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Community Support Worker

Community Support Workers (CSWs) are dedicated paraprofessionals committed to improving the quality of life for individuals facing diverse developmental challenges. CSWs administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services including life-skills workshops, personal planning, personal care, support programs, and more for a variety of vulnerable community members with developmental disabilities.

CSWs can find work in environments such as:

  • School Systems
  • Government Agencies
  • Homeless Shelters
  • Women’s Shelters
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • Mental Health Centers
  • Community Living Organizations

This Community Support Worker program includes 15 courses and two practicum placements, one early in the program to develop in students the understanding of what the responsibilities of a position as a CSW are in the community and a second, longer, practicum so students can 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

 

 

September Intake (2024)

  • Applications now open!

Program Fees

Program Fees for 2024-25 are as follows:

  • Application Fee: $30
  • Total Tuition: $6,992 (estimated)
  • Technology & Library fee: $50 per semester, when enrolled in studies.
  • Textbook’s extra and purchased by students.

Course Instalment Plans (CIPs) to pay program fees monthly, are available for students meeting certain conditions. 

Course CodeCourse NameCourse HoursCost
Theory-Based Courses
HSER 1100Supporting Vulnerable Persons30$406
HSER 1160Supported Community Living30$406
HSER 1200Human Development Across the Lifespan45$609
CMNS 1200Supporting Communication Across the Lifespan45$609
HSER 1500Ethics of Practice45$609
HSER 1901CSW Observation Practicum60$406
Skill-Based Courses
HESA 1421CPI - Non-violent Crisis Intervention9$149
HSER 1300Positive Behaviour Supports30$406
HSER 1120Life Skills & Personal Support Teaching Strategies30$406
HSER 1140Teaching and Learning Support Strategies Across the Lifespan30$406
HSER 1320Health, Sexuality & Pharmacology30$406
HESA 1400Practitioner Self-Care and Stress Management45$609
HSER 1410Indigenous Peoples of BC and Social Determinants within their Communities45$609
Final Practicum & Certificates
HSER 2901CSW Practicum160$6094-week full-time practicum.
HESA 1350Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)4$49Earn WHMIS certification in a classroom environment.
HESA 1201Comprehensive Occupational First Aid (Level 1)16$199Students participate in this course for comprehensive level-1 Certification. Course content includes basic life support (CPR-A), use of AED, wound management, critical airway, breathing and circulatory interventions with c-spine control, etc..
HESA 1100Foodsafe Basic (Level 1)8$99
Totals:662$6,992

Upcoming Info Sessions:

Tuesday, July 9 – 6:30pm
Online via Zoom
Register

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.

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.