Become a Qualified Community Service Professional

Community Service Workers are the main point of contact for individuals who need continuous help and assistance. They work closely with various social groups, and their main goal is to provide the utmost support and care to the person or a group of people with physical and/or mental disabilities or restrictions.

Start your career in community service work today.

The Academy of Learning’s Community Service Worker diploma program is meticulously designed to enhance the skills necessary for impactful work across various essential services. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for roles in youth centers, family services, outpatient care services, community centers, and emergency relief services, among others.

Our program is designed to provide you with the career-targeted skills and training that are in high demand by today’s employers. Thanks to our innovative Integrated Learning System™ (ILS). you can complete this program in under eight months. This system ensures that you gain a deep understanding of the subjects necessary for your future career and allows flexibility in learning. With ongoing enrollment and a flexible course schedule, we will enable you to start your education at a time that suits you best, accommodating various personal and professional commitments.

Our career-focused curriculum includes courses in:

In the CSW program, you’ll gain the skills to advocate for clients, directing them to necessary resources and administering social assistance programs. Our acclaimed social services diploma program includes practical work placements to enhance real-world proficiency and job search workshops to kickstart your career. By focusing on helping you hone in-demand, career-ready skills, we ensure a comprehensive education that prepares you for a rewarding career in community service in various settings, including family services, youth centers, and more, after you complete your social work diploma.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our Community Service diploma program are qualified to work in various CSW settings and occupations. Job titles vary per location, but graduates of our community worker program are an integral part of many settings, including:

  • Youth centers and youth protection services
  • Individual and family services
  • Civic and social organizations
  • Out-patient care centers
  • Local Community Service Centres (CLSC)
  • Vocational rehabilitation services
  • Educational services
  • Community food and housing
  • Emergency relief services

Admission Requirements

  • Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
  • 19 years of age or older (varies, depending on province-specific ministry requirements)
  • Grade 12 or equivalent, or Mature Student Status with successful completion of CAST testing
  • Adequate level of physical health to be able to fulfill job requirements (as stated in self-assessment)
  • Other medical tests (e.g., TB Test) or proof of vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis B) may be required by industry before placement
  • Good command of the English language – both written and oral (as per completion of the Wonderlic SLE admission test with a minimum score of 18)
  • Completion of standard registration form

Program Objectives

This comprehensive community service worker program will equip you with the knowledge, practical skills, and valuable work experience necessary to secure permanent employment in various community service worker (CSW) settings. Skill development is delivered in three areas:

  • Comprehensive community service worker knowledge, including psychology, sociology, family life, mental health, addictions, criminology, at-risk populations, case management, counseling, ethics, business communication, report writing, and government and social services.
  • Full range of computer and office skills, including current software applications, keyboarding skills, and personal and professional development.
  • On-site work experience through participation in a 75-hour preceptorship at an approved CSW facility.

At the end of the program, you will be able to:

  • Accurately identify the socio-economic factors influencing an individual’s attitudes and behaviors towards health and wellness. This critical skill set is a key part of the social services worker program, preparing you to address and support clients’ diverse needs effectively.
  • Advocate for client interests with precision. You can direct clients to the appropriate community, provincial, and federal resources by identifying client needs. This ability is central to the community service worker certificate and demonstrates an awareness of client diversity, uniqueness, and individuality, embodying the core values of a community service worker.
  • In our community service worker course, you will learn to produce correctly formatted, grammatically correct, and accurate documents, such as reports, letters, and emails, that reflect an awareness of the target audience and include appropriate, industry-specific terminology.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and a wide range of healthcare professionals both orally and in writing in a community service work context support
  • Demonstrate ethics, professionalism, and self-awareness by analyzing case studies and ethical dilemmas, correctly identifying unethical, unprofessional, or inappropriate behavior, and proposing more effective or appropriate courses of action.

Program Outline

Part A: Computer and Business Office Skills

  • Introduction to Keyboarding
  • Keyboard Skill Building Level 1
  • Microsoft Windows Level 1
  • Microsoft Word – Level 1
  • Microsoft Excel – Level 1
  • Microsoft Access – Level 1
  • Microsoft Outlook – Level 1
  • Thought Patterns For A Successful Career
  • Job Search and Résumé Writing

Part B: CSW Administrative/Clinical

  • Psychology Fundamentals
  • Sociology and Family Life in Canada
  • Introduction to Mental Health and Addictions
  • Life-Span Development
  • Criminology and At-Risk Populations
  • Case Management, Counselling, and Ethics
  • Business Communication and Report Writing
  • Government and Social Services
  • Standard First Aid
  • Basic Rescuer (Level C) CPR Certification

Part C: Work Experience

  • Preceptorship