Learn how to help people dealing with addiction, homelessness, mental health issues, and other challenges. Get real work experience and graduate ready to make a difference in your community.

What is a Community Services Worker?

Community services workers (also known as community support workers) provide practical assistance and emotional support to people experiencing social or personal challenges. They offer counselling, connect clients with available resources, and help vulnerable people live happier, healthier lives.

CSWs work with many different populations, including:

• At-risk youth
• Seniors
• Parents and families
• Homeless individuals
• Newcomers to Canada
• People struggling with addiction, disabilities, or mental health issues
• Survivors of abuse

Herzing College Community Services Training

Herzing College’s community services training is a convenient way to prepare for a career helping people in need. You’ll get a solid grounding in social work theory and develop your skills through hands-on training and real work experience

• Complete your training in 12 months
• Internship included
• Multiple start dates; enrol at any time
• Financial assistance may be available for students who qualify
• Career support to land your first CSW job after graduation

Career Outlook

There is steady demand for CSWs across Canada. Successful graduates can find career opportunities at:

• Hospitals
• Halfway houses
• Detox centres
• Residential care facilities
• Outpatient clinics
• Shelters
• Youth centres
• Correctional facilities

Job titles may include:

• Child/Youth Worker
• Gerontology Aide
• Addictions Counsellor
• Family Service Worker
• Crisis Intervention Worker
• Women’s Shelter Worker
• Aboriginal Outreach Worker
• Community Development Worker
• Mental Health Aide
• Residential Support Worker

Study Topics

The coursework in our community services training covers:

• An overview of the Canadian social welfare system
• The fundamentals of psychology and sociology
• The stages of human development
• Family dynamics
• The effects of addiction on individuals and society
• Therapies for common mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia
• Interviewing and counselling techniques
• Report writing
• The code of ethics of the Canadian Association of Social Workers