Humber School of Social and Community Services
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Developmental Services Worker

Diploma

Overview

Experience tremendous personal satisfaction that comes from helping people with learning and/or physical disabilities and other special needs to overcome personal and social barriers. At the same time, discover the rewards of promoting community inclusion.

Learn in the Field.

Field practice is a very important component of this program. Students complete an average of 250 hours of field practice in semesters 1 and 2 and about 550 hours in the 4th semester. An exciting variety of innovative and traditional field placement opportunities are available in and around the Greater (Metropolitan) Toronto Area. Such placements can also be arranged in the students’ own communities outside of Toronto, such as in Hamilton or Guelph, etc.

Part-Time Stream

The Developmental Services Worker Program also offers this curriculum as Continuing Education courses in the evening.

Fast Track Option

Students with a university or college education are eligible for the Fast Track option through which they can complete their D.S.W. diploma in one ten-month academic period.

The DSW Apprenticeship Option!

The DSW program now offers an apprenticeship certificate option to students who are employed in developmental services. Apprenticeship provides students with the opportunity to continue working, while the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) pays for approximately 80 per cent of their college course fees. Apprentices are required to learn skills on the job, while also completing their college courses. To be eligible for apprenticeship, students must be employed full or part time in developmental services, be 18 years of age, have a Canadian social insurance number, have completed Grade 12 or the equivalent, and have the approval of their employer.

Career Options:

  • Educational Assistant in grade schools, high schools, and segregated schools
  • Residential Support Worker in group homes or independent living settings
  • Support Worker in adult day programmes
  • Employment Support Worker in community job settings
  • Seniors' Support Worker in seniors' day programmes or living settings
  • Preschool Classroom Assistant in child care settings
  • Contract staff working 1:1 with individuals living in their family setting
  • DSW in mental health settings
  • Recreational staff in segregated and integrated programmes
  • Autism intervenor working 1:1 with children in IBI programmes

Contact

JoAnne Nugent
, Ed.D., BA, SSW
Lakeshore Campus
416-675-6622 ext.3257
joanne.nugent@humber.ca