Human Service Worker Certificate
Life can be challenging. Sometimes people need someone to reach out for support when they are struggling. If you are caring, compassionate, and have a real desire to make a positive difference in the lives of children, adults and families, consider becoming a Human Service Worker.
Program Overview
The Human Service Worker certificate program is designed to be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, either online or by blended studies, meaning a mixture of online and face-to-face classroom learning. Full-time students will start in September of each year and complete all the required courses and practica by the end of June (10 months). Part-time students may take up to 3 years to complete all course work and practica requirements.
Both face-to-face and online classes are semester based. This is not a self-paced or continual entry program.
As a Human Service Worker student you will be introduced to helping strategies so you can provide assistance to individuals or groups with a variety of needs. This 10-month program is available fully online or in a combination of classroom and online learning. A second year diploma is available if you wish to continue your education to prepare for specialized work in the human service worker field.
A major component of human service education is learning-by-doing. Our program provides extensive hands-on experiences in a variety of community agencies. This allows you to practice the theory you are learning, better preparing you for employment.
HSW Certificate Program Requirements
Year 1 Fall Semester
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CYFS 101 | Inclusive Interpersonal Communications | 3 |
| CYFS 102 | Observing and Recording | 3 |
| HSWR 105 | Professional Communications | 3 |
| HSWR 200 | Roles and Responsibilities in Human Services | 3 |
| HSWR 201 | Trends and Issues in Human Services | 3 |
| HSWR 108 | Health and Wellness | 3 |
| Total | 18 |
Year 1 Winter Semester
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSWR 106 | Families | 3 |
| HSWR 150 | Supporting Change in Human Service Work | 4 |
| HSWR 103 | Counseling Skills | 4 |
| HSWR 116 | Lifespan Development | 4 |
| HSWR 118 | Practicum 1 | 4 |
| Total | 19 |
Year 1 Spring Semester
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSWR 101 | Disability Studies | 3 |
| HSWR 119 | Practicum 2 | 4 |
| Total | 7 |
Total Credits: 44
View: Human Service Worker Planning Guide
View official program outline.
Practicum Information
There are two practicums in this program. Where possible, students will complete their requirements for practicum in their own communities. If they are not able to complete practicum requirements in their own communities, students must be prepared to travel elsewhere, and will be responsible for their own transportation as well as any travel and living expenses.
Course Descriptions
Year 1 – Semester 1 – Fall
CYFS-101 – Inclusive Interpersonal Communications
Inclusive Interpersonal Communications enables the student to develop interpersonal communication skills to enhance their professional and personal relationships. We also expect students to clearly evaluate their own values, beliefs, and attitudes that influence their interpersonal communication.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $215.16
- Course Outline
CYFS-102 – Observing and Recording
This course is designed to help students learning to become human service workers, education assistants, early childhood educators, and aboriginal education support workers enhance their skills in observing and recording human development and behaviour from birth through adulthood. A variety of observing and recording techniques will be explored in the course.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $215.16
- Course Outline
HSWR-105 – Professional Communications
This course is designed to prepare students to use effective communication as a professional in fields related to the Human Service Worker Certificate. This course focuses on clarity, accessibility, and inclusive best practices for communications to various audiences in professional settings. We explore the use of different technologies and formats for the changing culture of professional communication.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $215.16
- Course Outline
HSWR-200 – Roles and Responsibilities in Human Services
HSWR 200 introduces you to the practice of social work, including a critical examination of the ethics, values and historical development of the social work profession. Students learn a variety of models and theories of social work practice and examine how they can be applied to diverse populations.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $215.16
- Course Outline
HSWR-201 – Trends and Issues in Human Services
HSWR 201 is a critical introduction to the study of Canadian Social Welfare Policy and the structure of social services in Canada. The objectives and context of social welfare are presented and examined using different ideologies and discourses.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $215.16
- Course Outline
HSWR-108 – Health & Wellness
This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the holistic health care needs of individuals in the community. Students are provided with the basic knowledge necessary to assist individuals who are unable to meet their health care needs independently. Students will also explore the concept of self-care and worker burnout. The content of this course is specific to developing the skills, knowledge, and values in the Human Service Worker setting.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $215.16
- Course Outline
Year 1 – Semester 2 – Winter
HSWR-106 – Families
This course provides early childhood educators and human service workers with an in-depth understanding of the diverse nature of families, the issues and challenges that can be barriers to family health, and how to assist in building skills to work collaboratively to support families.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $215.16
- Course Outline
HSWR-150 – Supporting Change in Human Service Work
Students will learn the theories and principles of supporting behaviour change in the human service field. Students will explore practical tools for empowering change at the individual level and methods to address systems that perpetuate inequities in society.
- Minimum Credits: 4
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent and CYFS 102.
- Delivery Method: ? Blended, Online
- Cost: $286.88
- Course Outline
HSWR-103 – Counselling Skills
This course introduces students to introductory interviewing and counselling skills that are needed for developing rapport, trust, and empathy in relationships with the clients they serve. Students develop skills in using invitational strategies, reflecting feelings and content, summarizing information, challenging perceptions, conducting assessments, and goal setting. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on self-reflection and self-evaluation.
- Minimum Credits: 4
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent. CYFS 101
- Delivery Method: ? Blended, Online
- Cost: $286.88
- Course Outline
HSWR-118 – Human Service Work: Practicum 1
The purpose of this course is for students to integrate theory and skills learned in the classroom in an on-site practicum.
