Community Service Worker

Our comprehensive Community Service Worker program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to empower individuals and communities. Gain valuable hands-on experience through practicum placements, learn from experienced instructors, and embark on a rewarding career as a Community Support Worker.

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More info about Community Service Worker (CSW)

Our Community Service Worker program at AOLC Brampton is meticulously designed to address the growing need for skilled professionals in the North American healthcare and social services industry. This comprehensive community service worker course goes beyond theoretical knowledge, immersing students in practical, real-world scenarios. You’ll gain a deep understanding of psychology, sociology, case management, and ethical practices, all crucial for effective intervention and support. The program culminates in a valuable 160-hour practicum placement, providing hands-on experience in approved CSW facilities, ensuring you graduate employment-ready and comprehensively trained as a community support worker. Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a diploma and be prepared for diverse roles in various settings, from mental health agencies to community living societies, making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Integrated Learning System (ILS)

Canada's Largest Career College Network

Student Support from Enrollment to Graduation

Overview

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.

Courses

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

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

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.

FAQs

What is a community service worker?

A Community Service Worker (CSW) administers social assistance programs and community services, helping clients with personal and social problems. They work in various settings like social service agencies, mental health agencies, and shelters.

How does community service work?

Community service typically involves providing support and assistance to individuals and groups in need, often through social programs, counselling, and resource navigation, aiming to improve community well-being.

How much does a community service worker make?

The average annual salary for a Social Service Worker (a closely related role to Community Service Worker) in Ontario, is approximately $37,256, or about $18 per hour. Salaries can range, with those in the 25th percentile earning around $28,721 annually ($14/hour) and top earners in the 75th percentile reaching about $39,731 per year ($19/hour). These figures can vary based on experience, specific job responsibilities, and the employing organization.

How to become a community service worker?

You can become a Community Service Worker by completing a diploma program like our Community Service Worker program, which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and work experience, including a practicum placement. Admission typically requires Grade 12 or an admission test, and practicum completion includes meeting academic marks and other requirements like a clear criminal record check.

Is volunteer work the same as community service?

While both benefit the community, volunteer work is typically unpaid and often undertaken by individuals freely giving their time. “Community service” can refer to organized programs, often with paid positions (like a Community Service Worker role), or can also be a requirement (e.g., for school or legal reasons). The term “community support worker” specifically refers to a trained professional role.