Advanced Diploma in Social Service Administration
The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto offers a new executive program in human services administration formally known as the Post-Masters Advanced Diploma in Social Service Administration. We have admitted two cohorts of students to date and the first group of learners graduated November, 2011. The feedback from those who have taken the core courses of the program has been excellent. Some of the current students have offered to speak to those who are considering applying for the program.
Who is it for?
This program is designed for supervisors, managers and leaders in human service organizations who wish to obtain the latest knowledge and skills in the area of social service administration. It encourages those who are currently in administrative roles or aspiring to become involved in administration to apply for the program. The program provides a unique social work perspective on management challenges in small, medium and large health, mental health and social service organizations.
What will I learn?
The program offers four core courses:
Leadership Skills – this course is designed to develop leaders with vision, values, and strong skills in stakeholder relations. Some of the topics to be covered include: understanding leadership; ethics and leadership; working with Boards of Directors/governance; accountability; strategic planning; creating diversity positive organizations; social entrepreneurship and stakeholder relations.
Financial Management – this course focuses on the development of skills in financial management and includes topics such as: management accounting; budgeting and forecasting, funding contracts, risk management, grantsmanship, and fundraising.
Human Resources Management – this course covers key areas in human resource management such as: comparison of unionized and non-unionized environments; best practices in recruitment, selection and orientation; training and development; performance management; termination; and volunteer recruitment and management.
Research and Quality Improvement – this course covers a number of topics including: developing mission and vision statements; identifying specific organizational goals; quality assurance and improvement; developing programs through logic models and balanced score cards; monitoring implementation processes; program evaluation; management information systems; and outcome reporting.
The program, through its core courses and integration of course materials, places particular emphasis on three critical themes: evidence-based practice; embracing diversity; and client-centered care. An additional two electives, or an option of one elective and an agency-based project, complete the program. Theory, practice and research will be integrated with organizational examples and hands-on opportunities.
When is it offered and how long does it take to complete?
The program has a new cohort each September and uses an executive model of delivery. Core courses are held for a full day once per month for four months. Courses are taught on Thursdays or Saturdays and each year courses rotate the day they are taught on. The diploma can be completed in one year through taking two courses per term, over three terms (i.e., fall, winter, summer) or over two years taking one course per term. The program also requires two half-course electives with an option to do one half-course elective and a major agency-based project. The program is designed to accommodate twenty-five students.
What are the eligibility requirements, what does it cost and how do I apply?
Applicants must have a Masters degree in Social Work or in a related field and at least three years of experience, preferably as a supervisor, manager or director within a human service organization. We also welcome applications from experienced practitioners who may not have yet moved in to administration but are interested in doing so in the near future. The per-course cost is the same as our MSW program. Application is made online through the School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto (not the Faculty’s Continuing Education Program).
Application instructions are available at www.socialwork.utoronto.ca
The final due date for applications for September 2012 is March 1st, 2012. We do however welcome early applications and will review applications as soon as all the relevant materials are submitted.
Admission decisions will be made on an on-going basis.
If you have any further questions regarding the application process please contact Angela Umbrello in the Admissions Office at angela.umbrello@utoronto.ca, 416-978-3257. For questions regarding the program please contact Professor Charmaine Williams at charmaine.williams@utoronto.ca (416-946-8225).