Community Settlement Services

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Group Process And Dynamics
SOCS1060

Description: This course introduces concepts involved in group process, group dynamics and the stages of group development exploring group work with children, youth, adults and older adults. Leadership skills and characteristics, as well as ethical standards in group work are examined. Students learn through active participation in an experiential group setting with the opportunity to focus on skills development through role plays and simulation.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $138.80

Introduction to Professional Practice
SOCS1390

Description: This course will introduce students to the professional practice of social service work. Through an examination of values and personal styles, students will develop an awareness of self as an essential component of the helping relationship. With a view to population focused practice, students will review theories of helping and principles fundamental to establishing a professional relationship and apply skills for beginning the helping process, through an examination of personal and professional values and ethics. 
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $144.00

Decolonizing Social Service Work
SOCS1400

Description: This course will provide students with an overview of the truth about destructive impacts of colonization and white supremacy on Indigenous peoples, including physical and cultural genocides conducted by settlers through residential schools, child welfare ‘scoops’ from the 1960s to today, mass incarceration, land theft, resource extraction, and broken treaties. Students will explore the reconciliatory and reparative possibilities of decolonizing principles, policies, and practices of social service work.  
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $28.50

Social Service Systems
SOCS1500

Description:

This course provides students with a macro basis upon which to explore the existing community social service systems in terms of levels of services offered to clients, and agency roles, functions, structures, administration, and funding. Students will explore the impact of traditional and evolving delivery approaches and current social issues on service user groups and ways of support. Students will have the opportunity to learn about various population groups, including history, systems that may affect them, and formal structures of support. Students will develop an understanding of how legislation impacts social service work and client situations with exploration of several topics including court systems in Canada, youth criminal justice, employment and income, mental health, immigration and refugee law, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 2

Course details

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Techniques Of Interviewing & Assessment
SOCS1036

Description: This course will provide students with beginning interviewing and assessment skills. The primary focus will be on developing rapport and a professional relationship with a client and adapting these skills to various practice settings. Role plays, and simulations will provide an opportunity for students to begin practicing and evaluating their skills.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: SOCS1060
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Field Seminar: Preparing for Professional Practice
SOCS1376

Description:

This course will provide students with the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in preparation for practice as emerging social service workers. Through intentional experiences that combine seminars, independent reflection, small and large groups, simulation and professional networking experiences, students will integrate course material, assess their own learning and career goals, and examine strategies to develop a plan for future community-based placements.

  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: SOCS1390
  • CoRequisites: OHS1320
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Transformative Practices: Theory to Action
SOCS1410

Description: Building on knowledge from Social Service Worker Systems and Decolonizing Social Service Work, students will analyze the principles and frameworks of transformative practices, including anti-oppressive practices (AOP), for application to doing social service work with marginalized populations. The course will emphasize practical ways to make AOP a foundational framework in programs and policies.  
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Community Interventions
SOCS1420

Description:

This course focuses on theories of community structure and well-being and the range of community interventions vital to social work practice. Students will acquire knowledge related to the effective functioning of communities, the inter-relationships of people who live there, and the agencies and institutions that serve and support them. Students learn through the examination of major approaches and models of intervention, as well as active participation in skill development exercises.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $63.00
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Field Placement I (Community Settlement Services)
FPLT2520

Description:

This course will provide students with the opportunity to integrate theory and practice as emerging professionals in settlement services. Through intentional experiences that combine seminars, independent reflection, and practice learning, students will engage in field placement experiences across the community.

  • Hours: 182
  • Credits: 9
  • Pre-Requisites: OHS1320
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Newcomer Legislation and Innovative Systems Approaches
SOCS1440

Description:

This course introduces students to current immigration and refugee legislation at the federal, provincial, and local level. Students will consider how legislation creates the systemic context that directly affects newcomers' living conditions, entitlements to resources, and the process of settlement and integration. Case studies, group discussions, presentations, and lectures will be used for students to develop an awareness of the complexities of settlement legislation in Canada.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Introduction to Services and Systems for Newcomer Populations
SOCS1450

Description:

This course introduces students to the systems and services for newcomer populations. Students will examine and explore contemporary issues at the federal, provincial, and local levels that inform the development of community systems and services.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Trauma, Resilience and Beginning Interventions for Newcomer Populations
SOCS1460

Description:

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the scope and complexity of trauma in newcomer populations. Through a process of exploring theoretical perspectives, students will develop an understanding of defining, assessing, and supporting individuals, families, and groups within newcomer populations.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Supportive Counselling with Families
SOCS2070

Description: This course is designed to expand students’ understandings and skills developed in SOCS1035 Techniques of Interviewing and Assessment. Students will examine different theories and frameworks for supporting families. Students will develop an understanding of the impact of ‘Family of Origin’ on development and identity by constructing a family genogram and expanding awareness of use of self in professional contexts. Students will analyze contemporary needs of families, while practicing conflict resolution and anti-oppressive skills.  
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Level 4

Course details

Professional Obligations and Ethical Decision Making
ETHS2010

Description:

This course focuses on professional practice of those working in settlement services. Through an examination of values, personal style, and professional obligations, students will develop an awareness of self as an essential component of supporting newcomers through the settlement process. Through simulation and role plays, students will examine the role of ethics in professional decision-making and develop skills in applying to situations faced by newcomer populations.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Field Placement II (Community Settlement Services)
FPLT2530

Description:

This course will expand students' practical experience in settlement services. Working with partnering community agencies, students will integrate theory with practice as they demonstrate initiative, professional decision-making, and responsive practices with newcomer populations. Students will collaborate with partnering agencies to strengthen relationships and make meaningful contributions.

  • Hours: 217
  • Credits: 8
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT2520
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Theories of Migration and Systems Integration
SOCS1430

Description:

This course prepares students for a broader understanding of newcomers to Canada by examining current population migration, displacement, and immigration trends. Through case studies, group discussions, presentations and lectures, students will explore the numerous reasons that cause individuals, families, and groups to leave their place of origin. Specifically, students will focus on how these factors shape the diverse newcomer experience.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Enhanced Legislation Approaches
SOCS2230

Description:

This course deepens student understanding of immigrant and refugee legislation and policy. Through case studies, group discussions, presentation, and lectures, students will critique and assess legislation and policy complexities of the settlement process in Canada and their impact on individuals, families, and groups.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: SOCS1440
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Trauma Informed and Anti-oppressive Practice
SOCS2240

Description:

This course examines the many traumas experienced by immigrants and refugees and their impact on the settlement process. With a view to developing empowering and engaging practices, students will create and assess anti-oppressive strategies that contribute to community development and a supportive settlement process. Through case studies, role play and simulation, students will develop practices that empower newcomers to find their voice to navigate the settlement services community.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
  • Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Please note:

Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.

Program outcomes

  1. Build relationships with individuals concerned with community settlement work to promote and understanding of the community sector
  2. Appraise strengths, resources, and assets of individuals, groups, and communities to assist in the promotion of social change
  3. Use creativity in the development of new, socially innovative services and programs that reflect current community needs
  4. Integrate social entrepreneurship skills and approaches within existing settlement services and community resources to foster positive change in the community
  5. Conduct oneself professionally, adhere to relevant legislation, commit to non-discriminatory practices, and consider the political, social, environmental and/or economic implications when fostering social change
  6. Align leadership strategies to manage relationships, resolve conflict and respond to issues that arise when doing community development work
  7. Develop and implement culturally responsive programs and services that are and respond to diverse needs and experiences of newcomers, immigrants and refugees
  8. Apply strategies and processes to facilitate empowerment with newcomer families to navigate the settlement services