Community Support Worker – Social Services Program

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.

Our Community Support Worker – Social Services diploma program equips students with the skills and competence needed for a challenging but rewarding career in this field. 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 two practicum placements so students can gain relevant work experience before graduation.

Demand for Community Support Workers

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.

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

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

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.