MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH ADDICTIONS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
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
career
city
Is Our Addictions and community services worker diploma Right for You?
Want to support individuals struggling with addiction or mental health challenges
Want to build meaningful skills in crisis intervention and case management
Are interested in counselling, social services, or community outreach.
Are looking for a career where you can make a real difference in people's lives
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.
Prerequisites
- 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:
- 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.
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction.
- 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
Course Breakdown
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.
Job Opportunities
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
Learning Model
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.
Tuition Details
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.
Financial Aid Options
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.
