Things you learn in an Addictions and Community Service Worker Diploma Program

re you considering a career as a community service worker in Alberta or Ontario? Preparing to enter the workforce by equipping yourself with the right skills and experience can propel you toward success. By enrolling in an Addictions and Community Service Worker program, you can pave the way for advancing your career and joining a stable community of support workers. 

Before you join the program, you may be curious to know more about it and the components that you’ll study. Through this blog, we’ll highlight the major elements of an Addictions and Community Service Worker diploma program, and what you’ll learn throughout the course journey. Let’s take a look at the things you’ll learn in detail.

ABM College's Addictions and Community Service Worker Diploma equips students with the technical and communication abilities required to work in the community and help those who struggle with personal, social, and/or substance issues. Students learn how to identify clients' emotional or medical needs and create support plans for them.

Basics of Psychology 

Students learn the basics of psychology with a foundational understanding of terminology and ideas in psychology that they can use in their daily lives. You get to examine the stages of human development in lifespan growth. As a part of the module, you also get an Introduction to mental health where the concepts of mental health and behaviour evaluation are covered. 

Addictions Fundamentals 

Students study the historical and contemporary perceptions of addiction as well as the harmful myths that have had a substantial detrimental impact. The module emphasizes the fundamental pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psychoactive substances (both illegal and legal) as well as their impacts on the body and psyche. You get to know the Drug Policy and the Law and various models of addictions. This course examines the subject of why some people experience major, life-altering dependency issues while others do not, with a focus on traditional theoretical understanding of addictive behaviour. Students study the work, the ethics, and the core competencies professionals must uphold in order to support their clients. 

Abuse and Vulnerable Populations

Students learn about high risk populations and get an understanding of what it means to be a member of one of society's most vulnerable groups and what that experience entails. This module also teaches domestic violence/sexual assault/child abuse clauses. Students talk about the tormenting connections between domestic violence and child abuse as well as the effects it has on victims of abuse in all forms (physical, emotional, financial, etc.). You get to know about the first nations/seniors/LGBT/persons with disabilities. Students get a deeper knowledge of what causes someone to be homeless as well as the value of treating every member of society with respect and decency.

Trauma & Crisis Intervention

You learn about the practice of self care and self-care techniques because, in the field of support work, neglecting one's own needs can cause you to fail your clients. Students are able to exhibit understanding of the psychosocial, psychical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects that contribute to the trauma reaction. The module discusses methods for assisting individuals in getting over their loss while they are mourning. You become more confident in your capacity to identify, evaluate, and support crisis situations. You also become more familiar with the proper intervention tactics. You learn various models for preventing suicide, such as those that employ psychological first aid techniques.

Working with Youth and Families 

After completing this module, students are prepared with understanding of typical dysfunctional family dynamics, a summary of typical family therapy techniques, and an up-close look at the application of Genograms. This course examines how substance abuse affects families, as well as the unique issues that must be taken into account while working with clients and the significance of involving their families in the process. You learn the skills necessary to work effectively with young people, which requires unique considerations. This module covers a number of typical problems that young people encounter in today's society. 

Guidelines for Practice 

Students learn how to develop an understanding of the values that guide our actions and enable us to collaborate with clients in ways that are morally responsible and encouraging. You are introduced to various types of documentation necessary for all helping professionals to use while dealing with clients. You learn to collaborate productively in a work environment. Topics covered include general communication, language, public speaking, persuasion, nonverbal communication, and more. You get to know about examining theory and knowledge of how to effectively support clients. This course provides students a closer look at what it means to be compassionate, why giving advice is ineffective, and the methods by which one might help clients.

Other Skills and Practicum 

Graduates of the program are equipped and ready to offer the vital support that their future clients need since they are familiar with the fundamental principles of the helping profession. You learn about pharmacology, recovery skills and prevention, interviewing and counselling skills, working with groups, treatment with intervention, and hands-on experience with practicum. This part of the course requires students to spend four weeks in a work environment where they can practice using the skills they have acquired.

Final Thoughts 

The Addictions and Community Service Worker Diploma Program available at Toronto Campus and Calgary Campus helps graduates develop the self-assurance they need to embark on a fulfilling new profession as supporters of those facing difficult circumstances. Students gain the knowledge and abilities necessary to act as front-line support for people, families, and communities dealing with a variety of challenges. The curriculum offers possibilities for study that will push students to realize their full potential and broaden their horizons. Prior to entering the workforce, students can put their education and talents to use in the real world by participating in a required practicum.

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