College Programs

Social Service Worker - An Aboriginal Approach

Now accepting applications

The next start date for the Tending the Fire Program will be within the Fall Semester of 2009. Fall semester run from September 2009 to December 2009.

Next start date for the Social Service Worker program will be the winter semester of 2010. Please remember that the winter semester of 2010 runs from Jan 2010 to April 2010, so plan accordingly!

Description/Learning Approaches

The Social Service Worker Diploma Program (SSW) has been offered at FNTI since 1986 and is presented in partnership with St. Lawrence College, Kingston, ON. The program is designed to meet the learning needs of those already employed in the human service field but lacking formal accreditation. The program encourages self-directed learning methods through a unique distance delivery format. The structure is best categorized as intensive-mode delivery - where programs are delivered off-campus in week-long seminars at various locations in Ontario. Learners participate in a minimum of twelve intensive sessions over a two year period and earn 30 college credits. Numerous community-based assignments and work-based tasks are part of the overall curriculum.

The Human Service faculty is a team of facilitators that focus their attention on Native cultural issues and First Nation community realities as they relate to the wide field of human services. Application of adult learning theory, portfolio development and prior learning assessment (PLA) processes are key structural components. Aboriginal world views are uncovered and presented with knowledge and skills founded upon Aboriginal cultural values, practices and the original instructions from the Creator as a means of furthering the fullest understanding, maintenance and development of the whole person within the total environment.

The program is usually offered in six semesters over two years with travel to a delivery sites six times per year for five days.
Those completing the program will receive a two-year Social Service Worker Diploma from St. Lawrence College and an Indigenous Community Worker Certificate from FNTI. Graduates are eligible to register with the College of Social Service Workers and Social Workers.

Employment Opportunities

This college-level program has been designed for adults already employed by Chief and Council or other Aboriginal organizations. Program participants come from a wide range of human service positions: Social Service Administrators, Ontario Works Caseworkers, Native Child & Family workers, Addiction Counsellors, Education Counsellors, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Community Workers, Group Home Counsellors, Community Wellness Facilitators, Employment Counsellors, Traditional Healers, etc.

Program Schedule

New program offerings can begin anytime but normally it is at the beginning of one of the academic semesters; September, January or May. Each program begins with an orientation session at which time participants learn about the methods and philosophies used in this course of study and are asked to make a contract for continuing. FNTI encourages individuals and agencies to form their own regional groups of 15 to 20 participants wanting the diploma accreditation and invite FNTI to their area to fulfill the mandate.

FNTI offers both province-wide and locally based SSW group training experiences determined by the circumstances and availability of the faculty and the potential participants. Registering on a waiting list is for information and communication purposes only. There is no fee or obligation to apply to the program or join an intake.

Admission Criteria

Mature learners employed or previously employed in the social or human service field, for a minimum of two years by an Aboriginal community or organization are eligible for admission. Other less experienced learners will be considered on an individual basis. Mature but inexperienced learners can be accommodated in each program if a learner is able to locate a concurrent field-related placement or volunteer position.

To meet special needs and circumstances of employees, faculty can work individually with learners to help them complete the program through independent study. This service is meant to help learners with many years of field-related experience and documented training. It is achieved through a combination of developing a comprehensive personal portfolio, prior learning assessment (PLA), employee assessments, consultations, demonstrations and learning contracts.

PLA is a process that involves the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of learning acquired through formal and informal study. This includes learning achieved from community involvement, field-related work, family and life experience, independent study, volunteering, travel, hobbies and training events.

Cost

The tuition costs are $1,600.00 per semester (beginning January 2009). There are three, four-month semesters in each year, for two full years - 24 months. The tuition includes the required books and manuals but not the personal materials and supplies needed for participating and studying. For funding applications participants need to factor in the meals, travel and accommodation costs from one's residence to the location where the week-long classes will take place. There are six of these week-long classes in Year 1 (two in each semester) and six additional ones in year 2.

Program Contact(s)

For an application or more information about the program, contact:
Buffy Hill, Registrar
Phone: 613-396-2122 or 800-267-0637 Ext. 187
Email: buffyh@fnti.net

Stacey Maracle-Quigley, Assistant Manager
Phone: 613-396-2122 or 800-267-0637 Ext. 148
Email: staceym@fnti.net

Courses/Program Requirements

Learners are enrolled at FNTI and at St. Lawrence College in a series of courses focusing on learning, personal growth, organization/community develop¬ment, oral and written communication, sociology, psychology, social service legislation, program planning, interviewing and counselling, family and group work, computer skills and workshops focusing on contemporary field-related skills and issues.

Those thinking of applying to this program should know that the learning activities and events in the SSW programs are organized and delivered by a seasoned faculty that honour and respect Aboriginal traditions and practices. The program faculty employ the Teachings and Ceremonies when applicable and throughout the program converge on the potential, validity and strength of Indigenous ways of learning, knowing and practicing in all aspects of community service work.

The program is also designed to meet the provincially approved Social Service Worker Program Standards as outlined by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities - MCU Code 50721. The learning outcomes are available on the MTCU website.

SEMESTER 1
COMM61 Communications
FNTI2 Philosophy & Practice
FNTI3 Human Relations
FNTI4 Principles of Adult Learning
FNTI5 Computer Applications

SEMESTER 2
FNTI6 Introduction to Sociology
FNTI7 Introduction to Psychology
FNTI8 Intro to Community Resources
FNTI9 Placement-Community Services
FNTI10 Social Service Legislation

SEMESTER 3
FNTI11 Social Problems
FNTI12 Native Psychology I
FNTI13 Philosophy and Practice II
FNTI14 Interviewing and Counselling I
FNTI15 Field Placement I

SEMESTER 4
FNTI16 Working with Families
FNTI17 Native Psychology II
FNTI18 Interviewing and Counselling II
FNTI19 Group Process and Organizational Development
FNTI20 Philosophy and Practice III

SEMESTER 5
FNTI21 Selected Topics
FNTI22 Practicum I
FNTI23 Cultural Studies
FNTI24 Program Design I
FNTI25 Interviewing and Counselling III

SEMESTER 6
FNTI1 Portfolio Development
FNTI27 Program Design II
FNTI28 Philosophy and Practice IV
FNTI29 Practicum II
FNTI30 Community Psychology

Tending The Fire: A Men's Program In Leadership And Change
This program is designed for Aboriginal men who want to make a healthy difference in their family and community. The program focuses on encouraging the learner to be involved in mobilizing himself and the men in his community to reduce family violence. For those without previous experience in social services, formal placement hours are required in order to receive a Social Service Worker diploma from St. Lawrence College. Graduates also receive a Community Development and Leadership certificate from FNTI.

NIGIG: Community Development and Mental Health
The focus of this program is on preparing learners for more intense counselling positions within a community setting. NIGIG training is unique in that it supports learners by sustaining them through a culturally-based education strategy. NIGIG is designed for people who live and work in their community Graduates are encouraged to continue to gather personal strength and maintain their culture and Anishinaabek values. Graduates receive a Social Service Worker diploma from St. Lawrence College and an Indigenous Community Worker certificate from FNTI.

*Tending the Fire and NIGIG utilize the SSW courses along with unique practicums.