Community & Social Support Worker Diploma

Program Introduction

The Community & Social Support Worker Diploma offered at Saint Community College equips students with practical knowledge and professional skills to work in community services, outreach programs, social support environments, and mental health settings.

Students develop competencies in:

  • Community Support Services
  • Mental Health and Addictions Awareness
  • Interviewing and Counseling Skills
  • Communication and Crisis Support
  • Case Management Fundamentals
  • Community Outreach and Advocacy

Program Highlights

  • 1040-Hour Diploma Program
  • Full-Time & Part-Time Study Options
  • In-Class, Online & Hybrid Delivery
  • Includes Practicum Experience
  • Monthly Intakes Available
  • Industry-Relevant Curriculum

Level

Diploma

Type

Full Time/Part Time

Duration

1040 Hours*

Delivery

In-Class, Online & Hybrid Delivery

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue entry-level roles such as:

Community Support Worker

Social Service Worker

Outreach Worker

Addictions Support Worker

Residential Support Worker

*This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

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Education Assistant Working in School helping a female student

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Apply ethical and professional practices in community support settings
  • Demonstrate effective communication and interviewing skills
  • Support individuals experiencing mental health and addiction challenges
  • Identify community resources and referral pathways
  • Assist with intake, case documentation, and discharge planning
  • Apply culturally respectful and non-judgmental approaches
  • Demonstrate stress management and self-care strategies
  • Build supportive relationships with individuals, families, and communities

Career Occupation

Graduates of this program can find employment in a variety of roles within the industry, including:

  • Social Service Worker
  • Community Support Worker
  • Addictions Worker
  • Outreach Worker

Completion Requirements

  • Students need to pass all the courses with at least 60%
  • Criminal Record Check (CRC) will need to be submitted
  • First Aid, CPR and TB Test will need to be completed during the program

Program Structure

Course Hours
Orientation 20
Ethics Fundamentals 80
Psychology Fundamentals 80
Addiction Fundamentals 80
Mental Health Fundamentals 80
At Risk Populations 80
Interviewing & Counseling Skills 80
Intake & Discharge Planning 80
Resources & Networking 80
Writing for Social Services 80
Self-Care for Workers 40
Communication for Social Services 80
Career Strategies 20
Certifications 40
Practicum 120

Total Duration: 1040 Hours

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS: Academic exam 5.5 overall
  • Cambridge English Scale: B2 First: Minimum overall score of 162
  • C1 Advanced: Minimum overall score of 169
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced: Grade C
  • Cambridge Linguaskill: B2 overall
  • LanguageCert Academic: B2 overall
  • CELPIP: Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5
  • TOEFL iBT: 46
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 46
  • CAEL: 40
  • Duolingo English Test: 95 or higher
  • The Michigan English Test: B2 overall
  • ITEP Academic: 3.5 overall
  • EIKEN: Grade Pre-1

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a Grade 12 graduate or mature student (19+ years old)
  • Meet English Language proficiency requirements
  • Meet practicum-related requirements where applicable

Additional Requirements

  • Criminal Record Check (CRC)
  • First Aid & CPR
  • TB Test

Homework Hours

Students should be prepared to complete 2–3 hours every day outside of the classroom.

Program Duration

Full-Time: 1040 Hours, 52 Weeks
Part-Time: 1040 Hours, 58 Weeks

Method(s) of Evaluation

Students will be assessed through:

  • Assignments
  • Projects
  • Presentations
  • Exams & Quizzes
  • Group Activities
  • Instructor-Supervised Learning Activities

In order to complete the Program, Students need to pass all the courses with at least 60% marks and get a “Pass” from their workplace supervisor.

Delivery Method(s)

  • In-Class Instruction
  • Online Learning
  • Hybrid Delivery

Recognized By

B.C. Private Training Institutions Branch

Saint Community College is certified by the Private Training Institution Branch (PTIB)

PTIB

Get Started

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