fbpx

Mental Health and Addictions Care Worker Program

Change lives and make a difference with our Addictions Worker program

Our Mental Health and Addictions Care Worker program equips students with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed for a challenging but rewarding career in this field. The program focuses on developing group facilitation skills as well as one-on-one counselling skills.

Mental Health and Addictions Care Workers prepare and conduct prevention planning and support programs for some of society’s most vulnerable groups.

During the program, students will learn the principal concepts in addictions, pharmacology, and structured relapse prevention planning through hands-on case studies.

Students will also gain first-hand skills in addictions intake, assessment, motivational interviewing, and treatment planning – all with a strong emphasis on case management and professional ethics.

This program includes a practicum placement opportunity so students can gain relevant work experience before graduation.

Mental Health and Addictions Care Worker Program Learning Objectives

  • Demonstrate knowledge of abnormal behaviour, therapeutic processes and appropriate treatment and prevention strategies
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Addiction Worker’s role and responsibilities in terms of legal and ethical parameters
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the practical skills that fall within the Addiction Workers’ scope of practice for British Columbia
  • Demonstrate professionalism and the ability to communicate and work collaboratively with others in the field
  • Apply knowledge, skills and ethical care for clients and the community with regards to therapeutic techniques and working with vulnerable people

Why Study at Sprott Shaw?

  • Career and professional development success courses to help create a career development marketing plan, learn the cardinal rules of professionalism, and identify the target markets and employment resources for the community support field  
  • Preparation and orientation courses to teach you how to find credible research, write papers, create proper citation formats including APA, and study effectively for exams
  • All-inclusive program costs where what you see is what you pay. Our costs include registration fees, assessment fees, tuition, textbooks, supplies, course materials, graduation fees, practicum fees, and much more
  • Access to dedicated Employment Services Specialists (ESS) who can help you with resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and the overall job search after graduation
  • Certificates including Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), First-Aid, and WHMIS
  • Practicum opportunities with recognized organizations across BC including the Canadian Mental Health Association, Salvation Army, Positive Living Society BC, YMCA, posAbilities Association of BC, Hope for Freedom Society, Union Gospel Mission, John Howard Society, and more
  • Multiple start dates so you can start your education when you want to without the wait

Related Programs at Sprott Shaw College:

Diploma Program

Total Program Hours:
900 Hours
Full-Time Program Length:
43 Weeks
(Includes holidays and professional days)
Program content is subject to change.

Contact an Admissions Advisor for More Information Today!

Contact Us Today!

Our advisors are happy to answer any questions.

Career Opportunities

Addictions Worker
Community Support Worker
Residential Support Worker
Womens Shelter Worker
Admission Requirements:
  • Grade 12 / GED or mature student status
  • Applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview and may be required to do an entrance assessment (a minimum score of 22/40 in language and a minimum composite score of 42/80)
  • Applicants for this program must also obtain a satisfactory certificate of health with a Physician’s Waiver, submit a Criminal Record Check and provide 3 letters of reference
  • Applicants must not have had an addiction or be relapse-free for 3 years
For International Students:
  • Entrance Assessment or IELTS 6.0 or Equivalents
Certificate Requirements:
  • 70% average upon successful completion of all courses. First Aid, WHMIS and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention will be completed during the program.
* Mental Health and Addictions Care Worker Program was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.

Students can expect to complete one to three hours of homework per day.

Contact an Admissions Advisor for More Information Today!

Contact Us Today!

Our advisors are happy to answer any questions.

Courses List

This 43 week Diploma program requires the student to complete the following courses.

  • MS Office Certification
  • MS Office Word editing, layout, templates, styles and
    sections, mail merge, tables, charts and desktop publishing

  • MS Office Certification
  • Plan, edit and manage worksheets (formulas/functions)

• 120 hour practicum (4 weeks)

  • Computer basics/file management
  • Goal setting, note-taking, problem-solving, teamwork
  • Overview of policies & procedures
  • Demonstrate the ability to use MS Word and MS PowerPoint

Strategies for Student Success:

  • This course will provide students with the knowledge, skills, tools, techniques, and strategies to help them to be confident learners.

Contact an Admissions Advisor for More Information Today!

Contact Us Today!

Our advisors are happy to answer any questions.

We'd love to connect with you to help you become a Sprott Shaw graduate. Visit a campus, request info or apply today.
Request Info Apply Now

Affiliations and Associations

Contact an Admissions Advisor for More Information Today!