Community Support Worker (CSW) Program
FACULTY OF HEALTH - 49 WEEKS - DIPLOMA PROGRAM
In response to the ever-increasing demand for community support workers in British Columbia, First College offers a 12-month Community Support Worker (CSW) Diploma Program that prepares graduates to assist individuals who are facing multiple, persistent life challenges, including social and economic barriers, addiction, abuse/trauma, chronic health conditions, diverse abilities, and more. Community support workers are equipped to assess client needs and to assist clients through a variety of community-based social, treatment, and service programs, individually and/or in group settings.
Following completion of the 12-month CSW program which includes a 6-week practicum, graduates will have developed the skills and competencies needed for a rewarding career in the human services field. Vulnerable populations may include children/youth at risk, individuals with mental health challenges, homeless persons, individuals with substance use problems and addictions, people with diverse abilities (eg. permanent cognitive or physical disabilities), and Indigenous populations to name a few.
The First College CSW program provides a strong foundation in lifespan development, interpersonal skills, crisis intervention, addictions and counseling approaches, advocacy and social justice skills. Community Support Workers are human service professionals who make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people through a strengths-based problem-solving approach, where advocacy, empathy, inclusivity, collaboration, and diversity are valued.
Also, First College will provide training opportunities in CPR, First Aid, Food Safe, and Student Practice Education Core Orientation (SPECO) before Practice Education.
Contact an Academic Advisor for More Information Today!
The community Support Worker (CSW) program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.
What are your future opportunities?
Community Support Worker
Child and Youth/Family Support Worker
Disability Service Worker
Immigration Service Worker
Indigenous Community Worker
Adult Living/Community Living
Shelter Support Worker
Restorative Justice Worker
Child Development Program Worker
Shelter Diversion Worker
Youth Services Programs
Residential Worker
Program Information
Admission Requirement
First College admits applicants on a first-qualified basis, whereby applicants must meet one of the following two admission criteria:
1. The student has graduated from grade 12 or equivalent (B.C. high school diploma, B.C. Adult Graduation Diploma, General Education Development) or an equivalent secondary school completion from another jurisdiction; or
2. The student has a mature student status: at least 19 years of age and proof of completion of Grade 10 English. Please note: College courses determined to be equivalent to completion of Grade 10 English (or higher) by post-secondary institutions are accepted and applicants must submit transcripts to evidence completion. A minimum of a C grade is accepted.
*First College admits applicants whose first language is not English. Applicants must submit evidence of the English Language Proficiency. Click Here for more details.
Course Information:
CSW 201 Introduction to Human Services
CSW 202 Communication and Interpersonal Skills
CSW 203 Theories and Psychology of Human Development
CSW 204 Understanding of Human Behavior with Self Care
CSW 205 Mental Health
CSW 206 Client-Centred Counseling with Techniques
CSW 207 Crisis Intervention
CSW 208 Drug Abuse
CSW 209 Counseling Techniques for Substances Abuse
CSW 210 Family Violence, Abuse and Boundary Violations
CSW 211 Understanding Childhood Disorders
CSW 212 Child and Youth Mental Health
CSW 213 Supportive Care
CSW 200 Practicum
Practice Education Requirements:
Requirements are due prior to the first day of practicum, the Student Service Department will assist student with obtaining necessary documentation.
1. A Criminal Record Check Clearance
A criminal record check must be obtained from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General’s Criminal Records Review Office. Criminal Record Check *not through RCMP.
Link: https://justice.gov.bc.ca/criminalrecordcheck
Access Code: BDHTPXUY7K, Working with Children and Vulnerable Adults.
2. A Tuberculin Skin Test (also called a Mantoux tuberculin test) performed by CDC or physician.
