The Social Work Program prepares students for practice in the helping profession. It emphasizes the development of generalist knowledge, values and skills to practice with individuals, families, communities and organizations. The focus is on diversity and practice that is supportive and empowering for clients. Themes in this two year program include competency working in different cultures, recognizing and dealing with oppression, practice in northern/rural communities and a focus on holistic practice. Students are encouraged to develop personal insights and approach to social work practice.

This two-year program includes a blend of core social work theory and practice courses along with university level courses which include English, psychology, health education, sociology, political science and one other arts and science elective. Please refer to the University Studies section in the calendar for more information on available courses.

* Students can complete the university transfer courses before starting the program, during the two-year program or upon completion of the core social work courses. Upon successful completion of the Social Work Program, graduates will be eligible for registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).

Program of Study:

YEAR ONE
Sept 2010     Term 1     ENGL1011 Critical Reading and Writing: Prose Forms (3 credits)
                                     SOWK1010 Social Work Foundations (3 credits)
                                     SOWK1020 The Helping Process (3 credits)
                                     SOWK1015 Social Work Practicum I (2 credits)
                                     PSYC1060 Psychology for the Health Care Professional (3 credits)

                     Term 2     SOWK1030 Social Work Assessment (3 credits)
                                     ENGL1012 Critical Reading and Writing: Poetry, Drama, and Novel (3 credits)
                                     HEED1010 Health Education: Personal Health and Wellness (3 credits)
                                     SOWK1040 Models and Practice from an Anti-Opressive Perspective (3 credits)
                                     PSYC2010 Developmental Psychology: Life Span (3 credits)

                    Term 3     SOWK1025 Social Work Practicum II (7 credits)

YEAR TWO
Sept 2011     Term 4     POLS1010 Canadian Politics: Institutions and Issues (3 credits)
                                     SOCI1000 An Introduction to the Study of Society (3 credits)
                                     SOWK2010 Social Work with Communities and Organizations (3 credits)
                                     SOWK2020 Social Work with Groups (3 credits)
                                     SOWK2030 Social Work with Families (3 credits)
                                     SOWK2015 Social Work Practicum III (2 credits)

                     Term 5     SOWK2040 Social Policy (3 credits)
                                     SOWK2050 Mental Health: A Multicultural Perspective (3 credits)
                                     SOWK2060 Violence and Addictions: Issues in Social Work Practice (3 credits)
                                     SOWK2070 Current Selected Issues in Social Work (3 credits)
                                     One University Studies Option Course

Term 6 SOWK2025 Social Work Practicum IV (7 credits)

Program Delivery:

The program is offered using a mix of distributed delivery strategies including: computer and video conferencing; self-directed study: instructor led face-to-face classes: on site tutorial support; and field practicum placements. Students may have to move for a short period of time to another community for practicum placements. Periodic travel to another campus for face to face classes may also be required. Costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.

Admission Requirements:

To be accepted to year one of the two year program:
-18 years of age with a High School Diploma with 60% in English 30-1 (English 30) or 70% in English 30-2 (English 33)
Or
- Mature student status as defined by the College and an assessed English equivalency

*Applicants will be mailed an information and forms package and asked to present the following completed forms:
- Three letters of reference
- Employment/work history/education/volunteer experience (resume)
- Criminal Record Check
- Personal Written Statement
- Relevant volunteer experience would be an asset.

Students with English as a second language, please refer to the college calendar for further clarification.
All post-secondary transcripts must accompany application in order to fulfill requirements for application.

Application Process:

APPLICATION: Complete and submit the Northern Lakes College application form (available at all Northern Lakes College locations and on the college website).

TRANSCRIPTS: Provide an official high school and/or post-secondary transcript. This must be forwarded directly to Northern Lakes College, Admissions Services, from the granting institution (there may be a charge for this). If the high school attended is in Alberta, the College may be able to obtain marks directly from Alberta Learning. When transcripts are received at NLC, they are reviewed to determine if the academic requirements for admission to the program are met.

FORMS: Applicants are advised to confirm that they meet the academic requirements of the program before completing the additional forms for admission to the program. Some forms are to be completed by an appropriate agency or referee. ALL forms need to be submitted to Admissions Services.

FUNDING: Applicants are encouraged to check on funding options early. Counsellors can assist with identifying funding options and applying for sponsorship of fees and living costs.

ACCEPTANCE: Applicants who meet the academic and other admission requirements will be accepted and offered a space in the next available offering of the program. In some cases, the spaces at a specific location may be full and accepted applicants will be placed on a waitlist. These applicants will be accepted in the order of ‘first qualified, first served.” It may also be possible to transfer to another location if there is space. Applicants will receive a letter informing them of their acceptance status.

REGISTRATION: Before the start date of the program, accepted applicants will receive information about registration dates, times, locations and other information to assist them.

Cost Estimates:

2010-2011 Fees: Year 1:	ALL FEES ARE UNDER REVIEW
Tuition:	$4,140.00
Student Association Fee:	$ 140.00
Learning Resource Fee: (books, materials)	$1,215.00
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST:	$5,495.00
Plus living and travel expenses for practicum and periodic travel to other campuses.

Locations:

Locations for year one of the program are: Grouard, High Level, Peace River, Slave Lake

Offering Dates:

Year 1: September 7, 2010 - June 17, 2011
Year I: September 6, 2011 - June 15, 2012

Transferability:

University credits (course by course) are transferable to a number of degree programs. Athabasca University offers a 60 credit transfer toward the Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services. The University of Calgary offers a block transfer towards the Bachelor of Social Work.

Employment Opportunities:

Employement Opportunties are available at:
- Child welfare and family support agencies
- Financial support settings
- Alcohol and addictions agencies
- Schools and early intervention programs
- Mental health agencies
- First Nations agencies
- Metis Settlement organizations
- Non-profit community agencies

Contact Information:

Admissions:	Jennifer Ellison (Slave Lake) 780-849-8605 (fax 849-2570) e-mail: ellisonj@northernlakescollege.ca Questions regarding status of your application, student housing, program costs, Academic Skills Appraisal testing and other services
Program Contact:	Sylvia Pratt (Slave Lake) 780- 849-8644 e-mail: pratts@northernlakescollege.ca Questions about program content, admission requirements for the program (criminal record check, resume, references or other admission forms, etc.)
Counseling Services:	Contact your local campus Questions regarding funding, support services