ADDICTION AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER DIPLOMA PROGRAM

Overview

The Addiction and Community Support Worker Diploma program equips students with skills, knowledge and expertise needed for a fulfilling and impactful career in this field. This program prepares students to support vulnerable populations, including individuals at risk, people experiencing homelessness, children with special needs, indigenous communities, pregnant teenagers and those struggling with substance abuse and addiction.

The program is offered both in class and online through instructor-led sessions. It consists of nineteen specialized courses and a practicum placement, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings before graduation.

Graduates of this program have diverse career opportunities and may find employment in group homes, social service agencies, government programs, correctional facilities, rehabilitation and detox centers, shelters and mental health organizations.

Career Opportunities

Job titles could be one of the following:

Aboriginal Outreach Worker
Addictions Worker
Child and Youth Worker
Community Development Worker
Community Support Worker
Correctional Facility Support Worker
Family Support Worker
Peer Support Worker
Social Service Worker
Substance Abuse Worker

Admission Requirements

Standard Admission

Students must meet the following criteria:

Alberta High School Diploma verified by transcript or non-Alberta equivalent OR
Successful completion of General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Credit in English 30-1 or 65% in English 30-2
Successful personal interview with the school’s admission officer

Mature Admission

Students must meet the following criteria:

At least 18 years of age
Out of school for one (1) year
Successful result of Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination 18
Successful personal interview with the school’s admission officer

Practicum Requirement

1. Police Clearance (with Vulnerable Sector Check)

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Students whose first language is NOT English must demonstrate ONE of the following:

Transcripts showing 3 years of full-time secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction OR
Transcripts showing one year of post-secondary education where English was the language of instruction OR
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) assessment level 6 OR equivalent (TOFEL, IELTS) 5 OR
Wonderlic Basic Skills Test (WBST) minimum scholastic level of Verbal Skills (310) OR
Successful completion of a Canadian English Language Arts Course (ex. English 20) OR
Duolingo English Test, minimum grade of 95