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| Community Mental Health & Addictions Worker |
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Program Courses
Orientation and Student Success Skills
This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to the program and will establish effective study skills. As with all new things, there will be some challenges to overcome; however, with this course, you will become familiar with your new environment and the resources available for your use. You will gain effective learning and study strategies; become familiar with course and research online resources; enhance reading and writing skills; participate in activities to increase self-awareness, communication, and accountability; and develop teamwork skills.
Communications 100: Professional Communications in Mental Health & Addictions
Students will learn theoretical and practical skills to promote effective communication with clients and co-workers in a helping relationship. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate an awareness of their own communication style and be able to use techniques such as empathy, active listening, probing and conflict resolution. Team building, decision-making, and planning will be explored from a care-based perspective.
Computer Science 100: Computer Fundamentals & Applications
You'll be introduced to – and gain skill working in – the Windows environment, as well as Outlook, Internet Explorer, and Excel. Special emphasis will be placed on using MS Word proficiently. Occupational Health 100: Creating the Safe Environment & Self Care: Setting Boundaries, Staying healthy & Dealing with Vicarious Trauma
This course introduces students to basic workplace safety necessary for employment in housing and/or social services. There is a certain degree of risk inherent to providing low barrier services to people who live every day in the face of enormous emotional pain, are often actively addicted, live with mental health issues, and are experiencing homelessness, poverty and social marginalization. Students will become familiar with the three main domains of safety for themselves and their clients.
Integrated Observational Experiences
Throughout their coursework, students will have integrated observation / job shadowing experiences so that they can form questions, observations and reflections and build connections and familiarity with the material they are learning in their coursework. Partnered with a ‘buddy' from their cohort, students will observe in at least 4 different settings for these integrated experiences and will reflect into a dedicated program ‘blog' site to share what they have observed / recorded.
Sociology 100: Introduction to Communities & Wellbeing
This course provides an introduction into society, what it is, how it functions, what are its components and how does society affect our health and well-being? Students will be introduced to the concept of social capital, identity, livability and dislocation in relation to their impact on health and community.
Sociology 101:Social Inequality, Health & Power I, II, & III
Students will be introduced to the social determinants of health and structural violence as a means to explore how power imbalances influence health. Students will look at both global health imbalances as well as local health inequalities. Students will challenge their own understanding of poverty in Canada as well as popular narratives around poverty and homelessness. Students will be asked to collect newspaper clippings regarding poverty and homelessness over the course of the first 10 weeks of the course. Articles may be from physical newspapers or web-based but should be from mainstream media sources.
Sociology 200: Understanding Poverty: Economics vs. Experience, What's the Difference?
This course re-addresses issues discussed Sociology 101 but with a more specific look at the experience of the working poor, housing and housing affordability in Vancouver. Students will receive an overview of housing policy as well as becoming familiar with different housing types and possible solutions. Additionally material will be thought through an experiential assignment involving panhandling.
Public Policy 100: Comparative National Housing Strategies
Is housing a right? Canada is the only G-8 country without a national housing strategy. This course investigates the national housing strategies of the United States, Great Britain and other European countries and develops a framework for a national housing strategy for Canada. Students will use current discourses on housing rights in Canada as a platform for discussion. Specifically students will become familiar with the Victoria v. Adams Case, 2008 BCSC 1363, social movements such as the Red Tent Campaign and how theories on addiction affect an individual's right to housing.
Psychology 110: Human Development Across the Lifespan
Understanding human development is basic to therapeutic practice and is essential for all work with clients. The first section in this course will focus on child development from pre-birth through to age 12 years; historical perspectives, theories and methods give students an understanding about early childhood studies, ethical issues and approaches to child study. Influences upon the developing child are studied and students are able to establish guidelines for the role of the practitioner. The focus for this course is on adolescence and the adult years. Topics in the adolescence to adulthood section of the course will include puberty, independence, coupling, aging and death and dying.
