Community Support Worker – Social Services Program

The growing need for assistance with pregnant teenagers, homeless persons, children with special needs, and those with substance abuse problems will maintain the need for these workers. Growth is also expected in the area of First Nations outreach and community development, especially for youth and in rehabilitation. Employment opportunities are much better for those who have appropriate post-secondary education.

Community and social service workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services (life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs and other community and social service programs). They assist clients in dealing with personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, group homes, correctional facilities and other establishments.

Community and social service workers may interview clients to obtain their case histories and other background information. They may prepare intake reports, assess their clients and investigate their eligibility for social benefits. If necessary, they will refer their clients to other social services. Later they meet again with their clients to assess their progress, give them support and discuss any difficulties or problems. Community and social service workers may work in schools as paraprofessionals assisting with children with special needs alongside occupational therapists or provide respite for families with children with special needs.

This work is done under the supervision of social workers or health care professionals. They also can assist in evaluating the effectiveness of these treatment programs by tracking clients’ behavioural changes and responses to interventions. Community and social service workers maintain contact with other social service agencies involved with their clients to provide information and to obtain feedback on clients’ overall progress.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Administer and implement social assistance programs and community services
• Assist clients in dealing with personal and social problems
• Interview clients to obtain case histories and background information
• Prepare intake reports
• Assess clients’ progress
• Refer clients to other social services when necessary
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment programs
• Maintain good working relationships with other social service
  agencies

This program includes two practicum placements. This experience within a workplace enables instructional staff to observe the student in a practice situation while providing the student with the opportunity to gain direct exposure to the chosen career field.