Human Services Programs
Human Services Certificate
School and Community Support Worker
- 18-Month Full–Time Certificate Program
- Offered at the Nanaimo and Powell River campuses
- Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
- Apply for Admission
VIU also offers a Disability Studies diploma program.
The Program
This program includes both theoretical studies and practical applications for working with people who have disabilities, across the life span. The core and specialty courses provide students with the skills and knowledge to work in schools and community. The program is offered with courses rotated.
Acceptance into the program does not mean that students will be placed into a practicum. Students will be individually assessed as to their readiness for the practicums in terms of skills, knowledge and personal suitability. Placement into a practicum will be at the discretion of the program Chair.
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Vancouver Island University certificate. This certificate may ladder into other Human Services diplomas and degrees.
Program Delivery
The School and Community Support Worker program is an 18-month certificate program delivered in-class at the Nanaimo campus and delivered both online and in-class at the Powell River campus. The Powell River program will be delivered in-class 2 - 4 days each semester and the remaining coursework delivered online.
Career Opportunities
The program prepares students to work in entry level positions in community settings with people who have disabilities and as educational assistants, in the public school system.
Admission Requirements
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with a minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
- Group interview.
- Two letters of reference.
- Resume with covering letter.
Recommendations for Admission
- Volunteer or paid experience working with people who are mentally, physically or behaviourally challenged.
Notes on Admission
- Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act. Students are advised that a criminal record may limit their practicum possibilities and their work opportunities in the Human Services field.
- For admission to the program, applicants will be assessed on past academic achievement, related volunteer/paid employment, writing skills, and performance at an interview with faculty.
- Applicants may be required to provide a letter from a family physician attesting to the applicant’s physical suitability to take the program.
- Students must complete Non–Violent Crisis Intervention training and hold current certification prior to entry into practicum courses.
Transfer Credit (from other institutions)
Vancouver Island University recognizes the academic knowledge and achievement of students who have undertaken post–secondary studies at other colleges, institutes, or universities. Credit is assigned on the basis of an official transcript, course outlines, and other supporting documentation. Transfer students must meet all of Vancouver Island University's admission requirements.
Student Transfer into Other Programs
Students who complete the School and Community Support Worker certificate will be able to bridge into other VIU diplomas and degrees such as the Disabilities Studies diploma, Social Services and Child and Youth Care diplomas, as well as the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care degree.
Start Date and Application Deadline
Students will start the program in September or January (following an 18 month course rotation) and applications are accepted anytime between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List for the Nanaimo and Powell River campuses.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for a School and Community Support Worker Certificate, students must:
- Have successfully completed all of the required program courses and maintained a "C" average in all courses required for the credential;
- Have completed Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training (HHNC 001);
- Achieve a passing grade in the practicum courses; and,
- Complete all program requirements within 5 years.
School and Community Support Worker
Courses Offered * |
|
|---|---|
CYC 252A - (Interpersonal Communication Skills) |
3 |
SCSW 110 - (Foundations for Practice) |
3 |
SCSW 120 - (Citizenship and Human Rights) |
3 |
SCSW 130 - (Teaching and Learning Strategies) |
3 |
SCSW 140 - (Understanding & Supporting Behaviour Across the Lifespan) |
3 |
SCSW 150 - (Applied Professional Practice I) |
3 |
SCSW 160 - (Applied Professional Practice II) |
3 |
SCSW 170 - (Challenging Conditions) |
3 |
SCSW 180 - (Practicum: School-Based) |
3 |
| SCSW 190 - (Practicum: Community-Based) | 3 |
One of: |
3 |
Elective*** |
3 |
Total Credits |
36 |
* The order of courses delivered is subject to change.
** LBST 111 (6 credits) will meet both the English and elective requirements.
*** Students may choose an elective from the following list: ANTH 112, ANTH 121, FNAT 103, GLST 210, MEDI 111, MEDI 112, PHIL 100, PHIL 111, PHIL 112, POLI 100, POLI 199, PSYC 111, RELI 111, SOCI 111, SOCI 112, WOST 200, WOST 210. Other electives may be approved by the program Chair. The elective may be taken in any semester.
Please Note: Courses may be offered in an alternate matrix structure, e.g. Spring and Fall semesters may be reversed.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training (HHNC 001)
This course prepares participants to respond effectively in challenging situations, emphasizing early intervention and non-physical methods for preventing or managing disruptive behaviour. Personal safety techniques are demonstrated and practiced to prepare participants to safely remove themselves and others from a dangerous situation.
Successful completion of this course is required for graduation for students in the School and Community Support Worker Program.
Prerequisites: Admission to one of the following programs in the Faculty of Health & Human Services: School and Community Support Worker Certificate, Child and Youth Care (Diploma, First Nations Diploma, and Bachelor’s Degree), Disability Studies Diploma, Social Services Diploma, Home Support/Resident Care Attendant Certificate, Practical Nursing Certificate, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Updated: February 21, 2013