Do you have
excellent written and oral communication skills; decision making and problem
solving skills; the desire, ability and maturity required to engage in intense
therapeutic relationships with children, youth and families; the ability to be
reliable and consistent; the flexibility and creativity required to adopt new
ways of doing things; the ability to work in a team environment with children,
youth, and families, and other professionals; enjoy working with young people
and families, keeping in touch with others involved in the helping process; and
finding innovative solutions to problems?
If so, according to
Alberta Learning Informative Service, you may have what it takes to become a Child
and Youth Worker – and Centennial College has just the program for you.
The three-year offering is open to
applicants who have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or
equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older); and English Grade 12
C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or are willing to take the
Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission.
Students take classes from the
college’s Progress Campus, which includes a specially designed communications
lab that is used extensively for interactive learning activities, counseling
simulations and small group observation and feedback. This is a vital feature
as the program prides itself on a hands-on approach to teaching. Additionally,
the campus is centrally located and easily accessible by public transit.
Not only is the content in the
offering reviewed and revised annually to ensure that courses and assignments
are based on current research and best practices, it is also presented by a
highly supportive faculty group. These instructors have extensive teaching and
field experience and work closely with students to develop their full
potential. Among the specific topics that students are taught are: principles
of psychology, child and adolescent mental health, advocacy and law in
children’s mental health, working with traumatized children and youth, child
abuse, crisis theory and intervention, and more.
While students receive an
extensive amount of hands-on training on campus, the Child and Youth Worker
program recognizes the importance of applying newly acquired knowledge to the
field. As such, students participate in three field experiences during which
they are supervised by faculty members while relating skills such as
counseling, group work, and treatment planning. Possible placement
opportunities include: residential and day treatment programs, hospitals, young
offender programs, crisis centres, community-based programs and shelters. To
partake in the field placements, students must: obtain a clear police check
with vulnerable sector screening; provide proof of immunization requirements;
successfully complete a standard first aid and heart saver AED(C)
certification; and provide a medical certificate of health to ensure freedom of
communicable disease.
It is worth noting
that professionals who work with troubled youth and their families are in high
demand by agencies serving these populations.
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