Learn social service work focused on a growing population
Social service workers who focus on gerontology are sought out by many organizations because of the growing senior population in Canada. This in-depth diploma answers society’s needs by teaching the foundations of social service work, while training you to specialize in work with the elderly.

Work with our faculty of community service professionals
Our faculty come from a wide range of community service roles, and includes social workers, community developers and gerontology specialists. Each professor brings their unique and valuable experience to every course, providing you with one-of-a-kind knowledge that only years in the field provides.

Get hands-on social service work experience in field placements
In Terms 2, 3 and 4 you’ll work with seniors in a field placement two days a week. This means valuable on-the-job experience and the chance to practically apply your class lessons. You’ll support older adults in different settings, and also establish valuable career connections in the community.

Things you'll learn to do
Advocate with government and not-for-profit agencies who provide services for older adults.
Develop and implement therapeutic recreation and activation programs.
Co-ordinate home support services and/or volunteer programs.
Support persons living with cognitive impairments or mental health challenges and their families.
Deliver a holistic service plan to improve the lives of older adults.
Gain Professional Registration
When you graduate from the Social Service Worker – Gerontology program, you'll be eligible for membership with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. As a member of this body, you can use the title “Registered Social Service Worker.” For additional details, visit the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers site.

Opportunities for further education
When you graduate from this program, you may be eligible to enter directly into the third year of Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Social and Community Development degree program. This degree builds on the skills and competencies developed in the diploma program, and will open up new pathways for your career or graduate studies.

Sheridan Centre for Elder Research
The Social Service Worker – Gerontology program has a unique partnership with the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research. Research at the Centre is regularly integrated into our curriculum, and students may have the opportunity to engage in applied research projects.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
Effective April 25, 2022, Sheridan College will no longer require proof of COVID vaccination to attend campus.

However, in the Social Service Worker – Gerontology program, many of our students participate in field placements in Long-Term Care homes and the community. At this time, the Long-Term Care Home COVID-19 Immunization Policy requires that individuals, including students, must have met the immunization requirements. These requirements include one of the following:

the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines,
one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or
three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada,
and a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada if eligible for a third dose.

We strongly recommend that Social Service Worker – Gerontology students get their vaccinations as outlined above before the semester starts. A student without the proper vaccines will not be able to complete their required placement in long-term care and this may impact ability to graduate from the program.

For up-to-date information regarding Sheridan’s response to COVID-19 and for links to public health information, please see Sheridan’s COVID-19 webpage.

Sheridan provides training in fields with a bright future. When you graduate from the Social Service Worker – Gerontology program, you'll be ready to enter a field that continues to grow with new and emerging job opportunities.

Here are some jobs you might find:

Adult program/recreation assistant
Case worker
Community outreach worker
Family resource worker
Hospice worker
Social service worker