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Community Support Worker

Community Support Workers (CSWs) are dedicated paraprofessionals committed to improving the quality of life for individuals who face diverse developmental challenges. CSWs administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services including: residential care, supported independent living (usually one-to-one assistance in a persons’s home and/or local community), assisting with daily life skills development, rehabilitation programs, and more for a variety of vulnerable community members, predominantly those who have developmental disabilities.

Ridge Meadows College’s CSW program has focuses primarily on practical skill acquisition to support people who are developmentally disabled.  However, CSWs will also be equipped to support other vulnerable populations such as, but not limited to:

  • Homeless persons
  • Seniors
  • Children with unique needs
  • Pregnant teenagers
  • People with substance use problems and addictions.

CSWs can find work in environments such as:

  • Community Living Organizations
  • Housing and Outreach Organizations
  • Seniors Support Services
  • Government Agencies and School Systems
  • Homeless Shelters
  • Women’s Shelters
  • Rehabilitation Centres
  • Mental Health Centres

This Community Support Worker program includes 15 courses and two practicum placements: one early in the program to develop an understanding of what the responsibilities of a CSW are and a second, longer practicum, to help students gain relevant work experience before graduation.  Graduates will obtain additional third-party certifications in: First Aid (level 1), Foodsafe (level 1), WHMIS, and CPI Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.

Academic Requirements:

  • Completion of Grade 12 (or equivalent) or 19 years of age or older.

English Language Requirement:

  • Completion of English 12, or equivalent, or a satisfactory demonstration of written and verbal English ability as determined by the College (View the college’s complete English Language Requirements)

Application Requirements:

  • Completion of Application Form
  • 2 Letters of Reference
  • Statement of Interest (1-2 pages)
  • Resume
  • Criminal Record Check (CRC)
  • Immunization Declaration
  • Successful Interview with Program Chair

Apply Now


International students are not currently accepted for this program.

Next Intake: September (2025)

  • Applications now open!

Program Fees

Program Fees for 2025-26 are as follows:

  • Application Fee: $30
  • Total Tuition: $7,166
  • Technology & Library fee: $50 per semester, when enrolled in studies.
  • Textbook’s extra and purchased by students.

Payment plans are available for students meeting certain conditions.  This program is not applicable for student loans.

Course CodeCourse NameCourse HoursCost
Theory-Based Courses
HSER 1100Supporting Vulnerable Persons30$420Examine historical practices and perceptions related to people with disabilities including practices of institutionalization, segregation and stigmatization and its effects. Explore and compare current practices and rights to develop a strength-based philosophy of support that values quality of life, choice, inclusion, and family. Participants will gain an understanding of family members’ perspectives and identify factors that help foster a positive working relationship with them.
HSER 1160Supported Community Living30$420Develop and gain understanding about the support systems and services available for people with developmental and physical differences in British Columbia. The course includes a historical overview of the community living movement and the evolution of the wide variety of options available today. Participants will learn about the models of support available and the best practices, philosophies and guidelines that aim for better lives for the people that use these services.
HSER 1200Human Development Across the Lifespan45$630Understand the theoretical perspectives and practical applications in connection with human development. Beginning with infancy and early childhood, explore the stages of development through adolescence, into late adulthood and finally end of life and how these stages impact daily practice.
CMNS 1200Supporting Communication Across the Lifespan45$630Introduces students to foundational attitudes and behaviours, which foster communication, verbal and non-verbal, between individuals and within groups. The course is presented with a practice component, allowing students to strengthen these attitudes and behaviours through learning exercises. Interpersonal communication is a people process, rather than merely a language process and is concerned with the relational message as well as the content of the message and how they impact on others, both clients and colleagues.
HSER 1500Ethics of Practice45$630Explore the history of the Community Living Movement and gain an understanding of community living principles, practices, ethics and standards. This course provides a concrete understanding of the concept of professionalism and explores how federal and provincial legislation impact social service work.
HSER 1901CSW Observation Practicum60$420
Skill-Based Courses
HESA 1421Non-violent Crisis Intervention (CPI)9$149Non-violent Crisis Intervention provides students with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations they may encounter at the workplace. This course is taught by a certified trainer and follows the Crisis Prevention Institute's program. Learn about prevention & verbal de-escalation skills, disengagement safety techniques, trauma-informed training, risk assessment framework and physical intervention techniques.
HSER 1300Positive Behaviour Supports30$420
HSER 1120Life Skills & Personal Support Teaching Strategies30$420
HSER 1140Teaching and Learning Support Strategies Across the Lifespan30$420
HSER 1320Health, Sexuality & Pharmacology30$420
HESA 1400Practitioner Self-Care and Stress Management45$630Obtain appropriate tools and resources to increase personal wellness and to help develop resiliency. The importance of self-care will be discussed and encouraged to help motivate, challenge, and inspire students to maintain positive changes in their lifestyle. Students will examine their own sense of self, emotions, and behaviours and reflect on how these aspects determine what self-care looks like and how it can affect our well-being.
HSER 1410Indigenous Peoples of BC and Social Determinants within their Communities45$630
Final Practicum & Certificates
HSER 2901CSW Practicum160$6304-week full-time practicum.
HESA 1350Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)4$49Earn WHMIS certification in a classroom environment.
HESA 1200Occupational First Aid (Level 1)8$149Students participate in this course for OFA Certification. Course content includes basic life support (CPR-A), minor wound management, critical airway, breathing and circulatory interventions with c-spine control.
HESA 1100Foodsafe Basic (Level 1)8$99
Totals:662$7,166

The schedule and textbook list will be released in early Summer.  Face to face courses generally take place during weekdays and sometimes on Saturday.

Upcoming Info Sessions:

There are no info sessions currently scheduled for this program.  Please contact the office at rmc@sd42.ca to inquire.

The BC Employer Training Grant is a provincial grant available to employers who want to fund an employee’s education and covers 80% of training costs.

Information about the grant can be found here: https://www.workbc.ca/find-loans-and-grants/industry-and-employers/bc-employer-training-grant

Note, this grant is available to employers only and only when following certain conditions.  Please contact WorkBC directly if you have questions about this grant.

Ridge Meadows College is committed to affordable tuition and accessible financing options to make post-secondary education more available to students in the community. As a result,R MC offers payment plans for students who wish to spread their payments out throughout the term.

Students can apply for payment plans via the MyRMC Student system upon being admitted to the college and enrolling in courses. Payment plans work by dividing total fees for the term into equal payments to be paid at the beginning of each month the student is enrolled in classes.

Education Assistant: Education Assistants work with K-12 students who have special physical, behavioural or learning needs. RMC’s Education Assistant Program prepares graduates for supporting students in mainstream learning assistance, resource room, English literacy, and alternate settings.