Join a rewarding field supporting the well-being of individuals and communities. The Community Services Worker diploma program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and certifications to help others live healthier, more stable lives. Small classes and experienced instructors provide personalized guidance for your success.
This 46-week diploma program prepares you with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional certifications to begin a rewarding career as a Community Services Worker. You will learn how to implement social assistance programs and services that help clients manage personal and social challenges while promoting health and well-being.
Courses include Community Services in Canada, The Canadian Family Dynamic, Sociology, Criminology, Counselling, Group Work and Human Relations, Introduction to Mental Health for Community Service Workers, Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Psychology and Development, Working with Substance Use, and Research and Populations at Risk, along with foundational studies in Digital Literacy for Professionals, Student Success Strategies, and Career Planning and Preparation Levels 1 and 2.
The program concludes with an 8-week, 200-hour internship, providing valuable hands-on experience in real community environments such as social service agencies, mental health centers, shelters, and government or non-profit organizations.
The Community Services Worker program is delivered through live, instructor-led sessions that combine classroom learning with practical skill development. Students also have access to triOS campus services across Windsor, London, Kitchener, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, and Ottawa.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of our Community Services Worker (CSW) program, you can qualify for positions such as:
Support Worker
Relief or Distress Centre Counsellor
Group Home Worker
Addictions Worker
Client Service Worker
Outreach Worker
Note: that some career options may require advanced degrees, further training or experience.
Employers Who Have Hired triOS Grads
The Toronto District School Board
Community Living Ontario
YMCA
CMHA – Canadian Mental Health Association
Goodwill Toronto
The Salvation Army
HIV/AIDS Connection
McMaster Children’s Hospital
Salary
86%
Employment Rate*
$26
Average Wage/HR**
$37
High Wage/HR**
*Employment Rate based on 2023 contactable triOS graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 42201 - **Wage data rounded down to the nearest dollar. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in March 2025.
Are you passionate about helping others and supporting positive change? If you want a career where you can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, the Community Services Worker diploma program at triOS College can help you get there.
This 46-week program prepares you to support individuals and families by connecting them with essential community services, helping them navigate personal and social challenges, and promoting overall health and well-being.
As a student, you will learn how to assist clients, deliver support programs, advocate for those in need, and work collaboratively within community organizations. You will also gain practical experience in counselling, case management, crisis intervention, family support, and mental health awareness.
Courses such as Community Services in Canada, The Canadian Family Dynamic, Counselling, Group Work and Human Relations, Sociology, Introduction to Mental Health for Community Services Workers, and Research and Populations at Risk will prepare you to work effectively with diverse clients and community programs.
You will also strengthen your professional skills through training in communication, ethics, documentation, and self-care, ensuring you are ready to handle the demands of a career in community support.
Students enrolled in the Community Services Worker program receive:
Field-related certifications
An 8-week internship in a real community services environment.
Access to campus support and resources across Windsor, London, Kitchener, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, and Ottawa.
Community Service Worker Program Certifications
This program provides you with industry-recognized certifications that strengthen your employability and ensure you are prepared to meet professional standards in community and social service environments.
Graduates of the Community Service Worker program will earn the following certifications:
Verbal Intervention (Crisis Prevention Institute)
Trauma and Violence Informed Care (Canadian Public Health Association & Centre4Sexuality)
Positive Space Training (SafeZone Project)
Naloxone Administration (Community Partners)
Helping Trafficked Persons (Government of Ontario)
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Standard First Aid/CPR/WHMIS (St. John Ambulance)
These certifications ensure that you are equipped to support clients safely and effectively while meeting the expectations of employers in social service and community care settings.
Course Listings
Working with Substance Use
This course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of substance use, integrating both theoretical and practical perspectives. You will analyze various theories explaining substance use, assess the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and mind, and critique treatment theories to develop personal ethical standards. The course emphasizes the prevention of substance use at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Related to this, you will develop realistic prevention plans for at-risk populations and assist individuals and their families in navigating the addiction treatment system. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively address addiction and support recovery.
Business Communication
This course emphasizes the necessity of sound business communication skills in social services. You will learn to objectively compile pertinent information, identify steps and guidelines for effective communication, and apply the best practices of letter, report, and proposal writing. The course also assesses the value of verbal communication in social services. Upon completion, you will employ verbal and non-verbal communication skills needed to prepare documents in adherence to agency policy and the CASW Code of Ethics, draft specific case notes, and write proper referrals for clients and agencies. This course equips you with the essential skills to perform appropriately in documentation and communication tasks within a social service agency.
