Get the Details!
Program Availability
Online, In-Person, Hybrid
Schedule
Morning / Afternoon / Evening / Weekend
Start date
Monthly
Course starting in
Graduate with a CDSW Diploma in 57 weeks
A career where you can change people’s lives for the better.
Some people need a little extra help in life, and it takes a special kind of caring person to provide that support. If you have a compassionate personality, and the ability to connect with people and assist them through trying times, then you could thrive as a Community and Developmental Service Worker (CDSW).
Be trained to help those who struggle with social challenges, be it mental and physical disabilities, or those with mental health and addictions issues.
- Help people through critical situations
- Get clients back on track with goal setting and attainment strategies
- Enable them to become healthy and functional members of society
Invaluable CDSW Skills
Become qualified in Community and Developmental Service Work with academic knowledge and practical skills.
As a CDSW you will:
Administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services.
Interview clients to obtain case history and background information and assist with personal and social challenges, skills, strengths and deficits
Explore options and develop plans of action while providing necessary support and assistance
Locate and utilize community resources including legal, medical, and financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, assistance with moves, daycare, and other referral services
Counsel clients living in group homes and half-way houses, supervise their activities and assist in pre-release and release planning
Provide crisis intervention and emergency shelter services
Implement life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, behaviour management programs, youth services programs, and other community and social service programs under the supervision of social services or healthcare professionals
Gain valuable experience through placements in community support settings
Placement Opportunities
- CDSW provides 14-weeks of valuable onsite, hands-on practice
- You will be fully immersed in useful practical training
- Many past graduates have gained employment at their placement sites
- CDSW is also a gateway program to Addictions and Mental Health (AMH)
- You can obtain Advanced Standing for previously completed AMH modules
Countless Career Opportunities
Oxford College Graduates are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, school boards, correctional facilities, and other establishments. Upon completion of the program, you may find employment as:
- Special Needs Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Life Skills Instructor
- Community Development Worker
- Group Home Worker
- Developmental Services Worker
- Mental Health Worker
Community Developmental Service Worker Salary
$46,946
Median Annual Salary
90%
Employment Rate*
- Graduates hired by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies and group homes
- Practical, hands-on training through placements in community support settings
- Advance into Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and much more!
*Employment Rate based on 2022 contactable Oxford College graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
Flexible Program Options
Wish to start a new career but have conflicting priorities? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. At Oxford College, we offer flexible class schedules including Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Weekend sessions. We also offer flexible learning options (Online, Hybrid and In-person) for many of our programs.
For more information about Oxford College’s flexible program options, inquire today!
Program details
Are you keen on making a difference in peoples’ lives? Do you want to help those who are less fortunate and need help to get back on their feet? If you’re looking to launch a rewarding career in an in-demand industry, then Oxford College’s Community and Developmental Services Worker diploma program can get you started.
Community and Developmental Service Workers learn how to counsel clients living in group homes and who are taking advantage of social service programs. You will supervise clients’ activities and assist them in pre-release and release planning. There is also volunteer work involved in the field – you will understand how to coordinate volunteer activities for human service agencies, healthcare facilities, and art and sports organizations.
Courses such as Working with Addictions, CPR and First Aid, Group Work & Human Relations, Psychology, and Introduction to Mental Health will provide you with a secure foundation to work closely with clients who require legal, financial, housing, employment, and other services.
Students enrolled in our Community Services Worker program receive:
- 2-month internship
- Updated Curriculum to reflect industry standards
- There are two courses focused specifically on Developmental Disabilities
Course Listings: Community Developmental Service Worker
- GEES 106 – Essential Skills I: Communication Skills
- GEES 107 – Essential Skills II: Financial Skills
- GEES 108 – Essential Skills III: Career Skills
- SSFP 107 – Fundamentals of Psychology
- SSHP 107 – Becoming a Helping Professional
- SSCB 107 – Community Building
- SSSO 107 – Sociology I
- SSSO 207 – Sociology II: Issues in Diversity
- SSLS 107 – Life Skills and Group Work
- DSSF 106 – Lifespan Development
- DSHS 106 – Human Sexuality
- GEFA 106 – First Aid and CPR
- GENV 107 – Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- CDFP 106 – Field Preparation I
- CDFP 206 – Field Preparation II
- CDIN 106 – Fundamentals of Interviewing
- CDFC 106 – Fundamentals of Counselling
- CDAD 106 – Fundamentals of Addiction
- CDCW 106 – Community Work and Social Issues
- CDMH 106 – Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis
- CDDD 106 – Developmental Disabilities I
- CDDD 206 – Developmental Disabilities II
- CDFP 300 – Human Services Field Placement I
- CDMP 106 – Mid-Placement Discussion
- CDFP 400 – Human Services Field Placement II
- CDVH 106 – Community Volunteer Work Hours
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary Student Diploma (OSSD) OR Mature Student Status with Wonderlic
– Clear CPIC with VSS
– Current Immunization
Why Choose Oxford College?
Career-Focused Education
All of the diploma programs are designed for long-term careers in high-growth industries, offering you superior fast-track education
Expert Instructors
Our faculty consists of experienced and well-trained staff, who will give you industry-relevant knowledge along with your career training
Modern Facilities
The state-of-the-art classrooms and labs are compliant with industry standards and allow for an emphasis on practical training
Easy Campus Access
All our six campuses are located along transit hubs making travel easy and conveniences accessible.
Flexible Start Dates
Flexible program start dates allow you to plan and begin your new career training at any time
Financial Aid
Financial Aid may be available to those who qualify. We have dedicated staff who can assist you with the Financial Aid process
Frequently Asked Questions about Community Services Workers
What is a Community and Developmental Service Worker?
A Community and Developmental Service Worker is an individual who provides support and assistance to people in various communities, typically in a social or welfare context. Their primary role is to help individuals or groups facing social, economic, or personal challenges by connecting them with essential resources, offering guidance, and facilitating access to community programs and services.
Community and Developmental Service Workers often work in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or healthcare settings, and their responsibilities may include case management, advocacy, crisis intervention, and promoting community engagement to improve the well-being of those they serve.
How much does a Community and Developmental Service Worker make?
The salary of a Community and Developmental Service Worker can vary widely depending on factors such as location, level of education, years of experience, and the specific organization or agency they work for. According to Job Bank, the average hourly wage of a Community and Developmental Service worker is $25 and can be as high as $39.