Psychology 120: Mental Health & Psychosocial Rehabilitation
This course introduces students to a brief history of psychiatry and its relationship to power. Students will explore the broad history of psychiatry as well as a targeted examination of the history of psychiatry, deinstitutionalization and "re-institutionalization” in British Columbia. Students will also learn to identify the most common mental health issues and apply the Psychosocial Rehabilitation model that supports, fosters and motivates client choices in their day-to-day lives. This course allows students to discover specific mental health services and providers, and identify how legal issues impact the delivery of mental health services.
Sociology 220: Youth Homelessness
Street youth are distinct from the adult homeless population in at least two major ways. Namely they causes of their homelessness is different; and secondly, street youth typically lack the experiences and resources to successfully live independently in the short run. In this course, there will be a discussion of these differences by visiting with youth serving organizations. Psychology 200: Life Skills Mentoring – Individually or in Groups
Life Skills are problem-solving behaviours appropriately and responsibly used in the management of personal affairs. The purpose of Life Skills training is to assist individuals to think through problems for themselves and to make their own decisions. The intent of the training is to increase a person's freedom of choice. The emphasis is on personal learning, which includes an ability to manage one's life effectively and with more confidence. In its truest sense, Life Skills training involves behaviour change (and accompanying change in attitude), new ways of interacting, of thinking and of problem-solving. Based on the NewStart Life Skills model, this course prepares students to develop Life Skills lessons and to facilitate groups, model and evaluate skills and support individualized learning with marginalized groups and individuals.
History 100: Urban Poverty, Aboriginal History, Cultural Implications and Impact
This course is divided into two components. The first explores Aboriginal history in Canada, BC and Vancouver while the second part of the course focuses more specifically on the history of the urban poverty in the Lower Mainland context. A discussion about homelessness in BC and Canada cannot occur without addressing the particular issues of Aboriginal homelessness. An explanation of Aboriginal homelessness must consider the historical and colonial legacy that has impacted families, communities and an Aboriginal way of life. First Nations people in Canada did not have the right to vote in Federal Elections until 1960, whereas Native Americans in the United States have been allowed to vote since the 1920s. Through film, literature and first person narrations, this course explores the treatment of Aboriginal people in Canada. Teachings will be from the perspective of members in the Aboriginal community and will involve a series of guest speakers and a visit to First Nations centers around the lower mainland. This course will look at issues of urban poverty, changing job markets, ghettos, and gentrification.
Women's Studies 100: Gender, Power & Poverty
This course examines the relationship between gender and poverty with a specific focus on the lived experience of Women in the DTES. Topics such as Prostitution, resources for Women, Women and Addiction, First Nations Women, and Women & Abuse will be covered.
Health 200: Health in the Areas of Urban Poverty I and II
This course is broadly divided into two areas: chronic illness and the emergence or reemergence of infectious diseases. Students will gain an introductory understanding of the health complications common in areas of urban poverty, among injection drug users, among crack users and among the working poor. Students will also be asked to examine notions are access to health and the role of discrimination in health care delivery.
Public Policy 110: Drug Policies, Theories of Addiction and a History of the Four Pillars Approach
This course examines theories of addictions and how the development of these theories has and continues to influence drug policy in different jurisdictions. The course provides a critical examination of the development and implementation of policies that support or challenge harm reduction; compares national/international drug policy and the 4-pillar drug strategy framework.
Psychology 210: Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a directive, client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence (Miller & Rollnick, 2002).. Compared with nondirective counseling, it is more focused and goal-directed. It is a subtle balance of directive and client-centred components shaped by a guiding philosophy and understanding of what triggers change. This course introduces students to the concepts and practices of motivational interviewing, particularly with groups; adolescents and young adults; criminal justice populations; and in the treatment of concurrent disorders.
Psychology 250: Advanced Motivational Interviewing
Developing expertise in motivational interviewing (MI) takes practice which is the intent of this 2 week course. Students learn, step-by-step how to practice core MI skills: raising the importance of behaviour change, fostering the client's confidence, resolving ambivalence, solidifying commitment to change, and negotiating a change plan. Students learn to use microskills that many clinicians already know: open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening and summaries, or OARS for short. In addition to videos, classroom presentations, and small group role plays, the textbook/workbook is packed with real-world examples from a range of clinical settings, as well as sample interactions and hands-on learning activities.