Communtiy Services in Canada
This course introduces you to the principles of social work in Canada, exploring the nature of the welfare state and discussing both direct and indirect practices. You will apply the Code of Ethics for the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) and develop insights into social concerns affecting various at-risk populations, including seniors, children and youth, women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, sexually diverse populations, and minority groups. Utilizing main theoretical approaches, you will produce original ideas to combat social problems, prepare and present best practice plans, employ sound proposal writing methods, and instruct others on current best practices for different populations at risk in the community. This course provides an introduction to social work principles in Canada, focusing on the welfare state, ethical practices, and social concerns for at-risk populations.
Counselling
In this course, you will develop an in-depth understanding of client-centred counselling practices. You will adopt a client-centred approach using techniques from the four skill clusters of counselling. The course covers analyzing client needs through the four stages of counselling and integrating objectivity into personal counselling practices. You will internalize these values and principles of counselling, evaluate the code of conduct, and develop in-depth knowledge of legal responsibilities. Additionally, the course emphasizes self-awareness through journaling, self and peer feedback, reflective questions, and role-playing exercises. This course equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively practice client-centred counselling.
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1
This course will introduce you to and provide practice in using the tools required for a successful job search. The concepts covered in this course will help you maintain a career-focused approach throughout your studies so that you are better prepared to conduct a job search after graduating. Specifically, you will learn how to identify your soft and hard skills and how to articulate your abilities in a clear and concise Elevator Pitch that will appeal to employers and resonate with industry contacts. You will learn about the job search resources available to you including using career websites, creating LinkedIn profiles, accessing the “hidden” job market, and networking. You will examine sample résumés and cover letters and begin the process of creating your own professional résumés and cover letters that align with current conventions for content, organization, and formatting. You will also learn about the role of references, thank you letters, workplace philosophies, and strategies for success including maintaining a professional image and using proper etiquette when communicating with potential employers and industry contacts.
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 2
This module builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 module. In this subsequent module, you will update and refine your résumé and LinkedIn Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-play. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will also be covered.
Standard First Aid/CPR/WHIMIS
This course provides you with comprehensive CPR training. It includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines and meets federal and provincial regulations for Standard First Aid and CPR Level C. The course includes the following topics: preparing to respond; the EMS system; check, call, care; airway emergencies; breathing and circulation emergencies; first aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest; wound care; head and spine injuries; bone, muscle and joint injuries; sudden medical emergencies; environmental emergencies; and poisons. The WHMIS section of this course teaches you the basic elements of WHMIS 2015 and the Global Harmonization System. This covers the safety measures and guidelines to be followed when exposed to or working with hazardous materials.
Criminology
This course introduces you to crimnology theories and perspectives and their application in intervention strategies and victim services. You will assess personal, societal, and global risks for criminal involvement and outline key stakeholders in the criminal justice system at federal, provincial, and municipal levels. The course emphasizes creating accurate and appropriate intervention and reintegration plans, recommending strategies that incorporate criminology theories, and navigating services and agencies to assist clients. You will maximize the use of available resources, appraise the impact of personal beliefs, and learn how to best advocate for clients at different government levels.
Community Services Worker Internship
Upon successful completion of classroom hours of this program, you will be placed in an 8-week, 200-hour internship at an outside organization. You will have the opportunity to apply your new and developed skills in a real-world environment. Community Services Workers administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services, and assist clients to deal with personal and social problems. Internship hosts include social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, substance abuse centres, school boards, correctional facilities, and other establishments.
Digital Literacy for Professionals
This course introduces essential concepts and principles for navigating and working in a digital environment. Key topics include using devices, managing information, creating and editing content, communicating and collaborating with digital tools, and ensuring online safety and responsibility. You will also apply best practices for folder organization and file naming conventions.
The Canadian Family Dynamic
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the contemporary Canadian family dynamic, focusing on connections between groups, systems, and institutions. You will identify risk and protective factors within family systems and integrate observations of current family experiences and generational patterns. The course emphasizes practical skills, including assessing structural and individual concerns in family systems, evaluating risk assessments for families at risk of violence, poverty, and/or separation, implementing harm reduction strategies and intervention programs, and investigating the socialization and historical context of clients to better assist families in alleviating social concerns. Through this comprehensive approach, you will be equipped to support and strengthen diverse family systems in Canada.
Group Work and Human Relations
This course provides you with an in-depth exploration of group dynamics and the importance of interdependence within groups. It emphasizes proficiency in working effectively within co-operative learning groups, appreciating the benefits of controversy in group processes, applying proper problem-solving skills, and using appropriate controversy procedures. Additionally, you will focus on facilitating personal growth through increased self-awareness. By the end of the course, you will exhibit a thorough understanding of group dynamics, demonstrate effective collaboration skills, and apply strategies to enhance group performance and personal development. This course equips you with the essential skills to thrive in co-operative learning environments and beyond.
