Community and Social Support Worker Diploma Program (CSSW)
- Full-Time
1040 Hours, 52 Weeks
- Part-Time
1040 Hours, 58 Weeks
- Homework Hours
Students should be prepared to complete 2–3 hours every day outside of the classroom.
Program Overview
The Community & Social Support Worker Diploma offered at Canadian Community College equips students with practical knowledge and professional skills to work in community services, outreach programs, social support environments, and mental health settings.
Community support services
Mental health and awareness
Interviewing and counseling skills
Communication and crisis support
Case management fundamentals
Program Highlights
1040-Hour Diploma Program
Full-Time & Part-Time Study Options
In-Class, Online & Hybrid Delivery
Includes Practicum Experience
Monthly Intakes Available
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Recognized for Excellence and Regulatory Compliance
Canadian Community College is proudly recognized by the B.C. Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB), demonstrating our commitment to delivering quality education that meets provincial standards for private post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program may pursue rewarding entry-level careers across community services, social support organizations, residential care settings, and outreach programs. Graduates may pursue entry-level roles such as:
Community Support Worker
Social Service Worker
Addictions Support Worker
Residential Support Worker
Important Notice
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply ethical and professional practices in community support settings
- Demonstrate effective communication and interviewingskills
- Support individuals experiencing mental health and addiction challenges
- Identify community resources and referral pathways
- Assist with intake, case documentation, and discharge planning
- Apply culturally respectful and non-judgmental approaches
- Demonstrate stress management and self-care strategies
- Build supportive relationships with individuals, families, and communities
Intakes
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a Grade 12 graduate or mature student (19+ years old)
- Meet English language proficiency requirements
- Meet practicum-related requirements where applicable
Additional Requirements
- Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- First Aid & CPR
- TB Test
Program Structure
Our structured curriculum combines foundational knowledge, practical training, and industry-focused learning to help students develop the skills and competencies needed for successful careers in their field. Each module contributes to a comprehensive learning experience that supports both academic achievement and workplace readiness.
| Module | Hours |
|---|---|
|
Orientation
|
20
|
|
Ethics Fundamentals
|
80
|
|
Psychology Fundamentals
|
80
|
|
Addiction Fundamentals
|
80
|
|
Mental Health Fundamentals
|
80
|
|
At Risk Populations
|
80
|
|
Interviewing & Counseling Skills
|
80
|
|
Intake & Discharge Planning
|
80
|
|
Resources & Networking
|
80
|
|
Writing for Social Services
|
80
|
|
Self-Care for Workers
|
40
|
|
Communication for Social Services
|
80
|
|
Career Strategies
|
20
|
|
Certifications
|
40
|
|
Practicum
|
120
|
|
Total Duration
|
1040 Hours
|
Career Occupation
Graduates of this program can find employment in a variety of roles within the industry, including:
- Social Service Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Addictions Worker
- Outreach Worker
Completion Requirements
Students need to:
- Pass all courses with at least 60%
- Submit a Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- Complete First Aid, CPR, and TB Test requirements during the program
Methods of Evaluation
- Assignments
- Projects
- Presentations
- Exams and Quizzes
- Group Activities
- Instructor-Supervised Learning Activities
Delivery Methods
- In-Class Instruction
- Online Learning
- Hybrid Delivery
English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic: 5.5 Overall
- Cambridge English Scale B2 First: Minimum overall score of 162
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced: Minimum overall score of 169
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced: Grade C
- Cambridge Linguaskill: B2 Overall
- LanguageCert Academic: B2 Overall
- CELPIP: Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5
- TOEFL iBT: 46
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 46
- CAEL: 40
- Duolingo English Test: 95 or higher
- Michigan English Test: B2 Overall
- ITEP Academic: 3.5 Overall
- EIKEN: Grade Pre-1