Psychology 220: Seeking Safety: Treatment for PTSD & Substance Abuse
Seeking Safety is a present-focused therapy to help people attain safety from trauma/PTSD and substance abuse. The treatment is available as a book, providing both client handouts and guidance for clinicians. The treatment was designed for flexible use. It has been conducted in group and individual format; for women, men and mixed-gender; using all topics or fewer topics; in a variety of settings (outpatient, inpatient, residential); and for both substance abuse and dependence. It has also been used with people who have a trauma history, but do not meet criteria for PTSD.
Psychology 230: Assessment & Resources
In addition to gaining a working knowledge of the screening and assessment tools used in mental health and addictions, this course shows how to utilize resources and make the best use of local treatment and support services. Particular emphasis will be placed on suicide assessment and prevention, particularly in the First Nation's community.
Pharmacology 100: Basic Pharmacology in Mental Health & Substance Abuse
This course focuses on the basic pharmacology of mental health problems and substance use. It is for front-line workers, care providers, case managers and clinicians working in mental health and substance use programs. Topic areas covered include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynmics, how neurotransmitters work, and the effects of psychiatric medications and substance use on the brain.
Psychology 240: Concurrent Disorders
This course is designed to help students gain skills and knowledge to better identify, assess and provide treatment to people with concurrent disorders.
Communications 200: Ethics & Case Management
This course was designed for community-based health service providers who train, employ or work as case managers. Its intent is to create consistency across diverse educational and experiential backgrounds in case management. This course will assist participants in developing the requisite attitudes, knowledge and skills to work as effective case managers.
Public Policy 210: Understanding Government Agencies/Resources
This course will help students understand Social Services' policies, procedures and resources so they can better assist and advocate for their clients in navigating the system. In the last week of the course students will be expected to draw on everything learned throughout their different courses to explore and make policy recommendations that fill the gaps in service delivery. Students will present these policy suggestions to the class and as a policy briefing report.
Public Policy 220: Policy Recommendations
Students will be expected to draw on everything learned throughout their different courses to explore and make policy recommendations that fill the gaps in service delivery. Students will present these policy suggestions to the class and as a policy briefing report.
Professional Development 110: Career Search Strategies
This course is offered in a combined online and classroom delivery format. In the guided online sessions, students learn to network effectively, prepare targeted resumes and cover letters, and follow up in their job search. In the instructor-led session, students are provided with a personalized critique of their resume, cover letter, and online profiles and are also given the opportunity to practice and perfect interview skills.
Practicum
This 4 week, 160-hour work experience provides students with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a community / mental health setting. Students will be required to be available during the day, afternoon, evening and weekends. Upon completion of this program, students are fully prepared to assist those with mental health and addiction issues.
Additional Certification(s)
The program also includes the following essential industry-related training and certification:
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WHMIS trainers provide information about materials in the workplace that can be hazardous, such as cleaning agents, compressed gases and flammable materials. Becoming WHMIS certified will demonstrate that you are able to identify hazardous materials and handle them properly.
FOODSAFE Level One
You’ll learn how to prepare food in a way that protects customers from injury or illness. Some of the topics covered are food-borne diseases, personal hygiene and safe procedures for storing.
Standard First Aid - CPR/HCP/AED
You’ll receive Red Cross Standard First Aid Certification including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Health Care Provider (HCP) and Automated External Defibrillation (AED). This industry standard certification is valid for three years.
Non- Violent Crisis Resolution
You learn how to deal with people who are disruptive or out of control, using verbal techniques for de-escalating conflict and restraint techniques when physical intervention is necessary.
Personal & Professional Development Skills Certificate
Responding carefully to the needs of today’s employers, a series of Personal and Professional Development Workshops have been integrated throughout the program to develop critical thinking and soft skills. Workshops include Self-Awareness & Listening Skills, Exploring Values & Beliefs, Stress Management, Giving & Receiving Feedback, Leadership, Time Management Skills and Interview Skills.
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