Helping Canadians get back to work.

Developmental Services Worker (DSW)

Developmental Services Worker (DSW) administers and implements a variety of assistance programs and community services, and assists clients to deal with personal and social problems. They are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities and other establishments. 

Admission Requirements

  • An Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or

  • Students are 18 years of age or older and pass qualifying test that has been approved by the Superintendent, or

  • Meet other academic qualifications or minimum age requirements established as a condition of the Superintendent’s approval of the program and

  • Have met all additional admission requirements established by the private career college for the program

Practicum Requirements

  • Fitness to complete the clinical placement

  • Immunization status must be update. Students must be free of communicable diseases, Hepatitis B is required;

  • Police check of Criminal Record must be produced within 30 days of starting school. Individuals who have criminal record are  not able to participate in the clinical placement and therefore will not graduate the program

  • Standard First Aid and Basic Rescuer CPR prior to starting the Clinical Placement

Graduation Requirements

  • Achieve a minimum cumulative average of 70%

  • Achieve a minimum pass mark for each individual module of 70%

  • Successfully complete all clinical placement requirements

  • Current First Aide/CPR Certificates

  • Current the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training

  • Comprehensive Theory Exam administered by NACC (70%)

  • Have a resume and cover letter on file with the College

Student Loans and Grants

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Provincial Funding

Looking for student aid options offered by your local province? Choose your province of residence below to check out provincial funding options such as grants, loans, scholarships, and bursaries.
*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.