Social & Community Support Worker Essentials Program
The Social and Community Support Worker Essentials Certificate equips individuals with essential skills to make a meaningful impact in communities. The program will emphasize ethical standards, professionalism, and boundaries in social service work, ensuring that graduates adhere to ethical principles in their practice.
PTIRU Approved
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Program Hours: Program Months: | Program Weeks: |
17-Week Social Service & Community Support Worker Essential Certificate
40 hours – Ethics Fundamentals
Explores ethical frameworks and professional standards in social work, emphasizing integrity, confidentiality, and the importance of ethic decision-making.
40 hours – Psychology Fundamentals
Covers key psychological theories and human behaviour concepts that aid in understanding individual and group dynamics within community support.
60 hours – Addiction Fundamentals
Provides knowledge on addiction, covering common substances, behaviour patterns, and strategies for supporting clients in addiction recovery.
60 hours – Mental Health Fundamentals
Focuses on mental health basics, including recognizing symptoms of mental health disorders and learning supportive approaches for clients facing mental health challenges.
40 hours – High Risk Populations
Examines the unique needs of high-risk populations, such as those experiencing homelessness, poverty, or trauma, and best practices for providing appropriate care.
40 hours – Interviewing and Counselling Skills
Teaches effective interviewing and counselling techniques, focusing on active listening, empathy, and creating a supportive client environment.
40 hours – Intake and Discharge Planning
Introduces the process of intake assessment and discharge planning, helping clients access appropriate resources while maintaining detailed documentation.
20 hours – Certifications
What type of work is involved in social and community support?
Social and community support work involves working directly with individuals and groups, offering practical assistance, emotional support, and connection to community services.
Is there demand for social and community support workers?
Yes. There is ongoing demand for social and community support workers as communities continue to rely on support services for a wide range of populations.
What career opportunities are available after completing the Social and Community Support Worker Essentials program?
The Social and Community Support Worker Essentials program helps prepare students for positions, including Community Support Worker, Special Needs Support Worker, and Social Service Support Worker.
What abilities help someone succeed in social service and community support roles?
Success in social service and community support roles is supported by strong interpersonal communication, adaptability, teamwork, reliability, and a respectful approach to working with diverse individuals.
Is the Social Service and Community Support Worker program a good choice for those new to the field?
Yes. The Social Service and Community Support Worker program is designed for individuals with no previous experience who want to begin a career in social and community support.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate:
The ability to professionally implement key values, knowledge, principles, and skills within an ethical framework.
A clear understanding of the role of relationships in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
The ability to outline a timeline and the stages of human development.
The skills required to assist with intake report management.
Effective stress-reduction techniques for clients and workers.
Identification and understanding of the symptoms associated with certain commonplace mental health disorders and substance abuse.
A clear comprehension of the relationship between mental health and addictions.
Solid understanding of drug treatments/usage and associated conditions.
Admission Requirements:
Students are required to be 19 years of age prior to the start of the program or possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), and provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:
- Completion of grades 9-11, including English 10 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages (see list below), or
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
- Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – Minimum overall score of 5.5
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT – Minimum overall score of 46
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum overall score of 40
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) – Minimum overall score of 95
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – Minimum overall score of 43
- Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
- Cambridge Linguaskill – Minimum overall B2 level
- LANGUAGECERT Academic – Minimum overall B2 level
- The Michigan English Test (MET) – Minimum overall B2 level
- iTEP Academic – Minimum overall score of 3.5
- EIKEN – Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
Upon successful completion of this program, students can expect to work as:
- Community Support Worker
- Special Needs Support Worker
- Social Service Support Worker
