Social Service Worker - Indigenous Specialization

Applications for the Sep 2027 intake are due by Feb 1, 2027, and tuition is 15,120 USD per year.

The Social Service Worker - Indigenous Specialization program at Sault College is a non-degree program that helps students gain knowledge and tools to support individuals, families, and communities. It's a one-year program that prepares graduates to work with Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. The main advantage of this program is that it provides a holistic Indigenous lens to social service work.

The curriculum includes courses on Indigenous perspectives and cultures, social issues, service delivery models, community development, and legal and political context. Students also gain hands-on experience through field placement, where they apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. The program promotes cultural sensitivity, respect, and the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives in social service practice.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as social service workers, community outreach workers, Indigenous support workers, or advocates within Indigenous communities. They may work in Indigenous organizations, friendship centres, healthcare facilities, child and family services agencies, or government departments. Possible job titles include Indigenous Community Worker, Social Service Worker, and Community Outreach Worker.

Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is a public college established in 1965 that focuses on career-oriented and hands-on education. The college offers a wide range of programs in business, health sciences, engineering technology, skilled trades and community services, combining classroom instruction with practical training and industry partnerships. Sault College emphasizes applied learning to prepare graduates for local and regional employment markets.

Students benefit from small classes, experiential labs and strong industry connections that support cooperative placements and job readiness. Campus facilities include applied learning labs, health simulation suites and technical workshops designed to mirror workplace environments. International students receive support with orientation, academic advising and pathways that help integrate them into campus life and regional communities.

The college’s local partnerships and focus on applied skills make it a good choice for students seeking practical qualifications and a clear route to employment. Sault Ste. Marie offers an accessible, community-oriented setting with opportunities for outdoor recreation and regional engagement. Prospective international applicants should prepare transcripts, program-specific requirements and any licensing prerequisites, and explore available student services and accommodation options to maximize their educational and career outcomes.