Addictions and Community Services Worker Program
Support a variety of social assistance programs as an addictions and community services worker.
Change Lives as an Addictions and Community Services Worker
You can truly make a difference helping others overcome challenges. Drug, alcohol and other substance abuse issues, including the opioid crisis, have become a leading cause of death for youth and other at-risk communities in Canada. Meanwhile, individuals and families are struggling with mental health, and various personal and social issues that are preventing them from fully functioning in society. Help create change with this meaningful career that allows you to work in a variety of settings, including mental health centers, community health centers and private practice.
Almost 1 in 5 Canadians reported that they needed some help with their mental health
Program Type
Full-time
Program Length
37 weeks/771 hours instruction + 5 weeks/100 hours practicum
Delivery Method
Hybrid (Online classes/In-person practicum)
This program has been reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
What You’ll Learn
- Role of community service workers in improving the social welfare of individuals and communities and the social and community services available.
- At-risk behaviours across a variety of groups.
- Root causes of mental health, addictions, homelessness and interventions and strategies in dealing with these issues.
- Impact of substance abuse on target populations dealing with mental illness.
- Effects of mental health in relation to addiction, diagnosis and medications used in pharmacotherapies.
- Impact of cultural and diversity issues on the client-counsellor relationship.
- Canadian health care system resources available.
Student Story
“I feel confident that I will find a job after graduation and that Ameridian will support me.”
Neha
Addictions and Community Service Worker Program
Admission Requirements
For Enrollment:
- High school diploma or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older).
- All applicants must complete a “Student Declaration” form.
Practicum Requirements
Students who meet the minimum requirements of a program are eligible to complete related work experience:
- Students must complete all courses in their program of study.
- Students must achieve at minimum a passing grade of 65% in each course.
- Students must provide proof of the following:
- A clear criminal record check.
- A record of current immunizations.
Earning Your Certificate
To graduate, you’ll need to complete the following requirements:
Addictions & Community Support Worker Courses
- Addictions Fundamentals
- Social Service Work Fundamentals
- Psychology Fundamentals
- Sociology Fundamentals
- Ethics Fundamentals
- Self-Care Techniques
- Resources and Networking
- Interview & Intake Procedures
- Professional Report Writing
- Family Studies
- Mental Health Fundamentals
- Behaviour Analysis Techniques
- Pharmacology Fundamentals
- Relapse Prevention
- High Risk Populations
- Child & Youth Populations
- *Third Party Certificates
- Practicum Work Experience
Contact an advisor for the full course descriptions.
Work Experience
- Complete 100 hours of work experience in a job practicum for real-world application.
Enrollment Timelines
Next intake deadline
May 20 2024
There’s still time to get your application in before the next intake deadline!
Fill out the form below to get started.
How to Apply
Talk to an advisor who will answer your career questions and help you navigate the admissions process.
Additional Resources
Fill out the form below to get started
One of our advisors will be in touch by phone or email to schedule an introductory call.