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Mental Health and Addictions Care Worker Program

Change lives and make a difference with our Mental Health and Addictions Care 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!

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Our advisors are happy to answer any questions.

Career Opportunities

Addictions Worker
Community Support Worker
Residential Support Worker
Womens Shelter Worker
Admission Requirements:

Prior to Acceptance:

  • Grade 12 or equivalent (General Education Development, Adult Basic Education) with evidence of a ‘true certified copy’ or original transcript; OR
  • Mature student status (age 19 and one year out of high school) and completed entrance assessment with minimum scores of 20/40 in both the English and math components (and composite score of 42/80).
  • Applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview.
  • For more information on English Language requirements and equivalencies please click here.

Domestic Students:

  • Domestic students that can provide a Canadian transcript showing completion of English 11 or 12 (or equivalent) with a passing grade of ‘C’, will be exempt from having to write the English Entrance Assessment.
  • Interview with campus director.

International Students:

One of the following:

  • IELTS Academic Test 6.5 overall score and minimum 6.5 in all categories.
  • Three years of secondary or post-secondary education in an English environment.
  • TOEFL iBT score of 79.
  • Successful completion of ESL program from SSC partner schools (upper intermediate).

For international students with a transcript from a high school in English-speaking environment for Grade 11/12, they will not be required to write SSC English language entrance assessment.

  • Cleared Criminal Record Check (Public Safety & Solicitor General Schedule B).
  • Three reference letters.
  • Mental Health and Addictions Student Declaration (including minimum of three years of stable recovery from substance abuse).
Course Prerequisites:
  • Completed SSC Health Declaration form (or Physician’s Waiver).
Diploma Requirements:
  • 70% average upon successful completion of all courses. First Aid, WHMIS and Non Violent Crisis Intervention will be completed during the program.
  • First Aid, WHMIS and Non Violent Crisis Intervention will be completed during the program.
Other Requirements:
  • FACPR First Aid /CPR (Comp/Inc)
  • FoodSafe FoodSafe (Comp/Inc)
  • PVPC Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum (Comp/Inc)
  • WHMIS WHMIS (Comp/Inc)

Students can expect to complete 1 – 3 hours of homework per day.

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the practicum sites.

Practicum placement sites are subject to availability.

* Mental Health and Addictions Care Worker Program was reviewed and approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

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

• 120 hour practicum (4 weeks)

  • Skills and strategies conducive to learning in a college atmosphere, orientation to the college environment, using technology, knowing college policies and procedures.
  • Time management, writing and using citations, study strategies, student budgeting, and wellness/self-care/stress management.
  • An orientation to the PCP program and the emergency medicine professions.
  • Prepare for upcoming studies, learning environments, and work experience placements throughout the program.

Strategies for Student Success:

  • Interview techniques
  • Create a Career Development Marketing Plan
  • Apply aspects of professionalism
  • Identify target markets and employment resources

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

Contact an Admissions Advisor for More Information Today!

Contact Us Today!

Our advisors are happy to answer any questions.

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