Community Support Worker Diploma Program

This course introduces students to career preparation strategies.  Students will be introduced to job search strategies, interviews and other career management strategies.

In this course students will explore programming designed to support children and youth.  Students will be introduced to the development of children and youth and develop more complex understandings of the specialized needs and supports available for this population.

This course will introduce students to computer hardware and software terms and concepts. Students will also learn how to use basic functions of Microsoft Office and Powerpoint.

This course introduces students to counselling theories and processes.  Students will develop an understanding of different counselling theories and understand the importance of the counselling relationship in affecting change.  Students will also develop introductory counselling skills.

This course introduces students to populations with cognitive and physical disabilities.  Students will develop an understanding of different types of disabilities and the impact of these disabilities on functioning, social inclusion and quality of life.  Students will explore common myths and misconceptions related to people with cognitive and physical disabilities.

This course introduces students to the documentation skills used within the CSW profession.   The course will introduce students to best practice in documenting work with clients. Students will develop the skills to use industry software to document client and program activities.

Ethical practice is an important skill for CSW students.  This course will introduce students to how ethics is applied within the field and how it relates to working with clients.  Students will look at ethical frameworks and decision-making processes that can help them navigate ethical issues.

This course introduces students to the process of facilitating groups within the CSW profession.  Students will be introduced to human psychology as a basis for effective programming and develop facilitation techniques based on these ideas.

This course provides students with an understanding of families within Canada.  Students will develop an understanding of the history of families, challenges facing families, along with different models of families.  Students will develop the skills to identify signs of families in distress and to identify relevant supports.

This course introduces students to the history and experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada.  Students will become familiar with the history and contribution of Indigenous peoples and the impact of this history on physical and mental health.  Students will reflect on the connection of Indigenous people to culture and how this informs programming and supports for this population.

This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication and the importance of effective communication within the profession.  Ideas such as communicating professionally, conflict resolution, teamwork, and inter-cultural communication will be explored using a variety of approaches.  Students will develop the skills needed to communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers, and clients.

This course introduces students to the CSW profession within Canada.  Students will develop an understanding of the history of community supports and services and identify trends and opportunities within the profession.  Students will become familiar with community support models and different organizational models found within the profession.

This course introduces students to human growth and development throughout the lifespan. Physical, social, emotional and cognitive maturation across all stages of development from early childhood to older adulthood will be explored. Students will look at the issues faced at different stages of development and identify community supports that are relevant for each.

This course introduces students to mental health challenges and to the topic of addictions.  Students will develop an understanding of the key concepts and treatment services related to both mental illness and addictions.  Students will explore their own and societies’ misconceptions related to people experiencing mental illness and addictions.  They will look at the role of social, cultural and population differences as they relate to treatment and support options.

Being a professional in a professional workplace ensures a positive first impression, successful interpersonal relationships and a lasting reputation. This course provides training in leadership skills that ensure adaptability to a continually changing work environment. Topics covered include initiative, teamwork and continuous learning.

This course introduces students to the discipline of psychology and the associated concepts and theories.  Students will develop an understanding of a variety of psychological concepts such as biology and behaviour, learning, memory, development, personality theory, psychological disorders, therapies and social psychology.  Students will work to apply course content in relation to current social issues and to promote self-understanding.

Self-care is an important concept for CSW students.  This course introduces students to the concept of self-care and why self-care is important.  Students will develop skills to manage the stress associated with working with high-needs clients and populations.

Students will become familiar with the impact of trauma across the lifespan and be introduced to the principles of trauma-informed practice.

The Practicum experience is composed of an integrated work and learning experience.  Students are expected to complete a minimum of 160 hours of practical experience in a professional setting. This course is designed to help students integrate academic learning with the realities of the work environment.