Diploma

52 Weeks

Community Support Worker Diploma

Prepare to assist individuals and communities in accessing resources and support services to improve quality of life.

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Make a Difference as a Community Support Worker

The Community Support Worker Diploma at Western Community College equips students with the knowledge and skills to support diverse populations. The curriculum covers social policies, community resources, and effective advocacy strategies. Graduates are prepared to empower individuals and communities, facilitating access to essential services and support.

  • Understanding of social welfare systems and policies.
  • Skills in advocacy and community engagement.
  • Training in crisis intervention and counseling techniques

Next Intakes

Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.

Career Opportunities

High Employment Rate for Graduates

$29*

Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate

*Based on Canada Job Bank

After completion of this program, the graduates will be able to work as Support Workers in various job roles, including:

  • Community Support Worker: Assist individuals in navigating social services.
  • Outreach Coordinator: Connect communities with available resources and programs.
  • Case Manager: Develop and oversee individualized support plans.

Why Study at Western Community College

Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.

  • Installment-based, low tuition fee.
  • Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
  • Part-time or full-time class schedule.
  • Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).

Begin Your Path in providing Community support

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Community Support Worker Diploma Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Grade 12 or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or more).

Language Proficiency Requirements: To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Option 1: Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8–12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Completion of Grade 10 English (or higher) with a minimum grade of C is required.
This may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program, or providing international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS.

Option 2: 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).
*Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.

Option 3: Standardized Language Test
Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test. Test results should be valid at the time of enrollment.

Name of English language assessment/testMinimum score(s)/level(s)*
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) AcademicMinimum overall score of 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in any module)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBTMinimum overall score of 46
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)Minimum overall score of 40
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
Duolingo English Test (DET)Minimum overall score of 95
Pearson Test of English (PTE) AcademicMinimum overall score of 43
Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE)
Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)).
Minimum overall score of
160 or “C”
Cambridge LinguaskillMinimum overall B2 level
LANGUAGECERT AcademicMinimum overall B2 level
The Michigan English Test (MET)Minimum overall B2 level
iTEP AcademicMinimum overall score of 3.5
EIKENMinimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Validity period of above Language Assessment Tests is two years.

The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:

American SamoaDominicaLesothoSt. Kitts & Nevis
AnguillaFalkland IslandsLiberiaSt. Lucia
Antigua and BarbudaFijiMaltaSt. Vincent & the Grenadines
AustraliaGambiaMauritiusTanzania
BahamasGhanaMontserratTrinidad & Tobago
BarbadosGibraltarNew ZealandTurks & Caicos Islands
BelizeGrenadaNigeriaUganda
BermudaGuamSeychellesUnited Kingdom
BotswanaGuyanaSierra LeoneUS Virgin Islands
British Virgin IslandsIrelandSingaporeUSA
CanadaJamaicaSouth AfricaZambia
Cayman IslandsKenyaSt. HelenaZimbabwe

Option 4
Mature student applicants:
Applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above.

Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, and Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:

Accuplacer ComponentMinimum score
Writing235
Reading235
WritePlacer4

Note: Assessment of Prior Education Where English is the Language of Instruction
As an option for proof of English language proficiency, institutions may accept evidence that an applicant has successfully completed a specified minimum of full-time secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction. Documentation demonstrating this evidence must be provided in English.

Education completed (in English) in the following countries will be considered as counting toward an assessment of prior education in English:

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Take the next step toward your future!

Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.

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Course OUtline

Core Courses in Community Support Worker Diploma Program

Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required for a successful career as a Community Support Worker.

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

1040

Total program
hours

200

Practice Experience HOurs

$28*

Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate

97%

Graduate Employment Rate

COURSE CODESTitle of Course/Work Experience Component *# of Hours*
CSW 01Interpersonal Communication for Human Services50
CSW 02Introduction to Community Support Work50
CSW 03Computer Fundamentals40
CSW 04Report Writing for Community Services40
CSW 05Life Span Stages and Development50
CSW 06Introduction to Developmental Disabilties30
CSW 07Mental Health Challenges50
CSW 08Introduction to Psychology50
CSW 09Autism Spectrum Disorders50
CSW 10Applied Behaviour Analysis50
CSW 11Assistive Technology50
CSW 12Person Centered Planning and Care40
CSW 13Personal Support and Assistance120
CSW 14Pharmacology and Medication Management50
CSW 15Self Care40
CSW 16Career Planning and Preparation40
CSW 17Professional Skills for fieldwork in Canada40
CSW 18Practicum200
Total Hours1040

Program Duration

Hours: 1040
Weeks Full-Time: 26

Fee Structure

Tuition & Financing


We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.

Domestic Students

$9,770

Particulars (Expanded View)

Application Fee

$250

Tuition Fee

$8320

Course Materials

$200

Books

$1000

International Students

$14,160

Particulars (Expanded View)

Application Fee

$500

Tuition Fee

$12460

Course Materials

$200

Books

$1000

Finance Options Available

Western Community College offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation.

BC Student Loan

In-house Financing

Student Line of Credit

Scholarships

Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.

Finance Options

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