LOOKING FOR A REWARDING CAREER? Consider Kwantlen University College’s Community Support Worker Program!

People with mental disabilities increasingly participate in valued community roles such as friend, citizen, employee and neighbor, creating the need for qualified workers to support people in everyday activities at home or in school. Students develop the knowledge and skills required to work as teaching assistants in schools or as CSWs in community agencies.

The program promotes inclusion and participation, and emphasizes supporting people with dignity and respect. Classroom instruction and practicum experiences focus on enabling students to integrate knowledge, theory and practice, with a developing sense of who they are. The program is taught at the Langley Campus (20901 Langley Bypass) in Langley. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

The CSW Program offers both a certificate and a diploma. Students can obtain transfer credit and enter select degree programs at the University of Calgary, Athabasca University, Malaspina University College, and the University of Victoria.

Successful certificate graduates can continue for an additional semester and earn a diploma. The diploma is offered both part time and full time. Courses are scheduled for late afternoon or early evening to accommodate people who are working.

What graduates say about the CSW Program

“I can’t seem to brag enough about my experience in this course. It has helped me see my capabilities academically and opened my eyes to so many more possibilities.” Mai Saechao CSW Program graduate

“This program has helped me fully understand my role as a support worker. It helps you form your beliefs and values before you begin to work.” Denny Ferreira CSW Program graduate

“The program has opened my eyes and taught me to think in a new way. The community support field needs people who are not just followers but who offer choices and see people for who they really are.” Sherry Reierson CSW Program graduate 2001 Community Living Institute Outstanding Student

“I would encourage anyone to take this program. You will not only learn how to be a positive influence in the community, you will learn about yourself and grow as a person.” Shannon Crutchley CSW Program graduate Special Education Assistant, Surrey School District

“This program prepared me for my job within community living and taught me so much valuable information that I apply in my everyday work.” Allyson Rose CSW Program graduate Community Support Worker / Key Worker Spectrum Society for Community Living

“The knowledge I have gained has assisted me to obtain a fabulous position in the community living field.” Cynthia Roling CSW Program graduate Day Services Director, Milieu Family Services

What employers say about the CSW Program

“We have had a number of practicum students from Kwantlen University College and regularly hire graduates of the CSW program. Graduates... are well prepared for working in community living agencies like ours. Delta Community Living Society has established a CSW certificate as the minimum qualification required for employment. The certificate must be from a post secondary institution like Kwantlen University College.” Doug Woollard, Former Executive Director Delta Community Living Society

“Richmond Society for Community Living is frequently recruiting qualified staff. Candidates that have completed a certificate or diploma from one of the publicly funded colleges like Kwantlen University College are always our first choice. Richmond Society always looks forward to having Kwantlen practicum students. As an organization, we gain as much from the practicum placements as the students. We have found that Kwantlen graduates possess appropriate and necessary skills and knowledge to successfully work in the community living field.” Janice Barr, Executive Director Richmond Society for Community Living

Things to remember about the CSW Program

 Innovative and widely recognized  A practicum each semester  Part time or full time studies  Student loans or bursaries are available  You receive a Kwantlen University College certificate or diploma upon completion  Certificate - (day time only)  Diploma - (evenings)

QUESTIONS that might encourage you to consider the CSW program

 Do you like talking and being with people?  Are you interested in helping others make changes in their lives?  Are you energetic, creative and flexible?  Do you like learning about yourself and others?  Are you interested in having the chance to work in schools and in the community?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, the Community Support Worker Program may be for YOU!

Need further convincing? Here are 10 reasons to take the CSW Program

 If you want a job, you’ll get one.  You’ll make a decent salary with benefits.  There are many career opportunities.  It’s life changing.  You’ll make a difference in someone’s life.

 It’s rewarding.  The instructors are excellent.  Your fellow students are interesting and caring.  You’ll have good job mobility.  You’ll be part of Canada’s largest University College and graduate with a recognized certificate or diploma.

Students inside the Classroom