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Human Services Programs

Human Services Certificate

Vancouver Island University offers one Human Services Certificate program:

Overview

VIU’s Human Services certificate programs prepare graduates for work in the human services field. The programs share a common set of core courses which enable students to gain generic, multidisciplinary skills and perspectives for work in the human services field. Specialty courses for each certificate program provide the specialized skills and knowledge required for work in each particular role and setting.

A free information session is usually held in the Spring for programs that begin the following September. Check with the Advising Centre for details, 250-740-6410, or visit viu.ca/infosessions.


School and Community Support Worker

Note: 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.

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

For Community Support Worker, School and Community Support Worker, and Special Education Assistant Programs:

Recommendations for Admission

  • Volunteer or paid experience working with people who are mentally, physically or behaviourally challenged.

Notes on Admission

  • Practicum will require a criminal record check prior to placement. 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 Community Support Worker, School and Community Support Worker, or Special Education Assistant certificates 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 normally start the program in September and applications are accepted anytime between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications, program contacts, and scheduled information sessions 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:
ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research)
ENGL 125 - (Literature and Culture)
ENGL 135 - (Literature and Criticism)
LBST 111** - (Ways of Knowing I)

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.

Community Support Worker

Note: Effective January 2009 the Community Support Worker program will be replaced with the School and Community Support Worker Certificate program.


The Program

This program includes both theoretical studies and practical applications in working with individuals who are challenged. The program is offered with courses rotated to allow completion in as few as three semesters.

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 Coordinator.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Vancouver Island University certificate. This certificate may ladder into other Human Services diplomas and degrees.

Career Opportunities

The program prepares students to work in various community settings in a variety of positions, with an emphasis on working with people who are mentally or physically challenged.

Community Support Worker

Pre/Co-requisites

Degree English Requirement

3

PSYC 111/112 (Contemporary Psychology)

6

Human Services Core

HSER 101 (Intro to Human Services)

3

HSER 150 (Effective Interpersonal Communication)

3

CSW 181T (Practicum I)

3

CSW 182T (Practicum II)

3

Community Support Worker Specialty

CSW 110 (Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology)

3

CSW 111 (Service Planning)

3

CSW 112 (Health and Personal Care)

3

CSW 201 (Challenging Conditions)

3

HSER 110 (Working in the Community Context)

3

Total Credits

36

Special Education Assistant

Note: Effective January 2009 the Special Education Assistant program will be replaced with the School and Community Support Worker Certificate program.


The Program

The core and specialty courses provide students with generic skills for work in the human services, as well as specialized knowledge and skills required to work as a special education assistant in the school system. The program is offered on a part-time basis with courses rotated to allow completion in as few as three semesters.

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 practicum in terms of skills, knowledge and personal suitability. Placement into a practicum will be at the discretion of the program Coordinator.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Vancouver Island University certificate. This certificate may ladder into other Human Services diplomas and degrees.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be prepared for positions in the public school system, as educational assistants, working with children with special needs in the school/classroom setting.

Special Education Assistant

Pre/Co-requisites

Degree English Requirement

3

PSYC 111/112 (Contemporary Psychology) or,
PSYC 131/132 (Child Development I/II)

6

Human Services Core

HSER 101 (Intro to Human Services)

3

HSER 150 (Effective Interpersonal Communication)

3

SEAC 181T (Practicum I)

3

SEAC 182T (Practicum II)

3

Special Education Assistant Specialty

SEAC 110 (Classroom Assisting)

3

HSER 251 (Working with Behaviour)

3

CSW 110 (Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology)

3

CSW 112 (Health and Personal Care)

3

CSW 201 (Challenging Conditions)

3

Total Credits

36


Program Completion Requirements

To earn the certificate in the program selected, students must:

  • successfully complete all required courses and maintain a minimum “C” grade average in all courses required for the credential;
  • achieve a passing grade in the practicum courses;
  • complete all requirements within 5 years.

Updated July 28, 2010