Learn about the advantages and drawbacks and get a realistic picture of what to expect.
Community Support Worker Diploma
Learn practical skills to support people with disabilities, addictions, mental health issues, social and personal problems. Graduate in just 12 months—and start making a real difference in your community.
What is a Community Support Worker?
Community support workers (CSWs) provide practical assistance and emotional support to people in need.
They provide counselling, connect clients to available community services, and help lift vulnerable people out of unsafe situations.
CSWs work with people of all backgrounds and age groups, including:
- Newcomers to Canada
- At-risk youth
- Seniors
- Survivors of domestic abuse
- Refugees
- People living with disabilities and mental health issues
- Struggling families
- Homeless populations
Herzing College Community Support Worker Diploma
Herzing’s Community Support Worker diploma prepares students for rewarding careers helping people in need. Training is hands-on, flexible, and designed to fit around your schedule.
- 12-month diploma program
- 7-week internship at a community organization
- Hands-on training in counselling and assisting at-risk populations
- Study with expert instructors with years of social work experience
- Small classes where every student gets attention and support
- Step-by-step support from our Career Development team to find your first job
- Financial aid is available for those who qualify
- Enroll at any time
Career Outlook
Community support workers have a wide range of career options.
They work for social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities, and more.
Community support worker jobs include:
- Child/Youth Worker
- Adult Care Worker
- Addictions Counsellor
- Family Service Worker
- Crisis Intervention Worker
- Women’s Shelter Worker/Supervisor
- Aboriginal Outreach Worker
- Community Development Worker
- Mental Health Worker
- Residential Support Worker
Who Hires our Graduates?
Graduates of our Community Support Worker diploma program have been hired by:
Study Topics
The Community Support Worker diploma features courses in addictions, mental health, psychology, counselling techniques, and a complete overview of available Canadian social services and programs.
Click for a detailed description of each course.
In this course students will look at addictions in today’s world. Drugs and their use present a social paradox, combining the potential for good and for bad. As a society and as individuals we can be the beneficiaries of drugs or their victims. Students will look at various drugs, alcohol and process addictions and their effects on individuals and society
In this course students will learn the skills necessary for dealing with clients and co-workers. Students will learn a variety of tips and techniques which they will develop through role play in the classroom. Customer service skills and interpersonal skills will be developed which will aid the student in the workplace environment.
In this course students will focus on themes of cultural diversity in contemporary Canadian society within a world perspective. Students will understand the dynamic structure and definition of the institution of the family and family issues. Students will be given the tools for an ongoing process of observation, understanding and analysis of marital and family relationships and organizations
This course will introduce students to the world of psychology. Students will be presented topics such as biology and behaviour, learning, memory, development, personality theory and assessment, psychological disorders, therapies and social psychology.
In this section students will study human development from infancy, childhood, adolescence, early, middle and late adulthood; and the end of life. Students will look at development from a Canadian perspective and the distinctiveness that being Canadian has on our development.
In this course students will look at interviewing strategies in counseling from a Canadian perspective. Students will be introduced to basic concepts and models to help learners understand the theory and reasoning behind the use of interviewing counseling skills. Students will see realistic examples that illustrate concepts in action. Students will also participate in challenging exercises that promote skill development, conceptual understanding and self-awareness. Also covered are the Canadian Counselling Association and the Canadian Association of Social workers code of ethics as well as counselling within a culturally diverse setting.
In this course students will look at the skills that are needed to work effectively in teams. They will discuss different types of teams and the roles of team members. Students will also look at group problem solving and decision making. The role of a nurturing positive person and mentor/coach will also be topics of conversation.
In this course students will be introduced to sociology. Students will understand how our society and the groups to which we belong influence us. Students will learn how groups locally or in some far off part of the world allow us to gain insights into our own selves.
In this course students will look at psychological disorders and therapies. Topics will include: what is abnormal, anxiety disorders, somatoform and dissociative disorders, schizophrenia and mood disorders. Therapies such as insight therapies, behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy and biological therapies will be discussed.
In this course, students will be introduced to Social Work practice from a Canadian perspective. Students will cover topics that include theoretical and conceptual cases of Canadian Social Work Practice; Socio-Political factors influencing Canadian Social Work, practice methods, service delivery and practice issues. Students will also learn about high risk populations in Canadian society.
In this course students will learn a practical approach to writing and editing letters, memos, and reports. Students will see sample letters that are both models of good writing and examples of areas for improvement. Job application and oral presentation skills are also covered.
Students will look at several examples of contemporary practice. This will allow them to understand the three precepts of community social work; 1) the local identification of need, 2) the local identification of solution, 3) the mobilization of collective response. Students will do a research project outlining the community resources that are available to them as Community Service workers. They will get to know their community through onsite visits, telephone calls, website surfing etc. The research project should outline what is available in the community and what is lacking in the community.
This seminar provides an opportunity for the student to apply the techniques and processes for developing a career path and to learn lifetime tools and skills. Topics include career planning, job searching, developing career search documents, refining interviewing skills and preparing for a new position
The internship component of the program is the practical application of a student’s knowledge and skills in an industry environment. The industry shall be directly related to the student’s program of study. The internship requires full-time day attendance working in the industry setting.
The internship component of the program is the practical application of a student’s knowledge and skills in an industry environment. The industry shall be directly related to the student’s program of study. The internship requires full-time day attendance working in the industry setting. The duration of the internship is one month, during which the student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 4 weeks of work experience.
Admission Requirements
What you need to get started.
- Minimum of a Canadian high school grade 12 or equivalent, or a mature student
- Pass an entrance test administered by Herzing College
- Be interviewed in detail regarding interest in the field
- Note: admission to some programs may include additional requirements
Overview
RELATED HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS:
CAMPUS
INDUSTRY
Healthcare
PROGRAM LENGTH
12 Months (20 hours/week)
Includes 7 week internship
LEARNING MODALITIES
Online, Hybrid
EXPLORE CAREERS
TRY OUR CAREER EXPLORATION KIT
Our online kit takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
2022 Overall Graduate Employment Rate
82% of available Herzing College Winnipeg graduates were employed in a related field.*
*statistics based on most recent available
Your Next Steps
Ready to learn more about the Community Support Worker diploma? It’s easy to get started. Choose from the following options:
- Fill out the form to ask questions via email
- Chat live with an Admissions Advisor to get your questions answered now
- Click Request Info to get started today!
Why Choose This Program?
- 11-month program that gets you job-ready fast
- 4-week internship for real community work experience
- Learn from caring instructors with many years of professional experience
- Small class sizes, where every student gets step-by-step instructor support
- Hands-on learning (case studies, projects, group work, mock counselling and interviewing sessions, community volunteering, etc.)
- Friendly learning environment where students of all backgrounds and ages are welcome
- Option to study completely online, or do a blend of on-campus and online courses
- Access to the Herzing Open Education Program (HOEP). Take a second diploma program or professional certificate, tuition-free!
- Comprehensive employment support from our Career Development team (get help with your resume, job search, interview preparation)