Community Service Worker

Program Introduction

With an aging population, incredible technological advancements, and a strong demand for a higher quality of life, the healthcare industry in North America faces a significant shortage of well-trained personnel. There's a pressing need to expand the workforce and enhance skill levels within this sector. This is where a Community Service Worker (CSW) course or community support worker program becomes invaluable.

A well-trained Community Service Worker (CSW) is equipped for a flexible and adaptable career. Social and community support workers are responsible for administering and implementing a wide range of social assistance programs and community services. They play a crucial role in assisting clients with personal and social challenges.

Graduates of a community service worker course can find employment in various settings, including social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centers, school boards, correctional facilities, and other similar establishments. If you're looking for a community support worker certificate to kickstart your career, this program is designed to provide comprehensive training.

Program Objectives

This community support worker program provides students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and practical work experience required for permanent employment in a CSW setting. Skill development in this community service worker course is delivered across three key areas:

• Comprehensive community service worker knowledge, encompassing psychology, sociology, family life, mental health, addictions, criminology, at-risk populations, case management, counseling, ethics, business communication, report writing, and an understanding of government and social services.
• A full spectrum of computer and office skills, including proficiency in current software applications, strong keyboarding skills, and personal and professional development.
• On-site work experience through participation in a 160-hour placement at an approved CSW facility, providing invaluable hands-on experience for aspiring community support workers.

Method of Delivery

This community service worker course utilizes a combination of delivery methods:

• Integrated Learning™ System training facilitated by Academy of Learning College facilitators.
• Instructor-led sessions.
• A crucial placement component, allowing students to apply their skills as a community support worker.

Of Interest To

This community support worker program is ideal for individuals with a strong desire to be an integral part of a CSW team who also:

• Enjoy performing a variety of responsibilities in a caring, gracious, and professional manner.
• Place a high value on confidentiality, discretion, support, and detachment.
• Have a keen interest in gaining knowledge in the Community Services and Social Worker field.
• Demonstrate a strong personal and professional commitment to achieving excellence in a CSW capacity.

Program Notes

Financial assistance may be available to qualified students for this community service worker course. To obtain a diploma, students must achieve a minimum program mark of 75% and successfully complete a 160-hour placement.

• Program Breakdown

  Core Courses

  Part A: Computer and Business Office Skills This section of the community support worker program ensures you have the essential administrative tools.

  • Introduction to Keyboarding
  • Keyboard Skill Building Level 1
  • Microsoft Windows Level 1
  • Microsoft Word – Level 1
  • Microsoft Excel – Level 1
  • Microsoft Access – Level 1
  • Microsoft Outlook – Level 1
  • Strategies for Success
  • Job Search and Résumé Writing

  Part B: CSW Administrative/Clinical This is the core of our community service worker course, providing in-depth knowledge essential for any community support worker.

  • Psychology Fundamentals
  • Sociology and Family Life in Canada
  • Introduction to Mental Health and Addictions
  • Life-Span Development
  • Criminology and At-Risk Populations
  • Case Management, Counselling, and Ethics
  • Business Communication and Report Writing
  • Government and Social Services

  Part C: Work Experience A crucial element of becoming a certified community support worker, this hands-on experience solidifies your learning from the community support worker program.

  • Placement

• Admission Requirements

  To enroll in our community support worker program and begin your journey towards a community support worker certificate, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent; OR
  • 18 years of age or older with successful completion of an admission test, specifically the Wonderlic SLE admission test with a minimum score of 16; AND
  • Adequate level of physical health to be able to fulfill job requirements; AND
  • Good command of the English language – both written and oral; AND
  • Completion of a standard registration form.

  Practicum Requirements

  To successfully complete this community service worker course and secure your community support worker certificate, students must fulfill these practicum requirements:

  • Achieve a minimum pass mark for each subject (75% on CSW courses and 60% on ILS courses, and 75% as the overall average program grade); AND
  • Keyboarding at 25 words per minute (wpm); AND
  • Possess Standard First Aid/CPR – Level C certification; AND
  • Submit a Resume and Placement Preference Sheet at least 30 days prior to placement; AND
  • Provide a Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, submitted 30 days prior to placement; AND
  • Be prepared for a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement, which may be required; AND
  • Submit proof of Vaccinations – Hepatitis and TB Tests may be required; AND
  • Understand that an interview by the Host may also be required prior to placement. The host retains the right to choose whether or not to accept the student based on the results of the interview and program marks.

Career Opportunities

Completing this comprehensive community service worker course equips graduates to work in a wide array of settings and occupations. While specific job titles may vary by location in Canada, individuals who earn their community support worker certificate through our program become vital members of numerous crucial sectors, including:

• Healthcare and social assistance
• Nursing and residential care facilities
• Youth centers
• Individual and family services
• Youth protection services
• Public administration
• Civic and social organizations
• Social advocacy
• Grant-making organizations
• Provincial government
• Out-patient care centers
• Local community service centers (e.g., CLSC)
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Educational services
• Hospitals
• Community food and housing

Indeed, this community support worker program opens doors to a diverse and highly rewarding career as a dedicated community support worker.