Addiction and Mental Health Worker

About The Program

The Addiction and Mental Health Worker Diploma at triOS College spans 66 weeks, with an additional 12-week internship designed to empower students to impact individuals and communities grappling with addiction and mental health issues. This program emphasizes experiential learning, industry-recognized certifications, and tailored instruction in intimate class environments, ensuring students graduate with competence and confidence. Better Jobs Ontario funding may be available to eligible students, supporting career changers and those seeking skill upgrades in this critical field.

Why Choose This Healthcare Program?

This educational path provides learners with the tools, hands-on experiences, and professional certifications necessary to embark on careers in the burgeoning fields of addiction and mental health support. Participants are trained in vital methodologies such as counselling, crisis management, treatment strategizing, and trauma-informed practice. Internships fulfill Better Jobs Ontario's criteria for hands-on training.

Core Curriculum Includes:

• Counselling expertise: 1-to-1 and group counselling techniques, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention
• Professional certifications: Mental Health First Aid, Trauma and Violence Informed Care, Naloxone Administration, and Suicide Prevention (SPRAM)
• Comprehensive training: case management, relapse prevention, family dynamics, and concurrent disorders
• 12-week, 300-hour internship applying skills in real-world community, clinical, and recovery settings

Students study theories of addiction, pharmacology, treatment modalities, and special considerations while building foundations in both theory and practice with culturally competent care.

Career Opportunities

Career Paths for Graduates

Those who complete this program are well-equipped to undertake vital roles within the expanding sector of addiction and mental health support across community and clinical environments. The curriculum prepares students for various positions, including roles as Addiction and Mental Health Support Workers, Crisis Intervention Workers, Mental Health Support Workers, Outreach Workers, and Case Managers in addictions and mental health services.

Top Employers Who Have Hired triOS Grads:

• Canadian Centre for Addictions
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• Toronto Community Housing
• Salvation Army
• National Overdose Response Service (NORS)
• oneRoof Youth Services
• SUDS Addiction Center

Employment Outlook

The future looks promising, with average hourly wages reaching $26, and seasoned experts making up to $38 per hour. The program's extensive certification portfolio showcases professional readiness in both the addiction and mental health sectors, paving the way for significant career advancement.

Program Details

What Students Receive:

• Comprehensive set of nine industry-recognized certifications demonstrating professional readiness
• Extensive practical training in intake, assessment, case management, and crisis response
• Professional ethics and culturally competent care emphasis with diverse client preparation
• Online delivery through live, instructor-led sessions combining flexibility with experienced guidance

Program Highlights:

• 66-week comprehensive program with 12-week hands-on internship
• Multiple certification opportunities including CPR/First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, and specialized training
• Real-world application in recovery centers, outpatient clinics, and community organizations
• Focus on priority populations, trauma-informed care, and secondary traumatic stress management

This curriculum ensures that students acquire the vital skills necessary for assessment, program development, crisis intervention, and ethical decision-making, all while preparing them to adeptly serve diverse clients facing complex issues within today's changing healthcare landscape. Better Jobs Ontario facilitates career enhancements and skills development in this essential area.