Program Description
This two-year program prepares students for a career as a Family Services Worker, with a special focus on providing services to children and families living in First Nation communities. The training, which is both family-centered and culturally appropriate, uses the student’s own strengths and life experiences as a foundation. The program format includes lectures, small group learning exercises, case studies and class discussions utilizing assigned texts and videos. Interpersonal communication skills and understanding of group dynamics are stressed. Students also receive instruction in the legislative context of the Child and Family Services Act, as they learn to put theory into practice in real world settings. Course work includes:
- On-site visits to agencies and facilities
- Instruction on self-care to deal with job related stress
- An opportunity to complete supervised fieldwork
Courses
- Case Management and Documentation
- Child Protection
- Child Welfare, Children, Families and Poverty
- Developing Parenting Skills
- The Family as a System
- Family Violence
- The First Nation Agency and the Community
- Group Dynamics
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Intervention with Single Parents and Special Needs Children
- Mental Health Challenges in First Nation Communities
- Multi-disciplinary Approach to Managing Child Abuse and Neglect Cases
- Overview of the Child and Family Services System
Admission Requirements
You are invited to apply if you have:
- Senior 4 or equivalent education standing, or
- Achieved a combination of education and experience as a mature student.
- Completion of a criminal record check, prior contact check and child abuse registry check.