ADDICTIONS & COMMUNITY
SUPPORT WORKER

This course will introduce students to the basic principles of the Microsoft Office Suite, which will be used by students both in their studies and in their daily jobs in the community support field. This course is divided into the following modules:

1. Windows Introduction
2. Microsoft Word
3. Microsoft Excel
4. Microsoft PowerPoint
5. Microsoft Outlook

Students will attain a concise yet thorough understanding of brain development and its connection to addiction and mental health. Students will learn that lifelong health is determined by more than just our genes and will understand how experiences at sensitive periods of development change the brain in ways that increase or decrease one’s risk for later physical and mental illness, including addiction. Students will also engage in group activities and individual projects to support their learning, integrating additional material essential to the industry.

In this course, students will complete the three most frequently required certifications in the industry: First Aid and CPR Level C; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST); and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI).

This course will introduce students to various communication and interpersonal skills. Students will learn the basics of report writing in a CSW environment, including in-house reports like assessments, case notes, progress notes, and incident reports. Students learn to write concisely and objectively, using appropriate language. Students will also learn proper formatting and content for CSW letters and emails.

Students will become familiar with the CASW Code of Ethics and ACSW Standards of Practice. Students will gain insight into the legislation governing the profession’s regulation and other social policies, as well as the legal implications of their counselling. Students will explore ethical dilemmas and the use of ethical principles to guide their workplace decisions.

In this course, students will learn about the risks associated with working in a helping profession, including Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma. Students will learn the importance of boundaries and scope of practice and explore the imperative practice of self-care. Students will identify ways to engage in meaningful self-care and create a toolbox of strategies for managing stress.

Students will learn core counselling skills and ways to use them effectively. Students will become familiar with the Stages of Change and the stages of the counselling relationship. Students will explore their personal and professional self as a catalyst for effective counselling and how they can hinder change in their clients. Students will practice their skills through mock counselling sessions.

This course will introduce students to the basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Students will explore how behaviour is assessed and the various intervention techniques often employed with children with autism and other special needs. Students will become familiar with the applications of ABA in behavioural education and will understand how ABA can be applied across a wide variety of everyday situations. Students will additionally learn about ADLs and IADLs. Students will explore notions of ‘supporting’ versus ‘helping’ and strategies for both.

Students will learn the basics of Human Services, including the history of practice and today’s theories and models. Students will hone the skills needed to be a successful practitioner while understanding ways to empower clients and serve the whole person. Students will learn about professional use of self and examine their own professional self. Students will gain insight into key concepts and learn practical skills such as care planning and working within an interdisciplinary team. Students will also briefly explore the globalization of social programs and international practice.

Students will learn the basics of physical and emotional development across the lifespan and the various social stages experienced throughout life. Students will become familiar with psychology fundamentals and how they can be applied to understanding human behaviour. Students will also be exposed to end-of-life concerns.

Students will learn the history of colonization in Canada and the issues facing Indigenous populations today. The student will also gain insight into the Indigenous groups in Canada and explore Indigenous beliefs and traditional ways of life, and come to understand the importance of reconciliation and Indigenous self-governance.

Students will learn about family life in Canada, including both historical and modern concepts of family. Students will become familiar with the types of families, and the most common transitions families face. Students will explore what healthy relationships and healthy families look like and be exposed to issues that threaten the family, such as poverty and family violence. Students will also develop a solid understanding of Family Systems Theory.

Students will examine various populations that are vulnerable due to such issues as discrimination, poverty, inequality, and trauma. Students will explore various vulnerable populations, including women, immigrants, racialized Canadians, the elderly, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities and Indigenous groups in Canada. Students will gain insight into the systemic, social, physical and environmental factors that influence vulnerability. Students will learn what it means to support and advocate for susceptible populations.

Students will learn the basics of facilitating group work; this will include group dynamics and effective communication. Students will learn the crucial skills needed for facilitating groups and for managing difficulties that can arise. Students will explore ways to create an inclusive environment and how to employ consensus. Students will practice their skills in mock facilitations.

This course teaches job search skills and helps students understand the labour market. It includes coaching in writing effective resumes and cover letters. Students also participate in mock interviews to correct and refine skills, increasing employment readiness.

Topics include

• Portfolios
• Job search strategies
• Resume and cover letter writing
• Mock interviews and retrospective reviews
• The role of social media in job hunting