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Program

Program Highlights

  • Hands-on learning with real community support scenarios
  • Practical training through work experience / practicum
  • Career-focused curriculum designed for community service roles
  • Supportive learning environment with experienced instructors
  • Opportunities to work with diverse communities and populations
  • All required textbooks and learning materials provided by the college
  • Student aid may be available for eligible domestic students
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Program

Brief Program Description

This program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to work as a community services/support worker in a variety of community settings for adult populations and how to effectively communicate with individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health issues. Students are prepared to work in areas like community social service agencies, group home environments, support services, private homes, and day programs.

Community Services Worker

Duration

500 total program hours or 25 weeks

Student Intake Model

Intermittent Intake

Max. Students In Class

10

Course Material

Required text books will be issued by the college at the start of the program

Work Experience (Practicum)

80 hours( included in 500 hrs)

Delivery Method : Combined Delivery – 80% synchronous ( 1 day in-class, 1.5 days via live class through zoom ) 20% Asynchronous – Self paced learning through Learning World Online Platform ( access will be given to students by us)

Career Occupation : Graduates may be employed as a Community Services/Support Worker, Outreach Worker, Disability Services Worker, Residential Support Worker, Indigenous Community Worker, and Homecare Worker.

Admission Requirements

 
 

General Admission Requirements

All applicants, regardless of citizenship or country of origin, must demonstrate English language proficiency sufficient to understand and discuss program materials in speech and writing. Prior to acceptance, applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements (additional higher standards may apply based on curriculum):

Option 1: Evidence of 3 years full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12, or 2 years if Grades 10-12) completed in English in a country where English is a principal language (e.g., high school transcript, BC Adult Graduation, or WES/ICES/IQAS credentials).

Option 2: 2 years full-time post-secondary education (excluding language/ELL courses) completed in English in such a country (WES/ICES/IQAS credentials accepted).

Option 3: Achievement on a standardized English test equivalent to IELTS Academic 5.5 overall (tests must assess reading, writing, listening, speaking; no “or equivalent” Or in-house tests)

Test results dated no more than 2 years before program start.

Test Minimum Score
IELTS Academic Overall 5.5
TOEFL iBT Overall 46
CAEL Overall 40
CELPIP Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5
Duolingo English Test Overall 95
PTE Academic Overall 43
Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Overall 160 or C
Cambridge Linguaskill Overall B2
LanguageCert Academic Overall B2
Michigan English Test (MET) Overall B2
iTEP Academic Overall 3.5
EIKEN Grade Pre-1

Requirements

  1. Acceptable criminal record search within 6 months of program acceptance or evidence to show that a criminal record check has been requested before the start date of the student’s practicum. An acceptable criminal record check is one that shows no convictions for any offences reviewed under the Criminal Records Review Act by the Ministry of Justice of British Columbia, as well as no outstanding criminal charges.
  2. Negative TB test result within 6 months of program acceptance or proof that a TB test has been requested before the start date of the student’s practicum.
  3. Valid Food Safe Certificate before the start date of the student’s practicum.
  4. Valid First Aid and CPR Level C Certificate before the start of the student’s practicum.
Fee Type Domestic Students International Students
Tuition 8472 10472
Application Fee (non- refundable) 250 500
Administrative Fee 200 200
Textbooks Fee 700 700
Materials Fee 0 0
Testing/Assessment Fee 0 0
Other Fee 0 0
Other Fee – description & breakdown
Total $9,622 $11,872

Tuition Grants may be available for specific programs and start dates. Please ask your Admissions Advisor about any available Tuition Grants.

Eligible domestic students may qualify for student aid.

Upon completion of the Community Services Worker, graduates will possess the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours that will enable them to:

  1. Explain key concepts related to an overview of the profession of social and community services worker, particularly the range of responsibilities and competencies required.
  2. Use communication skills to facilitate effective working and personal relationships with individuals, with coworkers, and individuals who require support.
  3. Describe human development throughout the lifespan.
  4. Compare and contrast typical and abnormal lifespan development.
  5. Analyze and use best practices in support of a variety of common mental health issues and psychiatric illnesses.
  6. Describe and use best practices for supporting persons living with common illnesses in the community.
  7. Use practical First Aid, CPR, violence prevention, gentle persuasive approach, and resident safe handling skills.
  8. Use standard office systems and financial processes appropriate in the classroom and in the workplace.
  9. Motivate, instruct, and support clients with their functional life skills living.

