Indigenous Community Support Worker Certificate

Learn how to support and assist Indigenous individuals and families in this hands-on certificate, covering foundational training required by all community based workers. This program encourages a direct person-to-person and family based approach and includes a practicum for experience in an entry-level position at a community organization.

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Alice George, Aboriginal Community Support Worker certificate graduate

Campus

  • Distance
View schedule and campus details
Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Certificate

Delivery options

Online, Part-Time

Tuition and fees

2023-24: $6,059.03

Program details

The 375-hour Indigenous Community Support Worker Certificate prepares learners to support and assist Indigenous Individuals and families, both on- and off-reserve, to enhance their quality of life. In addition to covering the core training required by all community workers, this program enables learners to develop knowledge and direct employment-related skills required to work with the unique needs of Indigenous people and communities.


This program emphasizes a person/family-centred and holistic approach to community support work and includes a 70-hour practicum at approved organizations. Graduates are prepared to work in entry-level positions under direction and supervision, and practice professionally as part of a support team in community-based organizations that work with Indigenous persons.

Already have experience in this area? This program qualifies for our Recognition of Prior Learning review. If some of your previous experience could apply to this program, please click here for more information.

Aboriginal Community Support Worker Shannon Peltier

Shannon Peltier was inspired to train to provide support to Indigenous youth and families by her Nohkom (grandmother). She found that opportunity through the Aboriginal Community Support Worker (ACSW) Certificate program at Okanagan College. She now works as an Indigenous Education Advocate working with students.

Read Shannon's story

Campus Start date Schedule
Distance Sep. 04, 2024

Online. Mon & Wed 6 - 9 p.m. & various Saturdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Admission requirements

  • B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
  • English 12 with minimum 60% or equivalent.
  • A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's admission offices will provide applicants with instructions and forms for applicants to submit to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.

Program outline

ICSW 111 - Indigenous Peoples of Canada
ICSW 112 - Social Determinants within Indigenous Communities
ICSW 113 - Introduction to Indigenous Traditional Knowledge Systems
ICSW 114 - Introduction to Indigenous Law
ICSW 115 - Professional Practice in Human Service Work
ICSW 116 - Holistic Supports and Services
ICSW 117 - Health, Safety and Wellness
ICSW 118 - Interpersonal Skills for Human Service Professionals
ICSW 119 - Human Development/Lifespan
ICSW 120 - Reconciliation: Relationships and Indigenous Communities
ICSW 121 - Introduction to Substance Abuse Counselling
ICSW 122 - Group Facilitation
ICSW 123 - Motivational Interviewing
ICSW 124 - Workshops
ICSW 125 - Practicum

Learners must pass the practicum and attain a minimum grade of 70% in each course in the program to receive the certificate.

Additional information

View the official Calendar details and policies
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View the Tuition and fees page

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