Introduction to Mental Health for Community Services Worker
This introductory course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of mental health within the context of social services and emphasizes analyzing legal and ethical considerations to better serve consumers. You will organize symptoms of mental health diagnoses using DSM IV/DSM V criteria, comprehend medical terminology, and research social service agencies that utilize the recovery model. You will apply recovery principles to support mental health concerns, create recovery-based program plans, relate evidence-based practices to various diagnoses and symptoms, and complete proper assessments and program plans using the recovery model. This course equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively support individuals in the mental health field.
Lifespan Psychology and Development
This course provides you with a comprehensive overview of lifespan psychology development, focusing on both typical and atypical development across physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and personality domains. You will evaluate theoretical perspectives of development throughout the lifespan, recognize signs of atypical development, and map key milestones and socialization aspects from infancy to old age. The course emphasizes encouraging positive development, assessing delayed development, and understanding vulnerabilities. You will apply theoretical perspectives to enhance positive development in clients and educate others on effective strategies for promoting healthy development throughout the lifespan. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to support individuals at various stages of life.
Research and Populations at Risk
This course provides a comprehensive overview of case management, from exploring standards of practice and community-focused supports through applying case management processes to a range of populations (for example, seniors, immigrants, unhoused). The importance of effective documentation and ethical practices is emphasized. The course covers the legal and ethical obligations of a case manager, highlighting the need for objectivity in obtaining information. Through practical exercises, you will discriminate between proper and improper case management styles, implement best practices in client program planning, and develop effective and measurable program plans for populations at risk. This course covers case managment standards, ethical practices, and effective program planning for at-risk populations.
Introduction to Psychology
This course provides you with a comprehensive overview of the brain and central nervous system, analyzing aspects such as circadian rhythms, sensation and perception, stress responses, substance use, and mental illness therapies. You will explore the interplay of genetics, personality, and environment in individual development. The course emphasizes the scientific method, including steps in scientific research, ethical considerations, and benefits of proper application. You will apply these steps to explore a topic of interest in social psychology. This course encourages the use of psychological understanding to improve lives, compare and contrast conditioning types in learning and behaviour modification, and measure their effectiveness.
Sociology
This course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of sociological perspectives, focusing on how social forces shape our everyday lives. You will recognize conditions that encourage sociological thinking about global issues and problems. The course covers main frameworks sociologists use to examine society, including functionalist (how society's parts work together), conflict (how power and inequality shape society), interactionist (how people interact and create meaning), and feminist (how gender shapes social structures, interactions, and power dynamics). You will also identify the principles of the scientific method, including objectivity, problem formulation, and hypothesis testing, and summarize ethical concerns in applying sociological perspectives. Practical skills include implementing strategies for the sociological development of communities, investigating the impact of sociological study on social work practice, employing sociological research in developing community programs, and recommending proper community development based on sociological theories.
Student Success Strategies
This course stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. The course will address strategies that are important for all adult learners, such as managing finances, maintaining health and wellness, understanding learning styles, setting goals, and honing practical study skills (such as memory, reading, and test-taking techniques). In addition, this course emphasizes strategies needed to succeed in your program, such as navigating technology efficiently, interacting and engaging with peers and facilitators/instructors, and managing learning time and space.
Admission Requirements
– Student has an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, OR is 18 years of age or older on or before the program begins AND can pass a qualifying test that has been approved by the Superintendent.
– The approved qualifying test for this program is the Wonderlic test. A passing score for this program is 14.
– Student must provide a clear Criminal Record Check.
– Student must complete the Community Services Worker Entrance Questionnaire.
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!
The material we covered in our courses and the projects we were given are really relevant to what we face in the field.
Trevor D.
Grad
Our Community Services Worker program is built with the core competencies of the Canadian Association of Social Workers to provide the highest integrity in learning. Our CSW program is updated regularly to reflect the most current evidence-based practice for priority populations.
Kathleen Moore
Community Services Worker Faculty Head, triOS College
How Our CSW Program Can Help You
Watch this video to find out if our CSW program is right for you.
What is a community services worker?
A community services worker is an individual who provides support and assistance to people in various communities, typically in a social or welfare context. Their primary role is to help individuals or groups facing social, economic, or personal challenges by connecting them with essential resources, offering guidance, and facilitating access to community programs and services.
Community services workers often work in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or healthcare settings, and their responsibilities may include case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, and promoting community engagement to improve the well-being of those they serve.
How much does a community services worker make?
The salary of a community services worker can vary widely depending on factors such as location, level of education, years of experience, and the specific organization or agency they work for. According to Job Bank, the average hourly wage of a community services worker is $26 and can be as high as $37.
