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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 graduates will also be equipped to support vulnerable populations such as, but not limited to:

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

CSW Certificate: The 31 credit, full certificate program takes approximately one year (part-time) to complete.  Students begin by taking the same courses found in the CSW: Basic program, and if they wish, may have an interview with one or more employers arranged upon completion of this first semester.  Then, at the student’s discretion, they can simultaneously work while taking courses in the program part-time for an additional 8 months (2 semesters) at which time a practicum is arranged for the students.  These courses are taught in a hybrid environment, with some being in-person, and others online.  Students conclude with a practicum following their period of study.  In most cases, students who are already working may take a paid practicum at their place of employment.

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

Please check back soon for information on our Spring/Summer offering.

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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

Apply Now

 

International students are not eligible for this program.

Next Intake: May (2026)

  • This program has intakes in January, May and September.

Program Fees

Program Fees for 2025-26 are as follows:

  • Application Fee: $50
  • Total Tuition: $7,719
  • 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 List

Course CodeCourse NameCourse HoursDomestic Tuition
CSW: Basic
HSER 1600Understanding and Supporting Neurodiversity45$699
HSER 1110Assessing, Recoding and Reporting in the Human Services45$699Learn to accurately observe, document, and communicate client information in a professional and ethical manner. Learners will explore the purpose and importance of assessment and recording, the differences between recording and reporting, and the principles of objective versus subjective writing. The course covers common tools and methods such as log books, charts, incident reports, and the ABC model for understanding behaviour, while introducing basic data analysis techniques to interpret and present findings effectively. Emphasis is placed on maintaining confidentiality, respecting client rights, and upholding professional standards, ensuring that students can produce clear, accurate, and meaningful documentation that supports quality care and informed decision-making.
HSER 1500Ethics and Philosophy of Care45$699Explore 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.
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.
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
Theory
HSER 1100Supporting Vulnerable Persons45$699Examine 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 1200Human Development Across the Lifespan45$699Understand 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$699Introduces 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.
Skills
HSER 1120Life Skills & Personal Support Teaching Strategies30$466This course equips learners with the knowledge and practical approaches needed to guide others in developing essential daily living skills while ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being. Students will explore strategies for supporting individuals with varying physical abilities, health needs, and life circumstances. Topics include promoting physical, emotional, and mental health, facilitating independence through skills such as meal preparation, budgeting, and household management, and applying a safety-first mindset in all activities. The course also addresses specialized care considerations such as seizure response, catheterization, G-tube feeding, and the use of mobility equipment, while emphasizing empathy, respectful communication, and the use of gentle touch in support settings.
HSER 1320Health, Sexuality & Pharmacology30$466This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of key health topics and safe medication practices in community settings. Students will learn the fundamentals of pharmacology, including drug classifications, common medications, potential side effects, and strategies to support medication adherence. The course also addresses preventative health measures, healthy lifestyle choices, and sexual health, including sexual rights and access to resources. Through case studies, practical exercises, and culturally competent communication strategies, learners will develop the knowledge and skills needed to promote well-being, respect client boundaries, and provide informed, compassionate support.
HESA 1400Practitioner Self-Care and Stress Management45$699Obtain 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$699Throughout this course, we will examine and develop an understanding of both the historical and ongoing colonial realities experienced by First Nations communities in British Columbia and across Turtle Island. We will explore how these colonial narratives have shaped and continue to impact the social determinants of health within these communities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the seven determinants of health, students will critically reflect on their child and youth care practice. The course will emphasize the importance of integrating culturally relevant and responsive practices, trauma-informed care, and strength-based approaches. The goal is to ensure Indigenous youth are truly seen, heard, and supported in overcoming systemic barriers and the enduring effects of colonialism that continue to marginalize and oppress them.
Application
HSER 2901CSW Practicum120$699This 4-week practicum provides students with supervised, hands-on experience in an appropriate setting allowing them to apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program in real-world situations. Working directly with clients and professionals, students will develop practical competencies in communication, support strategies, and ethical practice while gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of human services organizations. This practicum fosters professional growth, confidence, and readiness for employment in the field.
Totals:577
$7,719

International students are not currently eligible for this program.

View the Winter 2026 schedule here.

Winter 2026 Textbook list.

 

Upcoming Info Sessions:

Please check back soon for updated info session information for our Spring/Summer intake.

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.