How to Become a Community Support Worker?

In a recent post, we discussed ‘what you can do with a community support worker diploma’ which outlines the proper training required, career paths, and the projected salary. In this article, we will outline the step-by-step process on how to become a community support worker. We’ll go from deciding on the field and beginning your education right up to finding a job as a community support worker.

1. Have a passion and interest for helping people
2. Research and choose the right program and know the eligibility criteria
3. Complete a community support worker diploma program
4. Complete practical work training or work placement
5. Begin your job search

 

Have a passion and interest for helping people

 

Before embarking on any career path, it’s important to have a genuine curiosity and passion for the field you are entering. Someone working as a community support worker should have strong interpersonal communication skills, social perceptiveness, and empathy and should also be cooperative, patient, and compassionate. If this sounds like you, a community support worker could be a great choice for you. Community support workers act as the main point of contact for people who are need of continued help and assistance. The entire role of the support worker is to be there for their patients.

Research and choose the right program and know the eligibility criteria

 

Community support worker diploma programs can be found all across Canada. There are many college programs that offer diploma programs that can be completed in just under one year, which tend to include a work practicum component. The program you choose can depend on many factors including tuition costs, start dates, the program itself, and where you live. It’s also important to note that all programs will have eligibility criteria. It’s common to need the following to apply for a community support worker diploma program: high school diploma, Standard First Aid, CPR Training Level C, AED training, Child Abuse Registry check, and a Criminal Record Check. Robertson College offers a Community Support Worker Diploma Program both online at our Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary campuses.

 

Complete a community support worker diploma program

 

So, now you have decided on the program and college that is right for you. Now it’s time to complete the program, but you may be wondering how long a community support program takes? Well, the length of the program completely depends on the college but they are typically between 44 and 47 weeks, which is under one year. The great thing about pursuing a career as a community support worker is that regardless of the route you choose to take, it does not take long to complete. Learn more about Robertson’s Community Support Worker Diploma Program here.

Complete practical work training or work placement

 

Like mentioned above, almost every community support worker program will have a work practicum component. For example, at Robertson, our students complete a four-week practicum at the end of the Community Support Worker Diploma Program. This an incredible opportunity to work in the industry and explore what you enjoy and don’t enjoy. It’s also an incredible way to network and make connections with people who are in the industry. Depending on which province you are in, job requirements will change, but most employers require a work practicum before hiring on a community support worker.

 

Begin your job search

 

Once you finish the educational and practical component of your program, you can start applying for community support worker jobs. The great thing about the practical component is that you will meet and network with people in the field, which will hopefully help in the job search. Also, the program you take should be equipped with the resources and education you need to aid with finding a job after graduation. At Robertson, we offer career services to students and graduates, which includes resume and cover letter development, help with the job search, and interview preparation.

Hopefully after reading the steps above, you have a clear understanding of the necessary steps it takes to become a community support worker. Robertson’s Human Resources Coordinator Diploma Program is a great option for students who want to complete their education online or attend either one of our Winnipeg, Edmonton or Calgary campuses. Connect with a Student’s Admissions Advisor for more information.