Social Service and Community Support Worker Diploma

This course introduces the principles, values, history and practices of social service work. Students explore professional roles, ethical practice, client-centred support, communication, cultural competence, advocacy and social justice in community-based settings.

This course introduces ethics, professional conduct, confidentiality, documentation, cultural responsiveness and ethical decision-making in social service settings. Students develop professional boundaries, workplace communication and record-keeping skills.

This course develops self-awareness and effective interpersonal communication for caregiving and support settings. Students practise empathy, active listening, respectful communication and professional interaction with clients, families, colleagues and interdisciplinary teams.

This course introduces common mental health conditions, their signs and symptoms, and appropriate support strategies. Students receive a basic introduction to the DSM-5 and explore person-centred approaches for supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges, cognitive impairment or dementia.

This course examines substance use, behavioural addictions, co-occurring mental health concerns and trauma-informed practice. Students explore harm reduction, recovery-oriented support, cultural safety, screening basics and the effects of addiction and trauma on individuals, families and communities.

This course examines child and youth mental health using relational, trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches. Students explore trauma, attachment and the influence of families, schools and communities while applying support strategies across diverse front-line settings.

This course prepares students to support people affected by social, economic, health, cultural, environmental or systemic vulnerability. Topics include social determinants of health, trauma-informed and strengths-based practice, advocacy, crisis recognition, resource navigation and collaborative service delivery.

This course introduces community support for individuals living with disabilities, chronic illness, age-related conditions and mental health challenges. Students examine person-centred service delivery, inclusion, accessibility, independence, disability rights, advocacy, professional boundaries and relevant British Columbia service frameworks.

This course introduces community resources and support services available to diverse populations in British Columbia. Students learn to identify client needs, make appropriate referrals, coordinate services, advocate for equitable access and collaborate with government, non-profit and interdisciplinary service providers.

This course covers client intake and case management in community and social service settings. Students practise interviewing, needs assessment, service planning, coordination, documentation, progress monitoring and case closure while observing confidentiality, professional accountability and scope-of-practice limits.

This course prepares students to help individuals build the skills and confidence needed for community living. Students learn to support daily living activities, independence, healthy lifestyles, social inclusion, self-advocacy, community participation and personal goals using person-centred approaches.

This course develops skills for recognizing, preventing and responding to crises in community and social service settings. Students practise risk recognition, verbal de-escalation, safety planning, documentation and collaboration while maintaining professional boundaries, personal safety and scope of practice.

This course develops practical care-provider skills for community, residential, long-term care and home-support settings. Topics include infection prevention, body mechanics, mobility, personal care, nutrition, comfort, vital signs, safety, documentation and medication assistance within the Community Support Worker scope of practice.

This course prepares students for practicum and employment in community and social service settings. Students develop workplace readiness, professional communication, teamwork, time management, employment documents and interview skills while learning to manage stress, compassion fatigue and burnout through sustainable self-care.

This 100-hour practicum provides supervised workplace experience in an approved community or human-service setting. Students apply their knowledge and skills in client support, communication, documentation, resource navigation and teamwork while demonstrating professionalism, confidentiality, safety, accountability and appropriate workplace conduct.