It takes compassion and skill to help children, youth, and adults with diverse needs reach their full potential.
UFV’s School and Community Support Worker certificate will prepare you to enhance quality of life and personal growth with adults and children in a range of settings.
In this program, you will receive the training you need to work as an education assistant, a key member of the classroom team. You’ll gain skills in guiding student behaviour, promoting inclusion, assisting with personal care, and supporting individual learning plans as directed by teachers.
This certificate will also equip you to serve as a community support worker, helping individuals of all ages and abilities to thrive in a variety of contexts - from recreational and vocational programs to long-term care facilities.
The program can be completed in two semesters if you study full time, or longer if you attend part time.
A key component of the School and Community Support Worker program is a 200-hour practicum. You’ll serve within a local school or community-based agency, allowing you to gain practical experience and receive helpful feedback so you can grow in your profession.
After you earn your certificate, you can pursue further UFV studies to earn a Social Service Worker diploma. You’re encouraged to meet with an academic advisor, who will be happy to review your educational plans and ensure you are on the right track. You may also choose to enhance your certificate by completing Continuing Education courses in sign language, computer skills, food safety, or other relevant support skills.
A strong majority of our students graduate and go on to fill the growing need for educational assistants across BC. The BC Labour Market Outlook estimates that from 2019-2029, there will be 5400 job openings for elementary & secondary school teacher assistants.
Community support workers will also be in demand. Community Living BC reports growing wait lists of adults with diverse abilities who require services. Over the next five years, a 36.2 percent increase in caseloads is expected. In light of this growing need, the 2019 BC budget includes $1,085.6 million for Community Living BC over the next two years. An additional funding of $8.8 million in 2019 and $9.5 million in 2020 will help support costs faced by home sharing providers.