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Community Support Worker Program

Change lives and make a difference with our Community Support Worker program

Our Community Support Worker program equips students with the skills and competence needed for a challenging but rewarding career in this field.

Community and social service workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services including life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, support programs, and more.

A career in this field involves working with vulnerable groups including homeless persons, children with special needs, Indigenous peoples, pregnant teenagers, and people with substance abuse problems and addictions.

This program is a condensed version of our Community Support Worker – Social Services program.

Graduates will be trained to help clients manage personal and social complications through one-on-one and group support. Graduates will also be trained to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment programs by tracking clients’ behavioural changes and responses to interventions.

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

Community Support Worker Program Graduates In Demand

The demand for community support workers is very high. The increasing population of vulnerable groups in BC will require more workers in this field. Growth is also expected in the areas of First Nations outreach and community development, especially for youth and in rehabilitation.

Commuity Support Worker Program Learning Objectives

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), FoodSafe Level 1, Standard First Aid with CPR-C/AED, WHMIS, and eSuicideTALK
  • 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

Where Do Graduates Work?

Community support workers are employed by social service agencies, government agencies, group homes, correctional facilities, and other establishments.

Graduates of our program may also work in schools as paraprofessional educators, helping children with special needs alongside occupational therapists or providing respite care for families with children of special needs. This work is done under the supervision of a social worker or health care professional.

Related Programs:

Diploma Program

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

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Career Opportunities

Community Support Worker
Day Care Assistant
Developmental Disabilities
Residential Support Worker

Admission Requirements:

  • 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 the English Assessment.
  • Applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview.
  • Applicants must successfully complete an interview with the Director/Instructor.
  • 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.
  • Cleared Criminal Record Check (Public Safety & Solicitor General Schedule B).
  • For more information on English Language requirements and equivalencies please click here.

For international students, one of the following:

  • Sprott Shaw’s English Language Assessment.
  • Minimum IELTS Score 5.5 overall or iBT TOFEL Score of 70.
  • Completion of an ESL program from one of SSC’s partnered ESL schools.
  • International students that can provide an official Canadian transcript showing completion of English 11 or 12 (or equivalent), minimum grade ‘C’ will exempt from having to write the English Entrance Assessment.

 Course Prerequisites:

  • Completed SSC Health Declaration form (or Physician’s Waiver)

Diploma Requirements:

  • 70% average upon successful completion of all courses, including courses given a complete.
  • CPR, First Aid, Crisis Prevention (CPI Certified) and FoodSafe will be completed during the program.

Work Experience / Clinical Requirements:

  • Please note certain facilities may require proof of a negative TB test. Without this documentation on the student file, it may limit practicum placement opportunities.

Other Requirements

  • Practicum may include any shifts other than day shift (i.e. evenings– 3 to 11 pm or nights– 11 pm to 7 am and possible weekends).
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from designated offsite training and practicum sites.
  • Practicum training is conducted in shifts of a minimum of 5 hours per day for a total of 100 hours distributed equally over a four-week practicum placement.
  • Clinical placement sites are subject to availability (may be in various areas).
  • Practicum sites may require more current and/or additional CRC (for instance: RCMP) and TB testing (to be done at student’s expense).
  • Note that successful completion of any of EC100 individually or as part of a program will allow the student to apply for assistant status.
  • Successful completion of EC100 includes attendance of a minimum of 90 instructional/classroom hours to be eligible for this certificate.
  • Students can expect to complete 1 – 3 hours of homework per day.

 

* Community Support 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!

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Our advisors are happy to answer any questions.

Courses List

This 31 week Diploma program requires the student to complete the following courses.

  • Professional ethics and working in the Community Support Work field
  • In this module, students will complete their training and certification in Crisis Prevention (CPA Certifiied) or Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), FoodSafe Level 1, Standartd First Aid with CPR-C and AED, WHMIS and eSuicideTALK.

  • Adolescent development
  • At-risk youth issues

  • Role of special equipment classroom attendant
  • Structure of the educational system
  • Lesson plans, instructional aids
  • Classroom dynamics

  • Infection control
  • Feed, toilet and safely lift a child with a disability

  • Critical incident reporting
  • Etiological theories
  • Substance abuse treatment

  • Income security
  • Women's and Aboriginal services

  • Autism
  • ABC Model (antecedents, behavior, consequences)

  • Mental health/mental illness
  • Chronic pain/chronic illness
  • Involvement of family

  • Stress management
  • Self-awareness
  • Assertiveness training

  • The process of learning and maturation, child growth and development
  • Cultural, economic, and generational influences on development
  • Schedule B needed for child observations in child care centres
  • See EC100 course outline for details on applying for ECE Assistant Certificate

Strategies for Student Success:

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

  • Family types and systems
  • Multicultural issues

  • 4-week practicum of 25 hours per week
  • For this practicum, the student may choose one of the following options: CS500 - Child/Youth Care Services OR CS600 - Adult Care Services

• Describe the difference between interpersonal and impersonal communication
• Describe how self-perception, self-awareness, and individual psychology impact communication
• Develop awareness of individual listening styles, and various barriers to listening well
• Recognize the impact of verbal communication, the power of words, and increase sensitivity to individual impact upon others

  • 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.

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