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course is a continuation of Applied Counselling Skills I and will give students the opportunity to continue to practice skills in role plays, assignments, video taping and other exercises. Prerequisite: 017-202 Applied Counselling Skills I 014-203 Human Development II (Adulthood and Ageing) - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This is an examination of adulthood and aging within the North American social context, with an added emphasis on northern and local experience. The course looks at the intellectual, personal and social characteristics of humans during the adult years. Events such as marriage, and parenthood, as well as the aging process and concepts of death and dying are examined. There is also a brief introduction to research and theory in the areas of social learning, attitude formation and change in relation to adults. Prerequisite: 014-103 Human Development I 9
014-207 Introduction to Group Work Practise - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course is an introduction to the use of groups in counselling settings. Topics include types of groups, stages of development, leadership styles and power, communication in groups, personal and group goals and evaluation. Practical experience in working in a group and facilitation group activities are provided. 014-101 Introduction to Sociology - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course is the study of society, social institutions, culture, group behaviour, personality formation and social change. Emphasis will be placed on its relevance to the Arctic and human services program delivery. 014-105 Community Development and Assessment - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course is an introduction to the study of communities including definitions, structure and functions. The process of social change is considered and the role of human services in communities is examined. Students learn to develop community profiles using Northern examples. 014-301 Sociology: Family Dynamics - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course introduces the main concepts and principles of current sociological theory on the family and provides the student with the opportunity to explore contemporary trends in family life and research issues of change. It includes an in-depth examination of the systems approach and its application in social work with dysfunctional families. 014-215 Theories of Counselling - 45 Hours - 3 Credits Following the human relations counselling model (client centred problem solving orientation), this course is designed to provide an overview of current theoretical approaches to the helping process. Various strategies for assisting people to change will be explored. 014-217 Group Counselling Skills - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course will provide the student with the opportunity to explore the means of assessment, strategies for treatment and group dynamics in the leading of a therapeutic treatment group. Differences between facilitating self help groups and therapeutic groups will be examined. Prerequisite: 014-207 Introduction to Group Work 014-308 Introduction to Psychology - 45 Hours - 3 Credits An overview of psychological theory and methods. Through readings, videos, experiments and discussion, students will develop an understanding of the individual and social behaviour of humans. 014-401 Sociology: Social Problems and Policy - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course provides an introduction to the theory of Social Problems and Social Welfare Policy. Students are given the opportunity to explore and critically examine policy practice as a response to social problems and its subsequent translation into services in the northern context. Prerequisite: 014-101 Introduction to Sociology 017-203 Treatment and Prevention - 45 Hours - 3 Credits Students will learn about the process of addiction and recovery. The various methods and components of treatment will be examined including: factors which prevent addicts from seeking help, common obstacles in counselling, referrals, assessments, group work, family work, relapse prevention and community prevention. 017-201 Fundamental Concepts of Chemical Addiction - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course will give an overview of the physiological actions of alcohol and other drugs. Students will learn various modules to explain the addiction process including the disease model and progressive nature of addictions. Defence mechanisms used by the substance abuser and the phenomena of relapse will also by discussed. 017-208 Emotional Health - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course will examine the dimensions of emotions that are involved during the process of treatment and recovery for substance addicts and their family, friends and colleagues. Systems theory will be used to consider how other individuals and a community are impacted when there is emotional dysfunction present. Strategies for enhancing good emotional well-being will be studied. 017-209 Assessments and Referrals - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course will examine models of assessing addiction severity and the documentation required to plan 10
appropriate and effective. Various assessment tools will be discussed. Motivational strategies to help clients be actively involved and cooperative during the assessment phase of counselling will be examined. Prerequisites: 017-203 Treatment and Prevention and 017-201 Fundamental Concepts of Chemical Addictions Xxxxxx Relapse(Aftercare) and Treatment - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course will give the student an understanding of the issue of relapse in addictions treatment. Strategies for dealing with relapse will be examined. The systemic model of practice will be used to assess the role of significant others in helping the addict through treatment and relapse. Prerequisites: 017-203 Treatment and Prevention and 017-201 Fundamental Concepts of Chemical Addictions 014-406 Child Welfare - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course is designed to give students an understanding of children s needs, the laws, social services policies and social work processes as they apply to the practice of Child Protection in Nunavut. 014-206 Social Policy and Services - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course will provide an overview of the purpose and process involved in writing legislation regarding human services. Ideology, values and views of human nature in shaping social policies are examined. The links between social problems, social policy and social work services are described as are the links between social policy development and service creation. 