There are homework assignments, exams, presentations, and projects. The minimum pass mark is 70% for each course.

Successful completion of all course modules. Students must achieve a grade of 70% or better in each course and pass the practice experiences.

Students will be expected to complete 1-5 hours of homework per week.

Course Title / Work Experience Component (In Order of Delivery) Hours of Instruction
Professional Growth & Skills 20
Indigenous Health and Care 60
Introduction to Psychology 40
Life-Span Stages and Development 60
Introduction to Mental Health 80
Developmental Disabilities and Dual Diagnosis 80
Person Centered Care and Planning 20
Supportive Care & Medication Management 40
Activity, Lifestyle & Fitness 20
Work Experience – Practicum 80

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions already answered below.

What does a Community Services Worker do?

A Community Services Worker provides support to individuals in various community settings, including those with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and aging-related needs. Responsibilities include life skills training, crisis intervention, behaviour management, recreational activities support, personal care assistance, and connecting clients with community resources. CSWs work in group homes, community agencies, day programs, supported housing, and private homes.

How long is the Community Services Worker program at Orane International?

The Community Services Worker program at Orane International College is 500 total program hours, completed over 25 weeks. This includes 420 hours of classroom and online instruction plus 80 hours of supervised practicum (work experience). The delivery model combines in-class learning (1 day per week), live Zoom sessions (1.5 days per week), and self-paced online learning through our Learning World platform.

Is this program PTIRU-approved?

Yes. The Community Services Worker program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. PTIRU approval ensures the program meets quality standards set by the province of British Columbia.

How much does the Community Services Worker program cost?

Tuition for domestic students is $9,622 (total including application fee, admin fee, and textbooks). International students pay $11,872 total. Eligible domestic students may qualify for student aid through Student Aid BC. Ask your Admissions Advisor about any available tuition grants for specific start dates.

What is the salary for Community Services Workers in BC?

Community support workers in British Columbia earn a range of salaries depending on experience, employer, and role. Entry-level positions typically start around $30,000–$35,000 per year, while experienced workers and those in specialized mental health or disability support roles can earn $46,000–$65,000+ per year. The average hourly rate for support workers in BC is approximately $26–$28 per hour.

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of three options: completion of 3 years of secondary education in English, 2 years of post-secondary education in English, or achievement of a minimum IELTS Academic score of 5.5 overall (or equivalent on other approved tests such as TOEFL iBT 46, Duolingo 95, or PTE Academic 43). Practicum requirements include a criminal record check, negative TB test, valid Food Safe certificate, and First Aid/CPR Level C certificate.

Is this program available for international students?

Yes, international students are welcome to apply. The international student tuition is $11,872 total. Please note that this program is not eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). International applicants should visit the International Students page on orane.ca for application details and study permit guidance.

What is the difference between a Community Services Worker and a Social Worker?

A Community Services Worker (CSW) provides direct, hands-on support to individuals in community settings — such as group homes, day programs, and outreach services. CSW roles focus on practical assistance with daily living, crisis support, and behaviour management. A Social Worker typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work and performs case management, counselling, policy work, and advocacy. CSW training, like the 500-hour program at Orane, is a faster pathway into the community support field and can serve as a foundation for further education in social work.

Is student financial aid available?

Eligible domestic students may qualify for student aid through Student Aid BC. Orane International also offers tuition grants for specific programs and start dates. Contact an Admissions Advisor to discuss your funding options.

Where is Orane International College located?

Orane International College is located at 312-17750, 65A Ave, Surrey, BC, V3S 5N4, Canada. The campus is easily accessible and serves students from across the Greater Vancouver area, including Surrey, Langley, Delta, and Burnaby.