Community Services and Mental Health Worker
Program Overview
The Community Service and Mental Health Support diploma course is designed to prepare you for a fulfilling career assisting individuals, families, and communities experiencing mental health and social challenges. Gain expertise in delivering client-centered assistance, facilitating counselling and crisis response, managing cases, and advocating for individuals navigating mental health, addiction, and social complexities.
Spanning 62 weeks, this diploma program offers a blend of live, instructor-led classes featuring limited student numbers for individualized learning combined with hands-on skill development. An 8-week, 200-hour practicum places you in authentic community settings such as social service organizations, mental health facilities, shelters, and non-profit establishments.
Promising Career Prospects
Our alumni have successfully secured positions at prominent organizations including Youth Action Centre, Family Lifeline Counseling, VON Canada, Council on Drug Abuse (CODA), and Pioneer Youth Services.
Career Pathways
Upon graduating, pursue opportunities as a Support Specialist, Residential Care Provider, Outreach Coordinator, Peer Support Specialist, Shelter Advisor, and Well-Being Coordinator within community organizations, mental health facilities, shelters, and social service establishments.
Reasons to Choose This Program
- Complete in 62 weeks with comprehensive mental health training
- Limited class sizes ensure personalized learning
- Hands-on practicum in mental health environments
- High employment rate with leading organizations
- Programs offered at 8 locations across Ontario
Program Specifics
Duration: 62 weeks
Practicum: 8 weeks (200 hours)
Instruction Method: Live, instructor-led sessions with small class sizes
Key Learning Outcomes
- Practical internship experiences in mental health organizations, shelters, or addiction recovery facilities
- Industry-recognized credentials in trauma support, crisis response, and naloxone delivery
- Specialized competencies in mental health counselling, crisis management, and case coordination
- Mentor-led personalized training within small classroom settings
Included Professional Certifications
- Trauma and Violence Informed Care
- Mental Health First Aid & Crisis Response Training
- Naloxone Administration
- Standard First Aid/CPR/WHMIS
- AODA Accessibility Training
- Positive Space Training & Helping Trafficked Persons
Core Subjects Explored
- Mental Health & Addictions Assessment and Program Development
- Counselling Techniques, Crisis Response & Treatment Approaches
- Working with Substance Use & Co-occurring Disorders
- Canadian Family Systems & Lifespan Development
- Case Coordination & Vulnerable Populations
- Sociology, Criminology & Community Services in Canada
Specialized Mental Health Concentration
This program extends beyond general community services to deliver specialized instruction in mental health and addictions. Examine diagnostic frameworks for mental health conditions, recovery-oriented program development, co-occurring disorders, and trauma-informed approaches. Develop proficiency in supporting individuals experiencing intersectional stigma while implementing evidence-driven practices across varied mental health and addiction environments.
Ideal Candidates:
- Those driven by a commitment to mental health and addiction support
- Individuals seeking specialized training beyond general community services
- Professionals dedicated to trauma-informed, client-centered methodologies
- Enthusiasts for supporting individuals facing complex mental health challenges
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Provincial Funding
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