Community Services Worker

In this course students will be introduced to Community Services from a Canadian perspective. Students will cover topics that include theoretical and conceptual cases of Canadian Community Services Practice; Socio-Political factors influencing Canadian Community Services Practice, practice methods, services delivery and practice issues. Students will also learn about high-risk populations in Canadian society.

In this course, students will be introduced to Microsoft Office basics including how to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Various correspondence and business documents will be demonstrated using Microsoft Office software. Students will also learn how to use the internet to view various sources to find documents, sources, view correspondence, and view business related web sites related to drafting of business documentation for the business office environment.

Today’s graduates are entering the business environment with ever-increasing demands, as a result, communication skills are becoming more and more important. In the past, a business associate may have written a couple of business letters a month, but now they receive and send hundreds of e-mails and texts weekly. Their communication skills are showcased in every message they send. To help students develop the communication skills they need to succeed in today’s technologically enhanced workplace.

In this course students will be introduced to sociology. Students will understand how our society and the groups to which we belong influence us. Students will learn how groups locally or in some far-off part of the world allow us to gain insights into our own selves. The course includes empirically based theories and knowledge that focuses on the interactions between and among individuals, groups, societies, and economic systems. It includes theories and knowledge of biological, sociological, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development across the lifespan; the range of social systems in which people live (individual, family, group, organizational, and community); and the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being.

In this course students will be introduced to the world of psychology. Students will be presented with topics such as biology and behavior, learning, memory, development, personality theory and assessment, psychological disorders, therapies, and social psychology. Students will explore how a person’s biology, personality, and environment interplay to create unique individual beings in our world.

In this course, students will research and understand the profile of the local community. Students will look at local history, geography, transportation, population characteristics, and employment, housing, education, health, and welfare resources. They will learn about the High-Risk Populations in Canadian society and look at programs for these specific target groups in a counseling context.

Family violence (incorporating child abuse, spousal abuse, and elder abuse) is a significant aspect of current society. As well, research indicates an increased awareness among support workers of abusive behavior toward clients. This course introduces students to the concepts of family violence and abuse, including its possible signs, as well as appropriate actions to be taken (including legal requirements) if abuse is suspected. Personal beliefs and attitudes about family violence and abuse are examined, as is the concept of worker abuse of the client. Finally, abuse of the worker is discussed. Community Workers identify the concept of abuse and are able to recognize both causes and indicators. They are able to identify the requirements of legislation and to respond in accordance with legislation, employer policy, and provisions of the services contract or support plan. They recognize that the Community Worker may also be the focus of abuse.

Community Workers recognize that behaviors or changes in behavior can be related to illness or other conditions such as cognitive impairment, brain injury, substance abuse or mental illness. They use approaches and techniques to assist clients with these changes or conditions in keeping with the care/support plan and report observations to the appropriate team member. They also identify factors that can increase the risk of suicide and recognize signs of possible suicidal behavior. This course introduces students to common psychiatric conditions (affective disorders and schizophrenia), substance abuse, cognitive impairment, and brain injuries. The possibility of multiple conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression will be discussed. The role of the community worker as well as the importance of observation, documentation, and reporting will be reviewed.

In this course students will look at interviewing strategies in counseling from a Canadian perspective. Students will be introduced to basic concepts and models to help learners understand the theory and reasoning behind the use of interviewing counseling skills. Students will see realistic examples that illustrate concepts in action. Students will also participate in challenging exercises that promote skill development, conceptual understanding, and self-awareness. Also covered are the Canadian Counseling Association and the Canadian Association of Social Workers code of ethics as well as counseling within a culturally diverse setting.

In this course the students will learn about the characteristics of today’s families in terms of structure, functions, roles, lifestyles and relationships. An understanding of the influence of cultural values, practices, religious beliefs as well as the effects of illness, stress, disability on family relationships will be emphasized as it is fundamental to the Community Worker’s ability to provide effective support. This course also explores the Community Worker’s role in providing respite to and assisting families/significant others and their children, including those with special needs. Observation of selected commonly occurring conditions related to family functioning and life cycle events are included. A central focus is on the need for the Community Workers awareness of and sensitivity to family reactions to the worker’s presence, family routines, preferences, and involvement in decision- making. Assisting the family/significant others with specific practical approaches in balancing care giving and rest, skills related to infant and childcare as well as assisting a child with special needs are addressed.

This course prepares students with simple and powerful methods for successful career building. Students will be shown effective ways to design a professional resume and what pertinent information to include. Students will design job-posting-specific cover letters that complement their resumes and accentuate their skills and qualifications. Students will be introduced to the various methods in which they can apply for jobs (cold-calling, internet resources, and job banks) and how to effectively.