COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER

Do you want to help individuals with varying levels of ability to attain their full potential?

Do you want to work with individuals of all ages in a home or community setting?

Do you want to work in a career filled with opportunity?

Is providing dignity and respect for all people important to you?

If so, a career as a Community Support Worker is right for you.

Community Support/Service Workers, help support people with varying levels of physical and/or intellectual abilities or individuals with mental illness. Your primary role is to help these individuals attain their goals to help them live fulfilling lives. Each day and each client provides new opportunities and challenges. As a Community Support Worker you might:

• Assist with personal care
• Provide support for errands like grocery shopping, appointments, and more
• Mentor clients in their vocational programs
• Coach the skills needed for daily activities
• Advocate for clients in a variety of settings

CSW’s work in a variety of home, adult vocational or community settings. Job opportunities can be found with agencies, organizations or the government or community day programs throughout Nova Scotia. This career offers flexibility as positions may be part-time or offer shift work.

The 35-week Community Support Worker program in Dartmouth and Sydney provides the knowledge and skills needed for this rewarding career. This program is taught over eight months and provides theory and hands-on practical learning. Our program will prepare you to work with clients with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities or other special needs. Each course is designed to prepare students for their careers. Students will apply what they have learned through group projects, papers, and presentations as well as work in two work practicums to apply what they have learned in the classroom.

Students in this program will:

• Learn practical skills related to reporting and workplace safety
• Develop an understanding of relevant issues related to disability
• Complete two work practicums
• Be trained to work in home and community settings

Each Community Support Worker course is taught by instructors who have worked in the field. By using real-world examples, they are able to help students relate the theory material to their new career. In addition to your diploma, students earn the following certificates:

• First Aid & CPR Level C with AED
• Food Handler Certificate
• WHMIS and OHS