Fleming College

This dual-diploma pathway is only available to students who start their program in the Fall or Winter semester. After a common first semester in the Social Service Worker program and Mental Health and Addiction Worker program you can declare your intention to complete both programs.

By choosing this Dual Diploma pathway as a Social Service Worker student you will gain additional skills and knowledge related to critically analyzing multiple and intersecting causes and impacts of substance use and mental health issues. This multidimensional approach integrates Anti-Oppressive Practice (AOP), and Indigenous approaches and expands career opportunities to working in the field of mental health and addiction.

With a dual diploma, you have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of substance abuse and the skills to work with individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health issues. Curriculum in Screening and Assessment, Case Management and Service Coordination, and an online course in Psychopharmacology for Mental Health and Addiction add complimentary competencies to the Social Service Worker program.

Students who start in the Social Service Worker program will complete their Mental Health and Addiction Worker field placement in the fifth semester and their Social Service Worker field placement in the sixth and final semester, consolidating the practical and theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom during their program. You will be expected to complete one field placement with an emphasis upon social service practice and one that focuses on mental health and addiction.

30 hours of volunteer service within an agency is required prior to entry into the sixth semester for the Social Service Worker placement and you must have successfully completed all courses prior to entry into sixth semester.

Specific agencies may have requirements such as proof of a current Emergency First Aid certification, CPR certification (Level C), a university degree, or additional immunizations. Note that some agencies may require in-service training that the you must take prior to placement.

Fleming College is the only college in Canada to offer a dual diploma pathway in Social Service Worker and Mental Health and Addiction Worker. A strong benefit of this program lies in the opportunity to engage in small class learning, which can offer greater experiential learning and a more individually focused educational experience. In addition, both programs are well-known within the Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton counties and have established strong relationships with agencies in these specific locations. With a dual diploma, you will graduate with a broader skill set and have wider career choices.

When you choose this Dual Diploma pathway, you are creating opportunities to advance your profession and expand your prospects.

There is a high demand for mental health and addiction professionals. Roles include case manager, mental health clinician, addiction counsellor, or relief staff in residential facilities or community withdrawal management services, health promotion and outreach services. In addition, as a practicing Social Service Worker in Ontario, you will support people to recognize, develop and sustain their strengths to achieve good quality of life while they manage and challenge a broad range of personal and environmental barriers at the personal, cultural, and system levels.

This Dual Diploma Pathway is available to students in the Social Service Worker program and the Mental Health and Addiction Worker program.

You should plan to spend approximately $700 per year for books and supplies.

Immunization Requirements

Your program has mandatory immunization requirements that include a "pre-entry" deadline date for submission. For more information, and to print a copy of the immunization form, please download the Immunization Information document

Non Academic Requirements

Your program has mandatory requirements which may include a criminal reference check, first aid, CPR-C, etc. For more information, please see the Non Academic Requirements page.

Students applying to the Dual Diploma pathway of Social Service Worker/Mental Health And Addiction Worker must successfully complete the first semester of either the Social Service Worker program or the Mental Health and Addiction Worker program.

To enter the Dual Diploma program stream, student must apply internally in Semester 1.

The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students in this program. To qualify for an IPD, you must take and successfully complete a series of required Indigenous Studies courses as well as participate in a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences. Your transcript will indicate the IPD upon graduation, a designation that provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions to our shared society within the context of your program of study. The IPD provides a valuable skill set sought after in today's employment sector.