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Empowering Social Service Practice with Durham College

FWK1507
Open Closing on January 7, 2025
Durham College
Durham College
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Amanda Cappon She / Her
Professor
1
Timeline
  • January 20, 2025
    Experience start
  • February 22, 2025
    Midterm Evaluation
  • May 1, 2025
    Experience end
Experience
5 projects wanted
Dates set by experience
Preferred companies
Anywhere
Any company type
Any industries
Categories
Community engagement Social work Humanities Social sciences
Skills
customer relationship building reflective practice diversity and inclusion community counseling self care client confidentiality
Learner goals and capabilities

Learners will require weekly supervision by the industry partner.


Durham College’s Social Service Worker program offers a unique opportunity for first-year learners to integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world application through field placement. The course comprises 96 hours of direct client service alongside a seminar focused on reflective practice. Students aim to enhance their skills in recognizing diverse needs, building client relationships, and adhering to professional standards, all while developing strategies for personal and professional growth.


Learners
Diploma
Beginner, Intermediate levels
5 learners
Project
84 hours per learner
Educators assign learners to projects
Individual projects
Expected outcomes and deliverables

At the conclusion of this collaboration, employers will receive a final report summarizing the main findings and recommendations generated by the students. Additionally, students will present their project outcomes during a final presentation, where they will respond to questions and feedback from the employer.


Our students will attend placement 1 day/week for 12 weeks of the semester (96 hours total).

Project timeline
  • January 20, 2025
    Experience start
  • February 22, 2025
    Midterm Evaluation
  • May 1, 2025
    Experience end
Project Examples

This experience is ideal for projects that address pressing social issues, allowing learners to apply their skills in meaningful ways. Below are examples of projects that would greatly benefit from student involvement:

  1. Community Needs Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of community resources and needs, producing a report with actionable recommendations.
  2. Client Support Initiative: Design and implement a support program for individuals facing mental health challenges, focusing on accessibility and engagement.
  3. Workshop Development: Create and facilitate a workshop aimed at improving life skills among clients, such as financial literacy or job readiness.
  4. Policy Advocacy Project: Research a relevant social issue and prepare a policy brief advocating for changes to improve community services.
  5. Resource Mapping Project: Develop a resource map for clients to access local services, ensuring it is user-friendly and informative.

Please note that the students require weekly check-ins with a representative from your organization to ensure the student is meeting their placement objectives.


Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:

What resources and support will you provide to assist students throughout the project?

Can you, or a staff, provide weekly supervision to the student?

How do you plan to engage with students during their final presentation and provide feedback?

Can you attend (virtually) two brief meetings with the student and our college advisor throughout the 12 weeks (mid-term and final evaluations)?

The placement should meet the evaluation objective (can be sent to you upon request)