014-307 Social Services Administration - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course considers the administrative functions necessary for the delivery of appropriate services for individuals, families and communities. Critical role functions of administration such as confidentiality regulations, appeal procedures, worker safety and role boundaries and advocacy responsibilities are examined. 014-114 Permanency Planning - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course will provide understanding of the principle of best interests of the child in planning for the future of the child. The effects of alternative placements for children and the effects of stability for children on their emotional, cognitive and behavioural needs will be studied. An overview of adoption processes and their impact will be examined. 090-107 Family Development - 45 Hours - 3 Credits This course explores the dynamics of families within the community. Traditional family values and beliefs are discussed in view of present day social pressures and changes in the community. Healthy and unhealthy family patterns and long term effects are also explored. Special focus is on parenting skills. 067-207 Addiction This course introduces students to information on various forms of substance abuse, chemical dependency, and addictive behaviours. Historical factors that contribute to addictions in Nunavut communities will be explored and the importance of culture in working with addictions. Screening and assessment as well as treatment and relapse prevention are discussed from an Inuit perspective. 067-109 Introduction to Mental Health This course provides an overview of various influences and conditions that affect mental health. Public attitutes, stigma, and the influences of culture will be included. We will be studying various mental disorders including the symptoms, causes, and treatment modalities. Class discussions, lectures, reading, and presentations will help illustrate this material. Elders/Cultural teachers wil also assist in the process, allowing for a more relevant exploration of the contemporary and cultural philisophies for mental health. 163-265 Personal & Professional Growth 11
The content of this course will be adapted for the professional role the graduates will take on upon completion of their program. This course will be conducted in seminar format with focus on consolidation and integration of practicum experience and all course content. The professional role and responsibilities of a graduate of this program will be emphasized and the concepts of stress management and care for the caregiver will be discussed. The focus of this course is to realistically prepare the graduates for their future responsibilities. CUMPULSORY REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION 014-411 Practicum - N/C - 3 Credits This practicum is an 8 week field placement providing students with a planned, supervised practice of counselling skills in an approved agency setting. Precise objectives will be established on a contract between students, faculty and the agency. Practicum will generally be completed in the spring semester, after all course work is completed. Prior to placement, the faculty will determine a student s readiness to go on practicum. Students who do not meet academic and personal criteria may not be allowed to go on practicum. ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE COURSES 004-800 Inuinnaqtun Appreciation - 45 Hours - N/C This introductory Inuinnaqtun course is designed for students wishing to learn basic Inuinnaqtun as a second language. The course is made up of three modules. Students will work in small groups of no more than eight. Short periods will be set aside for large group discussions and explanation of grammatical points and questions raised by students. 080-151 Aboriginal Language Level 110 - N/C - 45 Hours This is an introduction to the syllabic segment of the Inuit Cultural Institute s Dual Orthography which is the standard prescribed by the Government of Nunavut. It will apply to Natsilingmiut, provided the unique features of their dialect are fully covered. The course lays out the standard set of syllabic symbols and proceeds to present and drill them methodically, from the simplest to the more complex. There are a series of exercises for each step. In the latter half of the course the students are introduced to the phonological principles that underlie the conventions of the writing system. 080-152 Aboriginal Language Level 120 - N/C - 45 Hours 080-152 is a continuation of Literacy 110, providing more practice in the syllabic segment of the Inuit Cultural Institute s Dual Orthography, plus coverage of some advanced points and an introduction to its roman segment. It will apply to Natsilingmiut, provided the unique features of their dialect are fully covered. The course reviews the standard syllabic symbols and their combinations. There is extra material introduced to cover conventions used in other dialects. It proceeds to introduce the roman segment by presenting first of all the conventions that exactly parallel those of syllabics, and then dealing with those few where the conventions differ. There is practice in reading and comprehension of more advanced texts, and a section on creative writing. 080-153 Aboriginal Language Level 130 - N/C - 45 Hours This course is designed for students who speak Inuktitut as a firs language. Students will be placed in the appropriate course, depending on their ability to read and write syllabics. All courses use the syllabic system of the Inuit Cultural Institute Standard Orthography. 080-161 Aboriginal Language Level 115 - N/C - 75 Hours This course is designed for non-inuktitut speaking students enrolled in various courses in the college who are required to take one or two semesters of Inuktitut as a second language. Since they have not opted to take such a course, their enthusiasm cannot be taken for granted. This course, therefore, is laid out as an introduction to language in general, leading on to a carefully planned outline of the structure of Inuktitut. It is designed to be eminently teachable and learnable so as to provide an introduction to Inuktitut that will not intimidate learners completely unfamiliar with the language and yet give them a thorough basis for further study. They will also acquire an understanding of how human languages develop. 080-162 Aboriginal Language Level 125 - N/C - 75 Hours 080-162 is designed as a follow-up to Inuktitut 115. However since it does not demand previous knowledge of 12
vocabulary or structure, it can be taken as an introductory course for those prepared to launch straight into language work. The course consists of a series of dialogues based on typical northern situations, with associated graded structures and vocabulary plus drills and exercises. Document of Recognition: Nunavut Arctic College Social Services Certificate (30 CR) Nunavut Arctic College Social Services Diploma (60 CR) with a Specialty in Alcohol & Drug Counselling OR Nunavut Arctic College Social Services Diploma (60 CR) with a Specialty in Social Work. 13