MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH ADDICTIONS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Prepare for a meaningful career supporting individuals and communities affected by addiction, mental health challenges, and social barriers through Career City College’s Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma. This program helps students build practical skills in counselling, crisis intervention, case management, and community resource coordination while developing an understanding of trauma-informed and client-centered approaches.

Practicum Placement Experience

Client Assessment & Case Planning

Community Resources & Advocacy

Addiction & Mental Health Foundations

Crisis Response & Support Skills

Culturally Responsive Practice

Counselling & Intervention Strategies

Relapse Prevention & Harm Reduction

Ethics & Professional Standards

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Is Our Addictions and community services worker diploma Right for You?

This program may be a strong fit if you:

Course Overview

The Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma at Career City College prepares students to support individuals and communities facing addiction, mental health challenges, and social barriers. Students develop practical skills in counselling, crisis intervention, case management, and community resource coordination.

Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on training, students learn how to assess client needs, provide supportive interventions, and connect individuals with appropriate services. Graduates are prepared to work in addiction treatment centres, community organizations, mental health agencies, shelters, and other social service environments.

  • Applicants must have completed grade 12 or equivalent or have mature student status (at least 19 years old).
  • Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through any one of the following:
    1. Completion of grades 9-11, including English 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages.
    2. Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction.
    3. Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:
      • IELTS Academic: overall score of 5.5 or higher.
      • CAEL Test: Overall score of 40 or above.
      • Duolingo English Test: Overall score of 95 or above.
      • TOEFL iBT: 46 or above.
      • CELPIP: Minimum scores – Listening-6, Speaking-6, Reading-5, Writing-5.
      • Eiken: Pre-1.
      • Cambridge FCE+: 160 or C | Cambridge Linguaskill – B2 or above.
      • PTE: 43 or above.
      • iTEP Academic: 3.5 or above.
  • Mature student applicants: Applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access is their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above:
    • Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where the English is one of the principal languages, and
    • Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:
  • Reading: 230
  • Writing: 230
  • WritePlacer: 4
ACSW 100 – Interpersonal Communication for Human ServicesDevelop effective communication skills required to build trust and support clients in human services settings. ACSW 101 – Introduction to Community Support WorkLearn the foundations of community support work, including roles, responsibilities, and client-centered practices. ACSW 110 – Introduction to Psychology & Mental HealthExplore psychological principles and mental health concepts relevant to community support and addiction services. ACSW 120 – Addiction FundamentalsGain an understanding of addiction theories, substance use disorders, and recovery approaches. ACSW 130 – Human DevelopmentExamine human growth and development across the lifespan and how it relates to behaviour and mental health. ACSW 140 – Addiction, Abuse & Vulnerable PopulationLearn how addiction and abuse impact vulnerable populations and explore strategies to provide effective support. ACSW 150 – Trauma & Crisis InterventionDevelop practical techniques for responding to crises and supporting individuals experiencing trauma. ACSW 160 – PharmacologyUnderstand the role of medications in addiction and mental health treatment. ACSW 170 – Fundamentals of CounsellingLearn basic counselling techniques used to support individuals dealing with addiction and personal challenges. ACSW 180 – Intake Assessment & InterviewingDevelop skills to conduct client interviews and assess needs in professional support settings. ACSW 190 – Group Counselling Facilitation ConceptsLearn how to facilitate group counselling sessions and support peer recovery environments. ACSW 200 – Family CounsellingLearn how to facilitate family counselling sessions and support recovery within family systems. ACSW 201 – Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral TherapyGain foundational knowledge of CBT techniques used in addiction and mental health treatment. ACSW 202 – Clinical Assessment & Treatment PlanningLearn how to assess client needs and develop structured treatment plans. ACSW 203 – Recovery Skills & PreventionFocus on relapse prevention, recovery strategies, and long-term support planning. ACSW 204 – Case ManagementDevelop skills to coordinate services, monitor progress, and advocate for clients. ACSW 205 – Client Referral, Reports & RecordkeepingLearn professional documentation and referral processes in social service settings. ACSW 206 -Professional Ethics: Addictions & Mental Health WorkerUnderstand ethical responsibilities and professional standards in addiction and mental health services. ACSW 300 – PracticumComplete 230 hours of supervised field experience in an addiction or community services environment.

Graduates of the Addictions and Community Services Worker program may pursue careers in social services and community-based organizations that support individuals experiencing addiction or mental health challenges. Potential job opportunities include:

Addictions Counselor: Support individuals recovering from substance use disorders by providing counselling, relapse prevention strategies, and recovery planning in addiction treatment or community health settings.

