Students wanting to become community service workers are in a unique position to explore rewarding careers in a broad range of fields. They have an opportunity to assist others and giving back to the community–through different work environments.
As a community service worker, you’ll develop the necessary skills to work with people in different age groups with a variety of social and emotional issues. You will also receive technical training that focuses on the helping process, human development, first aid, CPR, and crisis prevention. The practical experience gained from your program equips you with the tools you need to make a real difference in people’s lives.
We will help introduce four different work environments that students in community service worker programs can consider exploring after completing their studies!
1. Becoming a Child and Youth Worker at Counselling and Advocacy Centres
Graduates of a community service program have many employment environments to choose from. One of them is counselling and advocacy centres, where graduates can help guide children and adolescents through difficult situations—possibly including family issues, bullying, or even substance abuse.
In this role, you would provide a valuable service that contributes to a better life for children and adolescents. By conducting interviews and counselling clients, relying on case reports and statistical data, you can help ensure that those in need of help receive better care and support. Students interested in becoming child and youth workers at counselling and advocacy centres can look forward to a rewarding career that would prioritize the well-being of minors.
2. Working with Adults or Youth at Residential Care Facilities
Group homes and residential care facilities offer community service workers a range of possible work experiences depending on the type or purpose of the facility. Some options may include: houses or treats injured seniors, adults diagnosed with mental illness, youth with behavioural issues, or residents suffering from substance abuse.
Although each type of residential care facility comes with its own set of specific duties and responsibilities, graduates of community service programs can expect to work directly with patients and clients—greeting and guiding patients through the facility as well as helping them develop key life skills that increase their independence. Graduates can rely on their community service worker training to monitor and effectively communicate with residents–working towards crisis prevention while promoting their health and safety.
3. Making a Difference in People’s Lives at a Community Shelter
Graduates wanting to aid disadvantaged individuals can explore fulfilling careers in community shelters–helping those experiencing homelessness transition into more stable housing. In this role, community service workers can introduce shelter residents to important services that boost their independence.
Depending on the shelter and its financial resources, you might be working separately or in large teams to improve the lives of residents and to maintain order. Having strong communication and conflict resolution skills can be particularly useful in this working environment. You can also use the skills gained from community service worker college to conduct research. This would include using case reports and collected data to accurately assess progress and continue providing the best care possible.
4. Working in Immigration and Settlement Services After Community Service Worker Training
Community service workers who work at settlement agencies are invested in helping immigrants adapt to their new life in Canada–providing them with resources to better ease their transition. These resources can include cultural, educational, recreational, or financial information that would enable them to get the most out of their situation.
Through this position, you can work directly with newcomers to help them navigate new terrain. You will help by exploring the best career or education opportunities, securing life essentials, or assisting with government forms and applications. A rewarding career in this field can help new settlers discover valuable services that address their family’s needs more easily.
Are you interested in taking a community service worker course?
Contact Medix College for more information!