How do I get started with the admissions process?

You can call us or visit our website to fill out a form; from there, an admissions advisor will help you with the whole process of getting started.

What kind of jobs can I get with this diploma?

There are various job opportunities, but after graduating from this course you can pursue roles such as Community Support Worker, Family Support Worker, Correctional Facility Support, and Substance Treatment Centre Support.

Does this program include a practicum?

Yes, this program has a practicum of 8 weeks. You will get hands-on training during the practicum placement.

What are the learning outcomes of this online Addictions and Community Service Worker Diploma?

The curriculum includes a wide range of topics, such as Abuse and Vulnerable Population, Addictions Fundamentals, Basics of Psychology, Trauma and Crisis Intervention, Guidelines for Practice, Interviewing and Counselling Skills, Pharmacology, Recovery Skills and Prevention, Treatment and Intervention, Working with Youth and Families, and Working With Groups.

Addictions and Community Service Worker Diploma Online Program

Delivery Method

Online

Program Duration

56 Weeks Total

Practicum Duration

8 Weeks

Program Schedule

Morning, Evening or Weekend

Next Start Dates

Mar 2 & Apr 27, 2026

Apply Online Today

Program Overview

Admission Requirements

Student Testimonials

Readiness Quiz

Addictions and Community Service Worker
Diploma Summary

The Addictions and Community Service Worker Diploma is a 100% Online program that fosters the confidence graduates need to start a rewarding new career in 13 months, providing support to those struggling with challenging circumstances. Students are empowered with the skills needed to become front-line workers supporting individuals, families, and communities experiencing a variety of adversities. This online program provides learning opportunities that will challenge students to reach their full potential and expand their perspectives. A mandatory practicum placement allows students to apply their education and skills in a real-world setting before transitioning to the workplace.

Work in the field of community support services is incredibly rewarding. Professionals often express a significant level of job/work satisfaction from the impact and overall difference their work can make in someone's life. Addictions and community support workers hold professional jobs in a wide range of settings, including but not limited to group homes, outreach services, residential treatment facilities, domestic violence shelters, and many other not-for-profit and social service agencies.

Addictions and Community Service
Course Highlights

Study Online- Study online with a schedule that seamlessly aligns with your home, work, and other commitments.

Enhance your skills- Enhance your communication and technical skills needed to work in the community and assist those who suffer from personal, social, and/or substance issues.

Support Clients- Learn how to assess clients’ emotional or health-related needs and to develop action plans to support those clients.

Learn Basics- Explore topics such as the basic concepts of psychology, impacts of stigma, effects of trauma throughout the lifespan, crisis interventions, and addiction treatment approaches.

Risk Factors and Perpetration- Recognize disorders and mental health concerns with those at high risk for addictions, abuse and violence, vulnerable populations, and more.

Victimization and Vulnerable Groups- Understanding these core concepts of the helping profession prepares graduates to provide the crucial support their future clients deserve.

Career Opportunities

According to the Canadian Job Bank, future job prospects for the Addictions and Community Service Worker over the next three years are good across most provinces. The highest demand is expected in British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Yukon Territory, followed by other provinces. Graduates of our Addictions and Community Service Worker Online Program are prepared for roles such as:

Role	Work Setting	Key Duties
Community Support Worker	Non-profit agencies, social service organizations, community outreach programs	Assist clients with daily needs; connect to community resources; maintain case notes
Recovery Coach / Support Worker	Residential treatment centres, detox facilities, outpatient recovery programs	Support clients through recovery milestones; facilitate peer-led group sessions; assist with relapse prevention planning
Family Support Worker	Children's Aid Societies, family resource centres, government social services	Assess family needs; develop action plans; liaise with schools and healthcare providers
Crisis Intervention Worker	Crisis lines, emergency shelters, mobile outreach teams, hospital ERs	De-escalate acute situations; conduct risk assessments; connect clients to immediate care
Youth / Child & Youth Worker	Youth shelters, group homes, after-school programs, correctional youth facilities	Provide mentorship and emotional support; develop life skills plans; monitor progress
Residential Support Worker	Group homes, transitional housing, continuing care facilities, halfway houses	Supervise daily living; administer medication support; document resident behaviour
Women’s Shelter / Outreach Worker	Domestic violence shelters, women's resource centres, Indigenous service organizations	Provide trauma-informed support; safety planning; referrals to legal and housing services
Correctional Facility Support Worker	Federal and provincial correctional facilities, parole and probation offices	Support rehabilitation programs; facilitate reintegration planning; coordinate with case managers

Salary Range

The anticipated salary range for Addictions and Community Service Workers across Canada is $33,000 to $45,000 based on experience. According to the Canadian Job Bank, hourly wages range between $18/hr and $35/hr, with a median rate of $25/hr.

Nunavut, Yukon Territory, and the Northwest Territories are at the higher end of the scale.

Blue rectangular boxes with white fonts and an arrow that shows the estimated salary range for Addictions and Community Service Worker

Addictions and Community Service Worker Diploma Information Kit

This kit includes important details on the Addictions and Community Service Worker Diploma program at ABM College.

Course Curriculum

The Negative Impacts of Stigma — Students examine the current and historical views of addiction and the damaging misconceptions which have had significant negative impacts. B) Pharmacology — Concentrates on the basic pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of psychoactive drugs (illicit and legal) and their effects on the mind and body. C) Drug Policy and the Law — Examining the historical roots of the racially oppressive ideologies which created drug policy.

