Helping Canadians get back to work.
Community Service Worker with Addictions Worker Specialty
About the Program
The Community Service Worker with Addictions Worker Specialty diploma program equips you to administer social assistance programs while specializing in addictions counselling and support. In 60 weeks, you'll combine comprehensive CSW training with specialized Addictions Worker Levels 1, 2, and 3 certification, plus clinical placement experience to work in rehabilitation centres, addictions clinics, mental health agencies, and community service settings across Alberta.
This specialized program goes beyond general community services to provide advanced training in mental health and addictions support. Academy of Learning provides financial aid guidance for qualified students and job placement assistance to help you succeed from enrollment through employment. You'll master case management, counselling techniques, and evidence-based practices for working with individuals facing substance abuse, concurrent disorders, and complex mental health challenges—while gaining the foundational CSW competencies in psychology, sociology, criminology, and working with at-risk populations.
Specialized Training, Higher Earning Potential
Complete Addictions Worker Levels 1, 2, and 3 certification alongside CSW training—specialized credentials that open doors to higher-paying positions in growing sectors addressing substance abuse, mental health, and community rehabilitation needs across Alberta.
What You'll Learn
- Specialized addictions training - Complete Addictions Worker Levels 1, 2, and 3 certification plus introduction to mental health and addictions, advanced case management techniques, specialized counselling approaches, ethics in addictions work, and strategies for working with at-risk populations
- CSW clinical foundations - Psychology fundamentals, sociology and family life in Canada, life-span development, criminology and at-risk populations, business communication and report writing, 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 Levels 1 and 2, Excel, Access, Outlook), thought patterns for a successful career, and comprehensive job search strategies
- Placement experience and flexible access - Hands-on placement at an approved addictions or mental health facility, also offered in Virtual format, available at 7 Alberta campus locations: Calgary Central, Calgary Genesis Centre, Edmonton Downtown, Edmonton South, Edmonton West, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer
Career Opportunities
Addictions Workers and specialized Community Service Workers fill critical roles in rehabilitation centres, mental health facilities, and community support organizations.
Career paths include:
- Addictions Worker - Provide specialized support in public/private addictions counselling clinics, substance abuse centres, and drug awareness agencies
- Mental Health Support Worker - Work in mental health centres, rehabilitation centres, and hospitals supporting individuals with concurrent disorders
- Community Rehabilitation Specialist - Support youth protection services, correctional facilities, community housing programs, and emergency relief services
Salary Range: $33,677 – $71,111 annually (Information from PayScale Canada)
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.