Addictions and Community Services Worker Program

Become a Community Service Or Addictions Worker

Are you looking for a rewarding healthcare career where you can help others? The Academy of Learning's Community Service and Addictions Worker Program provides a fulfilling path in this vital field. This comprehensive program combines the expertise of community service worker courses with specialized addiction support worker training, ensuring you're well-prepared to make a significant impact in the lives of those struggling with addiction.

Start your career in community service and addiction work today.

Our program offers a balanced, highly effective blend of hands-on training and theoretical knowledge. Our dedicated instructors support you every step of the way, ensuring you gain the career-targeted skills today's employers demand. Certain aspects of our mental health and addictions courses are offered online, allowing flexible learning that fits your life.

Our Community Service Worker with Addictions Worker Specialty diploma program is meticulously designed to prepare you for a rewarding career, focusing on advocating for and locating resources for vulnerable members of the community. By enrolling in this program, you embark on a journey to become a skilled addiction support worker with the knowledge and practical experience necessary to make a tangible difference in individuals and families dealing with addiction. With a strong emphasis on addictions, the curriculum delves deep into the most effective methods for supporting those in need, drawing from the latest research and best practices.

We prioritize the career-targeted skills and training that today's employers are searching for, enabling you to complete our program in less than eight months through our innovative Our Community Service Worker with Addictions Worker Specialty diploma program is designed for those looking to embark on a meaningful career in social services, specifically focusing on supporting individuals facing addictions. This comprehensive community service worker program integrates key aspects of addiction support into the broader context of community service, preparing you to advocate for and locate resources for vulnerable community members.

The program meticulously combines the roles of an addiction and community service worker, offering specialized training on how to become an addiction counsellor. Through a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on experience, you'll explore practical strategies for supporting individuals and groups.

Integrated Learning System™ (ILS). With ongoing enrollment and a flexible course schedule, we ensure that you can start your education at a time that best fits your schedule and goals, making it ideal for those seeking to balance commitments while pursuing a community service and addiction work career.

Our career-focused curriculum includes courses in:

Addictions Worker Levels 1, 2 and 3
Mental Health & Addictions
Psychology
Sociology and Family Life in Canada
Criminology and At-Risk Populations
Case Management, and more.

Throughout this program, you'll gain the essential skills to support and assist clients as a skilled community service and addiction worker. Through practical field placements, you'll confidently apply your learning in real-world settings, complemented by specialized job search and resume workshops geared towards addiction and community services careers. Our curriculum, including online mental health and addictions courses, prepares you for impactful roles, whether you want to become an addictions support worker, a community service worker, or a counsellor. This comprehensive approach ensures you're well-equipped for a meaningful and lasting career in this vital field. Throughout the program, you will learn to help clients in need of services, support, and resources, positively impacting their lives. This program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become an addiction counselor, addressing the critical issues related to addiction and mental health.

Is a Career as a Community Service Or Addictions Worker Right For You? Find Out!

Take the AOLCC "Community Service Worker with Addictions Worker Career Training Readiness Quiz"

This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you'll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you're best suited for.
Get Your Community Service Worker with Addictions Worker Career Training Readiness Score Now >>

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this community service worker course are qualified to work in various settings and occupations, embodying roles as addiction support workers, community service workers, and addiction and community service workers. Job titles may vary by location, but graduates become an integral part of numerous settings, including:

Healthcare and social assistance
Nursing and residential care facilities
Youth centres
Individual and family services
Youth protection services
And more!

Admission Requirements

Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
19 years of age or older (varies, depending on province-specific ministry requirements)
Grade 12 or equivalent, or Mature Student Status with successful completion of CAST testing
Completion of the Wonderlic SLE admission test with a minimum score of 18
Adequate level of physical health to be able to fulfill job requirements
Other medical tests (e.g., TB Test) or proof of vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis B) may be required by industry before placement
Good command of the English language – both written and oral
Completion of standard registration form

Program Objectives

This community service worker program will provide you with the basic knowledge, skills, and work experience needed to become permanently employable in a CSW and AW setting. Skill development is delivered in three areas:

Comprehensive community service worker knowledge, including psychology, sociology, family life, mental health, addictions, criminology, at-risk populations, case management, counselling, ethics, business communication, report writing, and government and social services.
Comprehensive addictions worker knowledge, which includes an overview of drugs (past and present) as they pertain to the Community Service and Social Worker industry.
Exploration into the world of addictions. Topics include alcohol and familiar drugs, like tobacco and caffeine, as well as natural health products and over-the-counter drugs.
Exploration into the world of addiction treatment and prevention. Students learn about both the prevention and treatment of addictions, including organizations like AA, which focus on rehabilitation.
Full range of computer and office skills, including current software applications, keyboarding skills, and personal and professional development.
On-site work experience through participation in a 105-hour preceptorship at an approved CSW facility.