High Risk Populations — Students learn the definition of what it means to belong to one of the vulnerable populations in society what that experience looks like. B) Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault/Child Abuse — Students discuss the impacts domestic violence takes on survivors of abuse in all forms (physical, emotional, financial, etc.) and the disturbing intersection to child abuse. C) First Nations/Seniors/LGBT/Persons with Disabilities — Highlights the ageist, homophobic, and prejudice.

Family Dynamics — Completion of this module will prepare students with knowledge of common dysfunctional family dynamics, an overview of common family therapy approaches, and a first hand look at the use of Genograms. B) Addictions and Families — This course will explore the implications of substance use on families and the special considerations that need to be addressed when working with clients and the importance of including their families in the process.

Understanding Values — Students learn how to build an awareness of the values which shape us and allow us to work with clients in ethically driven and supportive ways. B) The Helping Professions — Students are introduced to various methods of documenting required of all helping professionals working with clients. C) Communications Strategies and Professional Practice — This subject helps students in working effectively in a professional relationship.

Relapse Prevention — Students explore the reasons for, and the most accepted forms to help prevent, the very common experience of relapse in the recovery process. B) Intervention and Rehabilitation — Students develop the knowledge and skills to assist in minimizing and preventing the effects of prolonged periods of relapse during the journey of recovery. C) Motivational Interviewing — Students learn strategies to motivate clients during interviews throughout the recovery and treatment process.

For this capstone project, students will use skills and competencies obtained through their academic studies to translate addiction and community service knowledge into practice. They will develop an addiction and community service or practical tool based on a determined need that may be used for prevention or screening purposes, direct client education, clinic use, etc. Students will have the opportunity to determine their own special topic for this project; it will be based on need, current research and best practice. Students will work independently to complete this project, with support from the instructor. This capstone project will promote collaboration, community partnerships, prevention and health promotion in addiction and community service.

Admissions Requirements

Hear from an Addictions & Community Service Worker Graduate

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Why Study Addictions and Community Service Worker Online at ABM College?

Flexible Learning Schedule - Study around your existing work and personal commitments. Online access allows you to complete coursework at times, making education more accessible.
Gain Practical Tech Skills - Develop proficiency with digital communication and case management tools essential for the modern workplace, preparing you for increasingly common telehealth and online support roles.
Learn in a Relevant Environment - Master the skills of client engagement, counselling, and community support through the same online mediums you will likely use to serve clients in your future career.
Focused & Self-Paced Progress - The online format allows for concentrated learning and the ability to review challenging material as needed, potentially leading to a deeper understanding of complex topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Success Stories: Addictions & Community Service Worker Program Graduates

"I completed the Addiction Community Service Worker program, and it has been an incredible journey. As a support worker, my goal is to assist individuals struggling with addiction by providing compassionate, non- judgmental support and understanding. I would like to thank my Instructor Dr Elyse Mireille Charrois. Dr Elyse has been amazing. Thank you ..."

I completed the Addiction Community Service Worker program, and it has been an incredible journey. As a support worker, my goal is to assist individuals struggling with addiction by providing compassionate, non-judgmental support and understanding. I would like to thank my Instructor Dr. Elyse Mireille Charrois. Dr. Elyse has been amazing. Thank you for teaching me the APA Format and how to do in-text citations. Thanks ABM College.

Lydia Harerimana
Graduate of Addictions and Community Service Worker Program
"Graduating as an Addictions and Community Service Worker Diploma holder from ABM College, I feel fulfilled, grateful, and ready to..."

Deborah Cheesman
Graduate of Addictions and Community Service Worker Program
"The experience of this online class at ABM College was amazing and positive. For me, I found it relaxing to be able to turn the work on the assignment and quizzes at my leisure and when I had time. The course Addiction and Community Service Worker is to offered different different types of support and to provide the better care to the client. I am ..."

"The experience of this online class at ABM College was amazing and positive. For me, I found it relaxing to be able to turn the work on the assignment and quizzes at my leisure and when I had time. The course Addiction and Community Service Worker is to offered different different types of support and to provide the better care to the client. I am so grateful to have some knowledge in this course not only for my self and it can be share also to our family and people around me. Thank you ABM College!"

Bernadette Cartin
Graduate of Addictions and Community Service Worker Program
"Cheri Ann, was not only proud of being a Valedictorian from 2020, but she was also proud of making the decision to pursue this program. In the..."

Cherie Ann
Graduate of Addictions and Community Service Worker Program
"I am thrilled to share my positive experience at ABM College, where I am pursuing my studies in addiction and community service. Amazing instructors like Dr. Elyse Charrios, Dr.Sobia Akram Khawaja and other staff are truly remarkable. They bring a deep level of expertise and a genuine passion for their subjects, making each class engaging and insightful. The institution ..."

"I am thrilled to share my positive experience at ABM College, where I am pursuing my studies in addiction and community service. Amazing instructors like Dr. Elyse Charrios, Dr.Sobia Akram Khawaja and other staff are truly remarkable. They bring a deep level of expertise and a genuine passion for their subjects, making each class engaging and insightful. The institution stands out for its unwavering commitment to addressing addiction and its profound impact on the community. I am proud to be your student."

Emmanuel Orajiaka
Graduate of Addictions and Community Service Worker Program
“I was one of the students who always asked for help. Our program instructor Kathy and ABM staff were a…”

Joanna Carujano
Graduate of Addictions and Community Service Worker Program

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