Developmental Services Worker
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Community Services
Key Details
Program Start Dates
January 2025
September 2025
January 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Lorie Pelletier-Bell
Program Coordinator / Professor
lorie.pelletier-bell@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
School of Community Services
cips@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Support individuals in overcoming barriers to social justice
Are you committed to social justice? Learn to work with vulnerable or at-risk individuals, families, and groups experiencing barriers to stable housing, education, employment, health care, and social services.
You may find a rewarding career in social service if you have good interpersonal skills, a desire to promote social justice, and are team-oriented. You’ll be challenged to bring a distinct level of maturity and motivation to your work, along with a fundamental belief in the dignity and potential of people. Through intensive coursework and field experiences, you’ll learn effective communication and helping skills. As a graduate, you qualify to register as a Social Service Worker in Ontario.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Part-time and fast-track options if you have a diploma or degree in a related field
- Hands-on learning and real-world experience
- Two placements with community-based organization
- Recognized by Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
- Option to earn a second diploma in another community services program in just one year when you graduate
Admissions
Admission requirements
To qualify for admission to the SSPG program, students must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or they must qualify for mature student status, including:
-
Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
- To participate in field placements, students will need Synergy Basic clearance including: First Aid, CPR C, CPIC Vulnerable Sector Check, WHIMIS, AODA, Workplace Health & Safety, Workplace Violence & Prevention, and a WSIB Student Agreement
- Additional medical clearance may be required for some placement sites which support vulnerable populations, including: MMR, TB Step 1 and 2, Varicella, Tetanus/ Diphtheria (Td), Pertussis, Polio, and Hepatitis B.
- See the Field Placement manual for more information.
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2024-2025
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2025
- Semester 2: Spring 2025
- Semester 3: Fall 2025
- Semester 4: Winter 2026
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2026
- Semester 2: Spring 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| WES 1115 | Foundations of SSW | 3 |
| WES 1001 | Communication and the Self I | 3 |
| WES 1110 | Social Work Practice I | 4 |
| WES 2051 | Ethics | 3 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| PSY 1050 | Introduction To Psychology I | 3 |
| One General Education Course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| IND 1003 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | 3 |
| WES 1240 | Communication and the Self II | 3 |
| WES 1210 | Social Work Practice II | 4 |
| WES 1295 | Field Work I | 2 |
| ENG 1242 | Speaking/Writing Comm. Services I | 3 |
| One General Education courses: 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| WES 1215 | Diversity in Practice | 3 |
| WES 2320 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
| WES 2310 | Social Work Practice III | 4 |
| WES 2330 | Family Dynamics | 3 |
| WES 2053 | Community Development | 3 |
| One General Education course. 1 | 3 | |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| WES 2491 | Field Work II | 20 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 79 | |
- 1
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program and more!
John Howard Society – Students gained practical, and relevant work experience during this placement with a not-for-profit organization of 19 local offices dedicated to effective, just, and humane responses to crime and its causes.
Sudbury and Area Victim Services – This placement offered students practical, relevant work experience at a not-for-profit organization of 19 local offices dedicated to effective, just, and humane responses to crime and its causes.
Fieldwork and placement details – If you meet the requirement, you will have the opportunity to complete two full-time community placements: one 160-hour placement in the final four weeks of the second semester and one 600-hour placement that spans your entire fourth semester (January – April). Placements are completed in Sudbury or you may have opportunities for placements in your home region.
Agencies will require you to have medical and non-medical documents before beginning their placement. Students will be responsible for any expenses incurred related to placement.
Required prerequisites for placement will include:
- Criminal Record Check (CPIC) – Vulnerable Sector Screening (obtained at least two months before placement)
- Health documentation (e.g. up-to-date immunization records, Two-step TB test, Free of Communicable Disease Form/verification)
- Standard First Aid & CPR (Level HCP)
- WHMIS certification
Field of Study
School of Community Services
Discover the profound difference you can make in the lives of others when you follow the rewarding and noble path provided by Cambrian’s School of Community Services. Community Services programs prepare you to address social and community needs, support child and family welfare, navigate support systems and become a powerful force for positive change.
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
Webcam and headset - Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
Related Programs
Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Assistant
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Health Sciences