facebookCommunity Services Worker
Herzing College offers a one-year college diploma that includes a two-month internship to gain work experience.
Community Services Workers provide many types of assistance to people in the community, from determining eligibility for social assistance and health programs and counseling on child care to helping clients with physical and mental problems and those involved in drug and substance abuse.
Many Community Services Workers serve clients in hospitals, halfway houses, detoxification centers, residential care facilities, rehabilitation centers and outpatient clinics.
Total Hours: 1040
Weeks: 52
Total Credits: 52
Program Listing of Courses:
80 hours
EN115 Business Communications and Report Writing
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. Resumes and oral presentation skills are also covered. 4.00 credits.
60 hours
CS105 Introduction to Addictions
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 and there affects on individuals and society. 3.00 credits.
40 hours
CS110 Professional Skills for the Service Worker
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. 2.00 credits.
60 hours
CS115 The Canadian Family Dynamic
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. 3.00 credits.
80 hours
CS120 Introduction to Psychology
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. 4.00 credits.
80 hours
CS200 Life-Span Psychology and Development
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. 4.00 credits.
60 hours
CS125 Populations at Risk
In this course students will learn about High Risk Populations in Canadian society. They will look at programs for these specific target groups in a counselling context. 3.00 credits.
60 hours
CS130 Counselling
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 is the Canadian Counselling Association and the Canadian Association of Social workers code of ethics as well as counselling within a culturally diverse setting. 3.00 credits.
60 hours
CS135 Effective Team work and Group Process
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. 3.00 credits.
60 hours
CS140 An Overview of Social Work in Canada
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, practice methods, Service delivery and practice issues. 3.00 credits.
80 hours
CS145 Introduction to Sociology
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 allows us to gain insights into our own selves. 4.00 credits.
40 hours
CS150 Interviewing Techniques
This course will teach students how to develop knowledge skills and attitudes for effective interviewing and counselling. Students will be introduced to basic concepts and models to help learners understand the theory and reasoning behind the use of skills. Students will be provided a range of realistic examples that illustrate concepts in action. 2.00 credits.
80 hours
CS156 Introduction to Mental Health
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 therapies and biological therapies will be learned. Under the heading Social Psychology students will learn about social perception, attraction, conformity, obedience, and compliance as well as group influence. 4.00 credits.
20 hours
CS165 Researching Your Local Community
In this course students will research and understand the profile of the local community. Students will look at local history, geography, transportation, population characteristics, and employment, housing, education, and health and welfare resources. 1.00 credit.
Certificate Courses:
20 hours
MS 100 First Aid and CPR
This course is designed to bring students to the St. John's Ambulance Standard Level First Aid and Level A CPR. 1.00 credit.
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate
(mandatory to work in hostels)
PD 150 Career Developments
This mandatory course helps students prepare for employment, conduct a successful campaign to find employment, and be successful in their career. Topics covered; preparation of a resume, covering letter and thank you letter to use in job search.
160 hours
WE 294 Internship
The internship component of the program is the practical application of a student’s knowledge and skills in a work environment. The setting shall be directly related to the student’s program of study. The internship requires full-time day attendance working in the field. The duration of the internship is eight weeks, during which the student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 160 hours of work experience. Prerequisite: All courses in the program. 8.00 credits
Instructor Testimonial
Years of experience: 20 plus
Occupation: Community Service Worker Instructor,
Herzing College
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Working at Herzing College, I love the
educational environment. I love the
autonomy of my job, as well as the
opportunity to make a difference in the
lives of my students, as they grow and
develop professionally and personally.
Q: What are the most challenging aspects of your industry?
A: There is an increasing shortage of
educated community service workers and an increasing number of marginalized groups, such as the homeless, mentally ill, and an aging population.
Q: For newcomers to the industry, what
tips would you offer them on getting
started?
A: Come to Herzing College for the
complete package; hands-on-training, professional development; experiential and collaborative learning, as well as networking and community involvement through practical experience (two-month
internship).
Q: What kind of local associations/organizations/volunteer activities would you recommend for
people just starting out?
A: Herzing College has a partnership with
the Salvation Army where many of our students find their internships. Many of our CSW graduates have been hired by the SA.
– Ruth Joanne Goodyear
Community Service Worker, Instructor
