Helping Canadians get back to work.

Community Service Worker

About the Program

The Community Service Worker diploma program prepares you to administer social assistance programs and community services while helping clients address personal and social problems. In 45 weeks, you'll gain comprehensive knowledge, computer skills, and complete a clinical placement at an approved facility to become permanently employable in social service settings across Alberta.

This program addresses the growing workforce shortage in social services by providing comprehensive training in psychology, sociology, mental health, addictions, criminology, and case management. Academy of Learning provides financial aid guidance for qualified students and job placement assistance to help you succeed from enrollment through employment. You'll develop the skills to work with at-risk populations, provide counselling and ethical support, and navigate government and social services systems while building essential computer and business communication competencies for modern community service environments.

Addressing Critical Workforce Needs

With an aging population and increasing demand for quality care, well-trained Community Service Workers are essential across healthcare and community support sectors—creating strong employment opportunities for skilled professionals throughout Alberta.

What You'll Learn

CSW clinical knowledge - Psychology fundamentals, sociology and family life in Canada, introduction to mental health and addictions, life-span development, criminology and at-risk populations, case management, counselling techniques, ethics, and comprehensive understanding of government and social services systems
Computer and business office skills - Introduction to keyboarding, keyboard skill building, Microsoft Office Suite proficiency (Windows, Word, Excel, Access, Outlook), business communication and report writing, and strategies for professional success
Career readiness and job search - Comprehensive job search and résumé writing strategies tailored to social services careers, preparing you to navigate Alberta's community service employment landscape effectively
Clinical placement and Alberta locations - Hands-on placement experience at an approved CSW facility, available at 5 Alberta campus locations: Calgary Central, Calgary Genesis Centre, Edmonton South, Edmonton West, and Red Deer

Career Opportunities

Community Service Workers are integral parts of social service organizations, providing essential support to individuals, families, and communities facing various challenges.

Career paths include:

Community Service Worker - Provide direct support in youth centres, individual and family services, and civic organizations
Support Specialist - Work in out-patient care centres, vocational rehabilitation services, and educational services supporting client needs
Program Coordinator - Manage community food and housing programs, emergency relief services, and social assistance initiatives

Salary Range: $31,206 – $62,400 annually (Information from PayScale Canada)

Search Schools

Not Sure Where to Start?

Choosing a school or program can feel overwhelming, especially when funding details, eligibility, and timelines may depend on your personal situation.

A good first step is to identify the type of training you’re interested in, then connect with schools that can explain program options, admissions steps, and available support.

Use the search tool to begin narrowing your options based on your goals.

*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.