Addiction Community Support Worker

This Addictions Community Support Worker diploma program at Heritage Community College focuses on preparing you to be an effective social services practitioner. You will acquire the knowledge, skills, and values needed to provide support to individuals, families, groups, and communities in need. Those seeking assistance from a variety of available programs and services will benefit from the expertise of an Addictions Community Support Worker. This program is ideal for people pursuing a career in community social services.

• High school diploma or equivalent, grade 12 English- minimum grade of C, mature student status (19 years or older).
• Criminal record check.
• Immunization report.

• Complete the ‘Student Declaration – Addictions Community Support Worker Program’ form.
• Meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.
• Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12) have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Grade 12 English with a minimum grade of C. This may include successful completion of a BC Adult Graduation program.
  OR
• Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the principal language of instruction 
  OR
• Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below.
  Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: overall score of 5.5 or higher.
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test: overall score of 40 or higher
  • Duolingo English Test: overall score of 95 or higher
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: overall score of 46 higher
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: overall score of 43 or higher

Upon completion of the program, graduates can work in the below occupations list:

• Community service worker
• Crisis intervention worker
• Developmental service worker
• Drop-in center worker
• Family service worker
• Group home worker
• Income maintenance officer – social services
• Life skills instructor
• Mental health worker
• Rehabilitation worker – social services
• Social services worker

The Social Services Worker Diploma program prepares graduates for employment positions with social service agencies and organizations, residential programs, homes group, shelters and housing services, community health centers, and family service organizations throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed. Students will have an understanding of:

• You will gain a solid understanding of the social and community services available.
• You will be able to describe current models of addiction and treatment including pharmacological concepts and terminology.
• You will be able to describe addiction and recovery processes and recognize stages of change.
• You will be able to describe and discuss key prevention strategies, assessment and screening tools, intervention and relapse plans, and withdrawal and detoxification management and safety issues.
• You will be able to describe the issues, defining traits, intervention,¬ and prevention issues facing high-risk populations.
• You will be able to articulate the impact on the client-counselor relationship with respect to cultural and diversity issues.

85% of classes must be attended to achieve competency for this qualification

Minimum C grade average is required for graduation.