The Social Service Worker (SSW) program at Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) is a program that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to enter this rewarding career field. Students learn skills and methods that prepare them to work in different settings and challenging situations. Themes include social justice and empowerment of marginalized citizens and ethics.
Social service work is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts individuals, families, and communities, helping to create a more just, equitable, and supportive society. Graduates can expect to work with individuals or groups in a variety of community settings. To date, SGEI has had 15 Masters of Social Work and 37 SSW program graduates.
Importance of Social Work
1. Support for Vulnerable Populations
Social service workers provide essential services to those who are most vulnerable in society, such as children, the elderly, people with disabilities, individuals facing poverty, or those struggling with mental health or addiction issues. They advocate for these individuals and work to improve their well-being and quality of life.
2. Promoting Social Justice
Social service workers play a key role in advocating for social justice. They work to address systemic inequalities and help individuals who face discrimination, racism, and marginalization. By promoting equality, fairness, and access to resources, social service workers contribute to creating a more inclusive and just society.
3. Mental Health and Emotional Support
Many social service workers are involved in counselling and providing emotional support to people going through difficult times. They help individuals cope with trauma, mental health issues, and emotional distress. Their support can prevent further emotional/psychological harm, and provide individuals with tools to manage their challenges.
4. Crisis Intervention
Social service workers often respond to crises, such as domestic violence, homelessness, or substance abuse situations. Their immediate intervention can provide crucial support, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in these urgent situations, and guiding them toward long-term solutions.
5. Community Development
Social service workers help strengthen communities by fostering connections, promoting social cohesion, and facilitating programs that encourage well-being. By working with community organizations, they can help develop services and initiatives that support residents and build more resilient communities.
6. Access to Resources and Support Services
Social service workers assist individuals and families in navigating complex systems, such as healthcare, housing, and legal services. They ensure that those in need can access vital resources, empowering them to improve their circumstances and build a better future.
7. Advocacy and Policy Change
Social service workers often advocate for policy and system changes that address larger social issues such as income inequality, healthcare access, and human rights. By working with governments, nonprofits, and other organizations, they help shape policies that can improve the lives of marginalized and disadvantaged groups.
8. Preventing Long-Term Social Issues
By intervening early and providing support to individuals facing challenges, social service workers can prevent larger social issues like homelessness, crime, and mental health crises from escalating. Their work often addresses root causes, helping to break cycles of poverty, addiction, and abuse.
9. Education and Empowerment
Social service workers educate individuals about their rights, available services, and how to advocate for themselves. By empowering clients with knowledge and skills, social service workers help individuals become more independent and capable of navigating life’s challenges.
10. Building Trust and Relationships
Social service work often involves building trusting, compassionate relationships with clients. These relationships provide the foundation for meaningful support and allow social service workers to better understand the unique needs of each person they assist.
Student Voices:
“I am a single mother raising my children on my own, now that they are older, I decided to go to college because it is something I have always wanted to do. I chose the SSW Program because I wanted to help people. I have a son who has mental health and addiction issues, along with a cognitive learning disability, so I have a lot of lived experience. I learned so many skills during my studies at SGEI that can assist me in Social Work such as active listening, communication skills and setting boundaries. I also learned that self-care is very important. I have become a lot more confident in myself and that I can support others. I have developed far deeper awareness of mental health, addictions, and social issues. My goal is to make a career in social work. I believe I can do anything I set my mind to!”
– Melissa, SSW Student
*Melissa is currently on placement at CMHA Fort Frances*
“I am 22 years old and have very much enjoyed my experience with the SSW course at Seven Generations. Before joining the course, I had always wanted to help people, I had previously worked in customer service and cleaning for people. I chose this course because I’ve always felt the urge to support and help those in need, especially when it comes to mental health. I wanted to be a support for people who feel like they’re struggling or need a little boost in life. This program was such an amazing experience, especially all the teachers who helped guide us and support us through the program. The classroom was always very welcoming, and I met some great people during my studies. I learned ways to better support people by actively listening and communicating properly with a trauma-informed lens. What stood out most about the course was how graduates can work in a variety of sectors and the flexibility of areas to work was appealing. I obtained stronger communication skills, more confidence in my studies, work and self, and a better understanding of people and the different ways I can provide support. I now have a sense of accomplishment in life, and I feel better equipped to help people during my work in the field and people in my personal life.”
– Shelbea, SSW Student
*Shelbea is currently on placement at Firefly*
“I am 20 years old, and I am very passionate about supporting people in recovery and helping them rebuild their lives. My mission is to empower individuals, foster a sense of community, and provide compassionate support to those overcoming addiction and other challenges. Before the SSW Program, I was a student at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, in grade 12, I did my co-op placement at the Kenora sexual assault centre as I felt it would help me get my foot in the door to social work. I chose this program because I realized when I was struggling in life, I wanted to be someone to help and make impacts to others in need. I found the teachers were very attentive and cared about making sure we succeed as students. I feel I have learned so much on how to help people, from crisis to even just being a listening ear for them. My goal is to go on to get my Bachelor of Social Work at a university I can transfer my credits. I now look at the world differently, I see more perspectives and try to factor in that everyone comes from all different walks of life.”
– Chloe, SSW Student
*Chloe is currently on placement at Lake of the Woods Hospital*
“I am a 23-year-old female that goes by She/Her. I enjoy painting, drawing, and many type of crafts. I love to be outside with nature, whether it be running, swimming, walking my dogs, or being by the lake. My passion in life is to help others in every way I possibly can. Attending the SSW course offered at SGEI has put me in the direction I need to be the best Social Service Worker I can be. My education and lived experiences have made this journey rewarding. There are so many things I can support people within my field of work, and I am excited to pursue it. My life has not always been the easiest, it has come with many ups and downs. I grew up in the foster care system, I have lost immediate family, and I never had a place to call home for many years. There have been a lot of events that have shaped me into the person I am today and continue to hope to become. I believe that my own hardships will empower me to become a valuable, supportive, Social Service Worker. I have learned that everyone goes through things in life. My experiences and knowledge have made me very passionate for this work. I am excited to put my strengths and education to the test and I believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I chose this program for many reasons. As a young child I always knew I wanted to help others the way I was not helped. I wanted to become a voice for others because I needed that voice for me. I have learned so much about myself and have acquired valuable, important, and essential information on how to assist others. My goal is to become a Social Service Worker working with youth in the community. I would also love to share my story at different conferences regarding Mental Health and Addictions. I want to be the best I can be, helping as many people as possible throughout my career. I never want to stop growing, every day is a new chance to become better than I was yesterday.”
– Vanessa, SSW Student
*Vanessa is currently on placement at Kenora Youth Wellness Hub*
Learn more about SGEI’s Social Service Worker Program
Want to learn more about SGEI’s Social Service Worker program? Check out the SSW page on our website at https://www.7generations.org/programs/social-service-worker/ or reach out to a program coordinator/instructor using the contact info below:
Rhonda Miller – Program Coordinator (Kenora)
rhondajm@7generations.org
(807) 468-3096 x 3206