ProgramsClassroom-Based ProgramsCommunity Mental Health & Addictions Worker

Community Mental Health & Addictions Worker

Program Overview

The unique curriculum for this program has been prepared in direct partnership with industry agencies supporting individuals with mental health challenges and addictions. Based on the input received from these industry partners, this program has been specifically designed to prepare students – philosophically, mentally/intellectually, emotionally, and experientially – for a successful career with longevity and the potential for advancement in the challenging field of mental health and addictions. This program respects the histories and vulnerabilities of many who are drawn to working in the field of mental health and addiction and provides ongoing support.

Program Goals

The Stenberg College Community Mental Health & Addictions Worker Training Program prepares graduates, through mental health worker courses, to:

1 Demonstrate the knowledge base, skills and attitudes consistent with industry expectations for entry level employment as a Community Mental Health & Addiction Worker.
2 Gain employment in the field within 6 months of graduation

Typical Job Duties

Community Mental Health & Addictions Workers assist individuals with mental health challenges, housing and addiction issues by encouraging and supporting them in their daily lives. They model, teach and support all functions of home life, daily living activities, leisure and recreation for improved quality of life for their clients. They
provide assistance, support and skill training to adult men and women to establish and maintain a stable living situation, as independently as possible. They discuss, isolate and assess problems, develop a flexible plan of action, ensure basic needs are met, network clientele with needed services and provide crisis intervention as necessary. They also act as coordinators for volunteers.Community Mental Health & Addictions Workers work alongside a diverse group of citizens to help discover hope and build optimism for the future.

Potential Employers

After graduating from the Community Mental Health & Addictions Program, you'll be qualified for employment as a:

  • Social Service Worker
  • Mental Health Worker
  • Drop-in Worker
  • Outreach Worker
  • Community Liaison Worker
  • Addictions Worker
  • Tenant Support Worker
  • Shelter Resource Worker
  • Employment Resource Worker
  • Employment Counsellor
  • Case Manager

Wages and Career Outlook

Wage and career outlook information is difficult to predict. Unlike other occupations, most opportunities in health and community outreach are driven by the current government policy rather than the business cycle. Based on recent employment statistics gathered by Stenberg College, the average starting wage for students who have completed this type of program and are working in their field of study is $18 per hour.

Use the following sites to obtain more career information. Please realize that survey results are based upon groupings of a large number of related jobs. Wages and career outlook may differ due to education level, geography and type of employer:

Is This Training Program for You?

It is if you:

1 Are non-judgmental, mature and tolerant
2 Like to support and encourage others
3 Are interested in improving the quality of life for those with mental health challenges and addictions
4 Are flexible and compassionate
5 Can communicate equally well with clients, their families and healthcare professionals
6 Have patience and can handle stress
7 Can remain calm when others exhibit aggressive behaviour
8 Want to have a career where you can truly make a difference in people's lives

Program Admission Requirements

  • Completion of Grade 12 or mature student status
  • Passing Stenberg College Entrance Examination
  • Passing Stenberg College Entrance Interview
  • Successful completion of a short written essay
  • Passing Verbal Test of English if English is a Second Language
  • Evidence of a minimum of 12 volunteer hours (community support / street level service experience)
  • A minimum of 2 years of sobriety for those with addiction issues
  • Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act

Prior to Program Admission, Program Advisors will outline practice education requirements for the program. Upon enrollment, students will be informed of next steps and timelines. Non-compliance could result in program dismissal. Requirements for practice education placements include:

  • Acceptable Criminal Record Search under the Criminal Record Review Act
  • Proof of Immunity Status as required by industry
  • Acceptable Medical Examination Form completed by a Physician

Program Advisors will work with students to obtain the following:

  • Proof of 12 volunteer or paid hours in community support / street level service experience
  • Reference letter stating suitability to work with mental health clients

NB: Additional criteria may be required to fulfill industry guidelines; students will be informed in advance of any requirements that need to be fulfilled for placements

Duration and Financing

Duration: 60 weeks including integrated and consolidated practice experience

Financing: You could be eligible for Employment Insurance Funding for education, government student loans as well as other financing options; the Stenberg College Financial Aid Officer would be happy to provide further assistance.

Quick Links

 
First Name: *
Last Name: *
Email: *
Phone: *
( )
City:
 Province:
When would you like to start?
High School Graduation Year:
Program of interest:*
Where did you hear about us:
Other

Over 92% of our graduates are working in their field of study within 6 months of graduation

2012 - 2013 2011 - 2012 2010 - 2011

Community Mental Health & Addictions Worker
Community Living BC
Fraser Health
Interior Health
MPA
Northern Health
Provincial Health Services
Psychosiphobia
Semiahmoo House Society
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver Island Health

"I can't thank you all at Stenberg enough. My experience was positive in every way. From encouragement and direction to inspiration and friendships. My instructor Evelyn was the factor in my sticking with the program at times of struggles with juggling life stressors. Thank you once again yo you Kathleen and all the others at Stenberg College for making a difference in my life. I will always value my time spent with such exceptional people."
Debbie D.