Get the skills towards a career in Community Service and Addictions Worker

A well-trained Community Service and Addictions Worker (CSAW) is equipped with a flexible, adaptable career. Social and community service workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services specializing in addictions. They assist clients to address personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities, and other establishments.

This program provides students with the basic knowledge, skills, and work experience needed to become permanently employable in a CSW and AW setting. Skill development is delivered in the following areas:

• Comprehensive community service worker knowledge, including psychology, sociology, family life, mental health, addictions, criminology, at-risk populations, case management, counselling, ethics, business communication, report writing, and government and social
• Comprehensive addictions worker knowledge, which includes an overview of drugs (past and present) as they pertain to the Community Service and Social Worker
• An exploration into the world of addictions. Topics include alcohol and familiar drugs, like tobacco and caffeine, as well as natural health products and over-the-counter drugs.
• An exploration into the world of addiction treatment and prevention. Students learn about both the prevention and treatment of addictions, including organizations, like AA, which focus on
• Full range of computer and office skills, including current software applications, keyboarding skills, and personal and professional development
• On-site work experience through participation in a 160-hour placement at an approved CSW facility