This 180 hour practicum is the first of two practica required in the Human Service Work Certificate Program.
- Minimum Credits: 4
- Length: 180 hours
- Prerequisites: CYFS 101 – Interpersonal Communications, CYFS 102 – Observing and Recording, HSWR 150 – Supporting Change in Human Service Work (must be taken previously or concurrently), HSWR 200 Roles and Responsibilities.
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $286.88
- Course Outline
HSWR-116 – Lifespan Development
This course explores the development of humans from conception to death. It includes physical, cognitive and psychosocial developmental domains. Students preparing to work in careers that involve other people need to clearly understand the complex, dynamic process of development throughout a person’s lifespan. This knowledge can provide students with insight into their own development and the development of those they will encounter in their personal and professional lives.
- Minimum Credits: 4
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites: Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following: ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12, ENST 12 – English Studies 12, ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level.
- Delivery Method: ? Blended, Online
- Cost: $286.88
- Course Outline
Year 1 – Semester 3 – Spring
HSWR-101 – Disability Studies
This course is designed to introduce students to relevant physical, mental, emotional, and health conditions that might result in disability. The causes, interventions and effects of a disabling condition on the individual, family, and community are examined as well as changing values and practices. We explore the impact of poverty, deinstitutionalization, unemployment, and isolation on the lives of people labeled as disabled. This course focuses on specific disabling conditions prevalent in the field of human service.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $215.16
- Course Outline
HSWR-119 – Practicum 2
This practicum is designed to give you an opportunity to gain practical experience in a human service setting. You should be able to integrate theoretical, practical and philosophical classroom-based learning with on-site experience.
This 180 hour practicum is the 2nd of two practica in the Human Service Worker Program
- Minimum Credits: 4
- Length: 180 hours
- Prerequisites: All coursework for HSWR Specialty, Practicum #1 and HSWR 118. HSWR 101 Disability Studies (must be taken previously or concurrently)
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $286.88
- Course Outline
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Secondary school graduation or equivalent.
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- ENST 12 – English Studies 12
- ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
- ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Additional Requirements:
- Completion and submission of CYFS Admission Package
- Completion of immunizations, documented by the immunization form in the admission package, or completion of Immunization Waiver Form (Incomplete immunizations may impact a student’s access to Practicum placements).
- Good command of oral and written English language
- Complete a criminal record check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Criminal Records Review Program*
Thank you for your interest in applying to be a student in one of our Health and Human Services programs at the College of the Rockies. As a successful applicant, you will receive or have received a request to provide documentation confirming you are current in immunizations.
Immunizations:
Immunization services in BC are in flux as Public Health Departments must regularly reprioritize resource distribution. Public Health agencies will do their best to accommodate College of the Rockies student immunizations by individual appointment. Immunizations are also available through local pharmacists and Travel Clinics. We recommend that students continue to pursue obtaining required immunizations to complete program admission and practicum placement requirements as soon as available.
It is the responsibility of the student to continue to actively seek to obtain and complete these requirements.
Obtaining and completing these admission requirements can be more difficult, your admission into the Health and Human Services programs will not be held up while you wait to complete these requirements.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
View or download: CYFS Handbook – Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Credit can be awarded for one or more courses in this program through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).
Your Costs
Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students:
For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)
| Tuition: | $3,155.68 |
| Application Fee: | $30.00 |
| Student Association Fee: | $92.00 |
| Total | $3,277.68 |
*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Additional Costs:
Travel within the Program
Practice experiences are essential in the HSWR program. It may not be possible to arrange practice experiences in the location and at the time preferred by students. Students must arrange their own transportation. Travel and accommodation arrangements and costs associated with practice experiences are the responsibility of the student.
Computer
In the HSWR program, teaching and learning strategies incorporate the use of technology through various platforms such as online learning and communication. Students must have access to a computer in order to engage in this learning.
Books and Supplies
In addition to tuition and other fees, students can expect to purchase books and supplies. Visit our bookstore for textbook information and costs.
Career Info and Pathways
“Human Service Worker” is a generic term for people who hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in diverse settings that support people with social challenges. Depending on the employment setting and the kinds of clients served there, job titles and duties vary a great deal.
A Human Service Worker certificate prepares you for entry level positions. With additional education, some of the careers you could consider are:
- Social / Community Service Worker*
- Correctional Service Officer *
- Social Worker *
- Manager in Social, Community / Correctional Services *
* High Opportunity Occupation
Human Service Worker Certificate – Course/Block Transfer Agreements
| To Institution | Program | |
|---|---|---|
| University of Victoria | Bachelor of Arts – Child & Youth Care 15 units transferable equivalent to one year Note: For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit BC Transfer Guide website | |
| University of Victoria | Bachelor of Social Work Note: For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit BC Transfer Guide website | |
| University of Victoria | Bachelor of Arts – Public Health 15 units transferable equivalent to one year Note: For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit BC Transfer Guide website |
Celebrating Our Alumni
Program Details
Delivery Method:?
Blended, Online, Off-site
Credential:
Certificate
Categories:
Block Transfer Agreements with Other Institutions, Health & Human Services
Interests:
Care for Others, Not Have a Desk Job, Teach Others, Work With My Hands
Contact Details
Cranbrook
2700 College Way,
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-2751
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: info@cotr.bc.ca