Human Service Worker Diploma
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 Diploma program is available for students who have completed the certificate program and who wish to continue their education for preparation for specialized work in the human service worker field.
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.
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.
HSWR Diploma 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 |
| CYFS 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 Year 1: 44
Year 2 – Students complete 5 required courses and one elective
Required Courses
| Course | Title | Credits | Semester Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSWR 211 | Conflict Resolution | 3 | Fall |
| HSWR 212 | Crisis Intervention | 3 | Fall |
| HSWR 213 | Child and Youth Mental Health | 3 | Winter |
| HSWR 214 | Introduction to Addictions | 3 | Winter |
| HSWR 215 | Issues in Adolescence | 3 | Spring |
| Total | 15 |
Elective Courses (choose one)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INDG 101 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | 3 |
| INDG 105 | Introduction to Health and Wellness | 3 |
| INDG 120 | Introduction to Indigenous Peoples’ Worldviews | 3 |
| INDG 203 | Indigenous Peoples’ Ways of Knowing | 3 |
Total Credits Year 1 and Year 2: 62
*Note: A student’s first year courses plus their second year courses must equal a minimum of 60 credits for the Human Service Worker Diploma.
View: Human Service Worker Planning Guide
View official program outline.
Practicum Information
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
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
CYFS-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: Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
- Delivery Method: ? Blended, On-campus, 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
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
Year 2 – Required
HSWR-211 – Conflict Resolution
This course provides students with an introduction to the theory, process, and skills of conflict resolution in child, youth, and family related conflicts. The course will introduce students to the core elements of conflict, restorative justice, mediation, and negotiation, and will provide the opportunity for students to develop skills for negotiating personal and professional disputes.
- 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: $436.24
- Course Outline
HSWR-212 – Crisis Intervention
This course provides the student with an introduction to the theory and practical day to day procedures of crisis intervention. Students may be exposed to crisis topics common to a variety of helping profession disciplines, including counseling, education, and social work.
- 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: $436.24
- Course Outline
HSWR-213 – Introduction to Mental Health Issues for Children and Youth
This course uses a strengths-based approach to working with children and youth with mental health concerns. This course introduces students to the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses, the direction for interventions, and the professionals presently working in the mental health field.
- 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: $436.24
- Course Outline
HSWR-214 – Introduction to Addictions
This course provides an overview of current practices, theories, and models for working with people who use substances. Students will learn about the theories of substance use disorder and the ethical considerations for supporting individuals who use substances, with a focus on justice, cultural sensitivity, and awareness of personal biases. The course’s techniques include: analyzing substances’ physiological, societal, and individual impacts, strategies for reducing harm, assessing treatment theories and exploring regional resources, including intercultural understanding and Indigenous people’s perspectives.
- 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: $436.24
- Course Outline
HSWR-215 – Issues in Adolescence
This course introduces students to the contemporary study of adolescence from a lifespan perspective. It explores the challenges and the strengths of adolescence along with the ways this knowledge can be applied to support healthy development among the diversity of young people in this period of life.
- 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: $436.24
- Course Outline
Year 2 Electives (choose one)
INDG-101 – Introduction to Indigenous Studies
This is a foundational course which introduces the interdisciplinary field of Indigenous Studies. Students examine documents developed by/for/and with Indigenous Peoples. The emphasis is on Indigenous Peoples’ experiences within Canada and BC specifically, and in relationship to the global community. Students will be introduced to Place Based approaches in order to understand the current historical, political, social, cultural and spiritual context of Truth and Reconciliation from Indigenous Peoples’ Perspectives.
- 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: $365.28
- Course Outline
INDG-105 – Introduction to Health and Wellness in Indigenous Communities
This course focuses upon an understanding of health and wellness within Indigenous communities, from Indigenous Peoples’ Perspectives. Students examine many factors and conditions that impact Indigenous Peoples’ health stemming from both the individual and collective experiences. Additional focus emphasizes how community health and wellness is articulated and maintained according to Indigenous Peoples Place Based Worldviews and definitions. Indigenous scholarship, including what is referred to as ‘traditional knowledges’ are incorporated alongside interdisciplinary perspectives, privileging Indigenous Peoples’ voices.
- 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: $365.28
- Course Outline
INDG-120 – Introduction to Indigenous Peoples’ Worldviews (BC Focus)
This course focuses upon understanding experiences and relationships of Indigenous Peoples’ in their homelands and territories located within British Columbia. Students will learn about contemporary issues from an Indigenous Peoples’ perspective. Various perspectives regarding Indigenous Peoples’ self determination, cognitive justice and sovereignty (or lack thereof), will be examined. A Place Based approach to experiences of colonization enables students to consider Indigenous Peoples’ cultures and means of communicating values, worldviews and beliefs.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? Blended, On-campus, Online
- Cost: $365.28
- Course Outline
INDG-203 – Indigenous Peoples’ Ways of Knowing
This course explores Indigenous Peoples’ knowledges, worldviews and epistemologies, identifying concepts from and through Indigenous Peoples’ scholarship and experiences. The course includes a review of knowledge creation, while modelling the value, importance and uniqueness of Indigenous Peoples’ pedagogy through course delivery. The course prepares students to explore questions that are important to Indigenous Peoples, their communities, and nations and that can enable research in support of Indigenous Peoples’ cultural continuity and self-determination.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Delivery Method: ? Online
- Cost: $365.28
- Course Outline
Note: A student’s first year courses plus their second year courses must equal a minimum of 60 credits for the Diploma.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Secondary school graduation or equivalent
- Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent
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 Year 1: | $3,155.68 |
| Tuition Year 2: | $2,546.48 |
| Application Fee: | $30.00 |
| Student Association Fee: | $161.00 |
| Total | $5,893.16 |
*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.
Upon successful completion of the diploma some career options might include:
With further education and/or experience, additional opportunities may include:
- Social Worker *
- Manager in Social, Community, and Correctional Services *
- Social Policy Researcher, Consultant / Program Officer
* High Opportunity Occupation
Human Service Worker Diploma – Block Transfer Agreements
| To Institution | Program | |
|---|---|---|
| University of Calgary | Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation (BCR) Successful competition of Human Service Work Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5 Successfully complete a College of the Rockies (COTR) junior science course acceptable for transfer to University of Calgary prior to entry into the CRDS degree program. Currently COTR Biology 101 or COTR Biology 102 is acceptable as a transferable course. Students can review the block transfers into the BCRDS (which includes College of the Rockies) – basic CRDS Block Transfer Status Students choosing the University of Calgary should review their website at University of Calgary and the BCR web page | |
| University of Victoria | Bachelor of Arts – Child & Youth Care 30 units transferable equivalent to two years Note: For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit BC Transfer Guide website | |
| University of Victoria | Bachelor of Arts – Public Health 30 units transferable equivalent to two years Note: For transfer details please see University of Victoria Calendar or visit BC Transfer Guide website |
Celebrating Our Alumni
Program Details
Delivery Method:?
Online
Credential:
Diploma
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