Developmental Services Worker
Develop professional expertise in Developmental Services Worker with our state-of-the-art curriculum, industry-led instruction, and hands-on training.
Credential
DIPLOMA
Duration
2 Years
Credits
60 Canadian CR
Campus Location
Ottawa, ON (Main)
Study Format
Full-Time & Co-op
Program Overview & Objectives
Develop professional expertise in Developmental Services Worker with our state-of-the-art curriculum, industry-led instruction, and hands-on training.
Offered through the Department of Education and Social Sciences within the School of Education and Social Sciences, this program provides students with direct access to Cannoga’s state-of-the-art academic resources, experiential learning laboratories, and comprehensive Admissions Services.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum
Designed in collaboration with Canadian industry partners. View all Degree Programmes.
Hands-On Practicum & Co-op
Embedded terms providing direct workplace experience in Ottawa. See International Student Support.
Curriculum & Course Structure
Required core subjects, specialized courses, and capstone modules:
| Code | Area | Course Title | Credits | Prerequisite / Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOCI 1041 | Core | Foundations of Social Services Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 1042 | Core | Human Development Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 1043 | Core | Communication and Helping Skills Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 1044 | Core | Canadian Social Policy Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 1045 | Core | Community Development Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 1046 | Core | Ethics and Professional Practice Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 1047 | Core | Mental Health and Wellness Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 1048 | Core | Case Management Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 1049 | Core | Research Methods in Social Services Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 1050 | Core | Diversity and Inclusion Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 2051 | Core | Trauma-Informed Practice Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 2052 | Core | Child and Youth Practice Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 2053 | Core | Justice and Community Safety Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 2054 | Core | Program Planning and Evaluation Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 2055 | Core | Advocacy and Social Change Semester 1 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 2056 | Core | Field Placement I Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 2057 | Core | Field Placement II Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 2058 | Core | Leadership in Human Services Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 2059 | Core | Advanced Practice Seminar Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
| SOCI 2060 | Core | Human Services Capstone Semester 2 | 3 CR | Open Enrollment |
Career Prospects & Industry Pathways
Graduates of the Developmental Services Worker are equipped for high-demand roles across public and private sector organizations in Ontario and Canada. Learn more about Tuition & Financial Aid Options or connect with our Career Advisory Team.
Target Roles & Career Positions
Developmental Services Worker Practitioner, Industry Specialist, Professional Assistant.
Average Starting Salary
$58,000 – $74,000 CAD
Graduate Employment Rate
94.2% within 6 Months
Work Permit Eligibility
Eligible (PGWP Pathway)
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirement:
Secondary school diploma or equivalent. English proficiency test results (IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent). Minimum average of 65% in required courses required.
Minimum Admission Grade:
65%
Language Proficiency:
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band under 5.5) or TOEFL iBT 80. See International Requirements.
Estimated Tuition (2026–2027)
Department Faculty
Deborah Bouchard
Assistant Professor
Stephen Gagné
Assistant Professor
