Developmental Services Worker
Program Overview
Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our faculty team consists of developmental services professionals who are active in the field, and our small class sizes allow for individualized attention. Our curriculum is designed with input from developmental services field experts, ensuring courses are current and relevant.
Your studies begin with an introduction to the developmental services sector and an overview of the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you will learn about positive behaviour supports and intervention techniques (practising strategies with the use of simulation), person-centered planning, dual diagnosis, health and wellness, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, sign language and augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have experienced abuse. Finally, you will develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and problem solving.
You will also build your expertise in our counselling labs which provide an ideal setting to develop competencies for working with individuals with limited verbal skills.
New Advanced Standing Pathway
Already have a diploma or a degree? Complete the Developmental Services Worker diploma in three semesters. Apply to Semester 2 at ontariocolleges.ca. View the pathway and course curriculum for Advanced Standing in Explore Pathways >
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
- Conduct oneself in an ethical, competent and accountable manner in all professional relationships.
- Provide person-directed supports and services that respect and promote self-determination for people with developmental disabilities.
- Provide for the safety of people with developmental disabilities, self and others in compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations and standards of practice.
- Support health and well-being of people with developmental disabilities.
- Employ and adapt formal and informal strategies to support the learning of people with developmental disabilities.
- Provide leadership in the development of inclusive communities.
- Develop professional and personal plans that enhance job performance and well-being.
Work-Integrated Learning
Our program offers a rich diversity of innovative and traditional opportunities to connect with the field. You will complete 600 hours of in the developmental services sector with established community partners over the duration of the program.
Students will engage in the first 200 hours of field experience two days per week, over 14 weeks in Semester 2. In Semester 4, students will engage in 400 hours of field experience, four days per week for 14 weeks. Opportunities are arranged with the help of a dedicated field placement co-ordinator and are typically unpaid. As part of the field experience, students will attend seminar classes and complete coursework.
Advisory Committee
This program’s advisory committee is comprised of people with extensive experience in the developmental services work profession, representing a variety of settings where developmental services workers are employed. Many are also members of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD).
Community Partnerships
Some of our community partners include:
- Addus
- Brampton Caledon Community Living
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Community Living
- Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board
- Peel and Halton Acquired Brain Injury Services
Your Career
A career as a developmental services worker will allow you to help people with disabilities live, work and participate in their communities. You will use your skills to support people with intellectual disabilities, autism, physical challenges or other needs.
You can find work assisting people in a variety of roles including:
- classroom assistant in a daycare centre
- community support worker
- educational/teaching assistant in a school
- family support worker
- residential support worker
- seniors support worker
Professional Accreditations & Recognition
Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD)
Graduates may apply to become members of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD) and its Developmental Services Special Interest Group (DSSIG).
Additional requirements may apply.
Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.
Social & Community - Human Services
Watch the video to hear what our graduates have to say about the Developmental Services Worker program and how the program prepared them for a rewarding career in the Human Services sector.
Humber Students Benefit from Five Centres of Innovation (COIs)
The Humber Centres of Innovation Network demonstrates our strong commitment to providing an experiential learning environment for students. Students and faculty work with industry partners on real-world challenges to prepare them to become the innovative and strategic problem-solvers of tomorrow. Come to Humber and experience interdisciplinary learning across five COIs.
About the COIsNews Feed
FI Students Partake in Annual Recovery Scattered Remains Lab
Program Highlights
Thu, April 27, 2023
Humber’s Forensic Identification program hosted the annual recovery of surface-scattered remains lab in collaboration with various community partners.
Welcoming Our New Associate Deans
Program Highlights
Wed, April 26, 2023
On February 6th, the FSCS officially welcomed Francis Syms into his new role as Associate Dean of Continuous Professional Learning (CPL).
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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.