Program Outline

Part A: Computer and Business Office Skills

Introduction to Keyboarding
Keyboard Skill Building Level 1
Microsoft Windows Level 1
Microsoft Word – Level 1
Microsoft Excel – Level 1
Microsoft Access – Level 1
Microsoft Outlook – Level 1
Thought Patterns For A Successful Career
Job Search and Résumé Writing

Part B: CSW Administrative/Clinical

Psychology Fundamentals
Sociology and Family Life in Canada
Introduction to Mental Health and Addictions
Life-Span Development
Criminology and At-Risk Populations
Case Management, Counselling, and Ethics
Business Communication and Report Writing
Government and Social Services
Standard First Aid
Basic Rescuer (Level C) CPR Certification

Part C: AW Administrative

Addictions Worker Level 1
Addictions Worker Level 2
Addictions Worker Level 3

Part D: Work Experience

Preceptorship

AOLCC’s Integrated Learning System™

All courses in our programs are delivered through our unique Integrated Learning System™ (ILS). Through ILS, you will develop a true proficiency in each topic, no matter your age or skill level upon enrolment. Our learning coaches are with you every step of the way to provide individualized assistance and encouragement in a supportive and non-competitive learning environment.

Here’s how it works:

You only advance to the next course when you are confident that you have mastered one topic and are ready to move on to the next
You participate in hands-on exercises, tasks and practice exams that test your knowledge and give you confidence

Is Career Training Right For You? Find Out!

Take the Academy of Learning "Career Training Readiness Quiz"

This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.Get Your Career Training Readiness Score Now

Accreditations

B.C. Private Training
Institutions Branch

B.C. Education
Quality Assurance

What Our Students Say About Us

Explore the heartfelt testimonials from our satisfied students

Chantelle M

Office Clerk

"I came to AOLCC in September 2019 and I am glad I did. I came to here to better my education and enhance my skills. The staff are very friendly and help you whenever you need. I would highly recommend Academy of Learning because it is self-pace – you do it on your own time. Thank you AOL!!"

5.0

Lori Germain

Medical & Social Services

"I chose to come attend AOLCC to further my education, to become self-sufficient, self-empowered and to get back into the work force doing what I truly love, to empower others suffering with addictions. I heard about the college from another student who enjoyed the school and her course. It was a good experience and I felt supported, always knowing there were coaches and help when I needed it. I was always supported and encouraged and I really enjoyed my time at AOLCC."

5.0

Paula Hodgess

Medical & Social Services

"If and when I need extra training in any category, I will definitely be coming back to the Academy of Learning Career College. School has never come easy to me, but being here has been an excellent and very rewarding experience for me. Especially the support I received from Helen and Kyle, THEY ARE THE BEST!"

5.0

Cathy Scheck

Administrative Assistant

"I was out of the country for 4 years and when I came back to Canada, I applied for some clerical positions with no luck. I found that most companies wanted certificates. That is when I came to AOLCC and with the help of the facilitators, I made the decision to enrol for the Administrative Assistant Diploma. I feel I learned a lot in every subject that I will take forward into a new career path."

5.0

Tracy Gallup

Technology & Design

"Going to AOLCC has been a very good experience for me. The staff was informative and polite. Courses were taught very well and all my questions were answered. Thanks to the staff for everything."

5.0

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Frequently Asked Questions

What career training programs are available in British Columbia?

AOLCC offers more than 30 diploma and certificate programs in business, healthcare, technology, accounting, and administration across Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Victoria.

How long does it take to complete a diploma?

Most programs are completed in 4 to 12 months. The self-paced structure means motivated students can finish even faster.

Is government funding available?

Yes. Eligible students in British Columbia may qualify for both federal and provincial funding options. This includes financial assistance that allows you to work full-time while studying, receive increased living allowances, and access zero-interest loans.

Can I work while attending AOLCC?

Absolutely. Our flexible learning model is designed for students who need to balance school with part-time or full-time work. Many of our students work while completing their programs.

Where are AOLCC campuses located?

We currently have campuses in Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, and Victoria - WestShore, with programs tailored to the needs of each region.

Our Campuses in British Columbia

With campuses in four strategic locations, AOLCC is your go-to career college in BC

Each AOLCC campus serves as a local hub for career skills training and community connection. Whether you are searching for colleges in Kamloops, BC, colleges in Nanaimo, BC, or a career college in Kelowna, our campuses are easily accessible and connected to local employers.

699 Victoria Street
A welcoming, centrally located campus in the heart of the city

347 Leon Avenue
Serving the Okanagan with flexible programs for career starters and changers

1551 Estevan Road
Conveniently located for students on Vancouver Island seeking certificate programs

754 Goldstream Avenue
Offering diploma and certificate programs to students in Greater Victoria and beyond

Our campuses are accessible via public transit, and many offer nearby parking options. If you’re looking for career training in other BC locations, we can connect you with our extended AOLCC network.

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45-Week Community Service Worker with Addictions Worker Program in BC