Community Support Worker: Assist individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, or social barriers by connecting them with community resources, housing support, and social services.

Mental Health Worker: Provide support to individuals experiencing mental health conditions by assisting with recovery programs, daily living activities, and therapeutic support in community or clinical environments.

Rehabilitation Support Worker: Help individuals recovering from addiction or mental health challenges build life skills and regain independence while supporting rehabilitation and recovery programs.

Crisis Intervention Worker: Respond to individuals experiencing emotional or psychological crises by providing immediate support, de-escalation, and referrals to appropriate mental health or community services.

Case Manager: Coordinate care and support services for clients by assessing needs, developing service plans, and connecting individuals with addiction treatment programs, healthcare providers, and community resources.

Residential Support Worker: Provide daily support to individuals living in group homes, recovery residences, or supportive housing by assisting with life skills, recovery goals, and maintaining a stable environment.

Youth Support Worker: Support young people facing addiction, mental health, or social challenges by offering guidance, mentorship, and access to community programs and resources.

Substance Abuse Prevention Worker: Promote addiction prevention and community awareness through education programs, outreach initiatives, and support services aimed at reducing substance misuse.
Source: Government of Canada

Asynchronous Online Learning: Students can access online learning platforms 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are no set classes or times to log in, so students can complete 20 hours of studying per week around their schedule.

Our Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma program is available for the following price.
Domestic Student
$15,150.00

International Student
$15, 525.00

All prices include books, materials, and GST.
Please visit our Finance Page to learn more about the many options that can help fund your education.

Government Student Loans
The provincial and federal governments provide student loans! Loan amounts may vary depending on individual circumstances.*
Contact us today to learn what government student loans you are eligible for!

*Financial assistance is available for students that qualify. To determine your eligibility, please contact our Admissions Department.

Personal Funding Options
Don’t put your career on hold due to a lack of funding
There are many personal funding options available to you.
Contact us today to learn what personal funding options may be best for you

Public Funding Options
There are many public funding options available to you.
Contact us today to learn what public funding options may be best for you!

Disclaimer: This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

Why Choose Career City College

Flexible learning, experienced instructors, and career-focused programs built for real-world success.

Learn
online

Study anytime, anywhere with easy-to-access online learning

Designated College

Career City College is regulated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU)

Study Anywhere in Canada

Learn from any province with fully online accessibility

Instructor Supported

Receive one-on-one support as needed by booking an instructor

Learn, Earn, Return

Graduates can upgrade skills while balancing work and life

Monthly Start Dates

Join most programs any month throughout the year

Career-Focused College

Career-focused program tailored to
today’s job market

Career Service Support

A Career Services Specialist works with you on your job search and career readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

We aim to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions, clarify any doubts, and ensure you have the best possible experience.

Is Career City College designated by PTIRU?

Career City College is designated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU).

Are Career City College’s programs available online?

Yes, all of Career City College’s programs are available online.

Are there any financial aid or scholarship opportunities available?

Yes, we have a dedicated FAO team to help guide students on their financial needs. Our Career Advisors will also assist you in discovering what scholarships may be available to you based on your circumstances. Please note that financial assistance is available for students who qualify. To determine your eligibility, please contact our Admissions Department.

How does Career City College prepare me to get a job after graduation?

At Career City College, we prepare our students for successful careers through career-focused training, industry-aligned curriculum, and practical learning opportunities. Our instructors are industry professionals, and our programs are designed with input from industry experts to ensure our graduates have the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. We also offer one-on-one career services to help students with job search strategies, resume writing, and interview skills.

What makes Career City College different?

At Career City College, you’ll experience several benefits that set us apart from other colleges. You can learn from anywhere in Canada with our online courses, providing flexibility and convenience. Our one-on-one instructor support sessions ensure you receive personalized attention, and our monthly program start dates allow you to begin studying when you’re ready. In addition, our program courses equip you with essential job-preparedness skills, and we offer assistance in finding financial aid and payment options (if eligible). Finally, our accelerated programs are career-focused, helping you enter the workforce faster with relevant skills for the profession you choose.

Can I take my program from anywhere in Canada?

Certainly! Career City College’s online programs let you learn from anywhere in Canada, allowing you to study at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Can I study while I work?

Yes, this program is structured for self-paced learning. However, you must adhere to the set timeline to complete the program on time. If you have any questions or need to catch up on your studies, our teachers will assist you.

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