
Diploma in Community Worker
Toronto, Canada
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2025
TUITION FEES
CAD 17,905 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Introduction
Community Worker is a two-year, four-semester Ontario College Diploma program that integrates local and global perspectives within a multi-level understanding of the historical, social, political, economic, and systemic ways in which social issues have developed and are experienced by communities. Grounded within social justice and human rights, we provide students with the critical analyses, knowledge, skills, and attitude required to work with diverse and historically marginalized individuals and communities on a range of concerns.
This program is under review for recognition by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Graduates of this program may apply to receive the additional designation of RSSW (Registered Social Service Worker). Extra fees may apply.
Program Features
- Strong ties with more than 350 agencies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
- Twenty-plus-year relationship with Anishnawbe Health Toronto (AHT).
- Graduates of AHT’s Community Health Worker Training Program can gain direct entry into the second year of the Community Worker program.
- Founder and lead organizer of the annual Tommy Douglas Institute, which brings participants together to explore community, education, and social justice in the twenty-first century.
- Academic partner of grassroots activist training program Local Champions, Centre for Connected Communities.
The role of a community worker
Emerging from a proud history of community-based organizing, advocacy, and activism, community workers work with individuals and communities at all levels (local, national, natural, and global) toward positive social change.
Community workers are committed to the full and equal inclusion of all peoples within societies that value equality, diversity, and human dignity. The pursuit of social justice is about rights—not charity; working in solidarity with communities—not for them.
Key skills taught in the community worker program
Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to develop a variety of important and high-demand skills, including:
- anti-oppressive and intercultural practice in working with diverse populations
- critical analysis, research, and writing
- group facilitation, counseling, and leadership development
- community organizing, activism, and advocacy
- community development, project design, and proposal writing
- policy analysis and rights-based advocacy
Community worker program structure
The program combines classroom instruction with two supervised field placements. Theory, analysis, and practice are presented through a variety of innovative instructional tools developed from popular education and learner-centered approaches to teaching and learning. Highly participative classes of dialogue, debate, interactive lectures, guest panels, and group activities provide students with a program of study that is current, exciting, and critically engaging.
Program courses are organized into four core areas:
- community work theory and practice
- social and political analysis
- group skills and counseling
- field placement and seminar
Community worker faculty
Faculty are experienced educators who bring their passion for education and change to create a highly engaging and dynamic learning environment. Coming from backgrounds in local, national, and global activism, they remain active on social issues and maintain close ties to communities, activists, and organizations.
Community worker students
From mature students to high school graduates, from newcomers to those hoping for a career change, our diverse and committed student body is a core strength of our program.
If you are passionate about human rights and social justice, committed to working with diverse communities, and bring a mature and professional approach to your education and fieldwork, this is the program for you.
In preparation for the field placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups within classes and community settings.
Accelerated Program
There is also an accelerated program stream available that is suitable for students with an existing diploma or degree.
Over the course of three semesters, you will learn how to work with urban-centered, diverse communities across a range of issues such as poverty, housing, food justice, immigration, and settlement.
You’ll develop the skills you need to be responsive to their needs as they change and evolve.
Your Field Education Options
Students will develop relationships with our community partners through field placements, and in their classrooms through networking events, guest panels. Program option courses are often taught by practitioners currently working in the field (e.g., Community Legal Issues, Urban Aboriginal Peoples Perspectives in Community Development, etc.).
Types of Community Worker Field Placements
Students will have the opportunity to develop practical skills and gain valuable professional experience by completing field placements in semesters 2, 3, and 4.
Through our strong ties to community partners and advocacy organizations, students can find placements suited to their specific interests and on a wide range of issues such as poverty, settlement services, housing, food justice, education, HIV/AIDS, Indigenous services, arts-based agencies, and anti-violence.
Note: In compliance with the requirements of our field partners, all students in this program are encouraged to complete a vulnerable sector check before commencing their field placement. These reference checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary by region and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” The program will assist students in applying for the police check once they begin the program.
Students without a clear police reference check may find that their choice of placement is limited. Students in this situation are encouraged to work with the field education coordinator to identify placement opportunities that do not require the vulnerable sector check. Students are also encouraged to inquire and apply for Suppression and Destruction of Record or Record Suspension (formerly known Pardon) at their specific regional police services, in order to prepare for their future career or employment.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships for international students at George Brown College are generally in-program awards based on students’ academic performance (and other criteria) at George Brown College after the beginning of the academic program.
Curriculum
Required Courses
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
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Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
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Program specializations may change based on program development and community trends. Examples include Urban Aboriginal Issues, Restorative Justice, International Development, Community Legal Issues, Housing and Homelessness, Food Justice, Immigration Refugee Settlement.
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 1007. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course.
Accelerated Program Required Courses
Semester 2: May - June | Semester 3: September - December | Semester 4: January - April |
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Program Outcome
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Establish constructive relationships with individuals concerned with community work.
- Describe their personal values and motivation as a community worker.
- Serve in a variety of grassroots community organizations especially in the areas of co-operatives, seniors and community legal services.
- Be comfortable in community work roles ranging from direct service to classical advocacy and organizing.
- Understand and articulate the special needs of multicultural groups.
- Analyze social inequalities and demonstrate creativity in the organization of new services and institutions to meet community needs.
- Work with groups to identify their own needs.
- Access existing services and community resources.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Your Career
Recognition by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is pending. Pending approval by the OCSWSSW, Graduates of the Community Worker program can apply and may receive the additional designation of RSSW (Registered Social Service Worker). Extra fees will apply.
The Community Worker program is proud to continue a long tradition of graduating Community Workers into a range of professions such as:
- shelter supervisors
- international development workers
- immigration and refugee settlement, and community development
- health and community advocacy in food justice, Indigenous rights, and climate justice
Educational Pathways
Graduates may apply for advanced entry into other programs in the School of Social and Community Services and the School of Early Childhood. Graduates are eligible to apply for the Child and Youth Care (Accelerated) (C153) program, the Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (C135) program, the Assaulted Women and Children's Counsellor Advocate (C137) program, and the Early Childhood Education (Fast-Track) (C130) program.
Future Study Options
Graduates who successfully complete this program with a high academic standing may qualify for pathways to the following programs:
- Community Development B.A. and Community Economic & Social Development B.A. at Algoma University.
- Social and Environmental Justice B.A. at Wilfrid Laurier University.
- Professional Communications B.A. and Justice Studies B.A. at Royal Roads. University
- Community Development B.A. at Humber College.
- Social Work B.A. programs at Ryerson University and York University.