34-Week Community Service Worker Diploma Program in BC

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are qualified to work in a wide variety of CSW settings and occupations. Job titles vary per location, but graduates are an integral part of many settings, including:

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

Program Objectives

This program will provide you with the basic knowledge, skills, and work experience needed to become permanently employable in a CSW setting. 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, counselling, 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 that may influence an individual’s attitudes and behaviours towards health and wellness during the intake process.
• Advocate for client interests by accurately identifying client needs, directing them to appropriate community, provincial, and/or federal resources, and demonstrating an awareness of client diversity, uniqueness, and individuality.
• Produce correctly formatted, grammatically correct, and accurate documents (e.g., reports, letters, and e-mails) 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.
• Demonstrate ethics, professionalism, and self-awareness by analyzing case studies and ethical dilemmas, correctly identifying unethical, unprofessional, or inappropriate behaviour, and proposing more effective or appropriate courses of action.

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 prior to 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