Foundations for Social Service Work
- Strategies for College Success (20 hours)
- Social Service Work Fundamentals (20 hours)
- Sociology Fundamentals (20 hours)
- Ethics Fundamentals (40 hours)
About
About the program
The Addictions Community Support Worker Diploma prepares students to work alongside people affected by substance use and mental-health challenges: understanding addictions, mental health and pharmacology, conducting intake interviews, writing professional reports, planning relapse prevention, and supporting families, youth and high-risk populations.
The 45-week program (900 hours) is delivered in person in Surrey, B.C., and combines 800 hours of instructor-led classes with a 100-hour supervised work placement in a community setting.
Outlook
Salary & employment outlook
Labour market and wage information is based on Government of Canada Job Bank data for this occupation.
$21.00Low / h
$27.00Median / h
$35.00High / h
Wage information is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on labour market data published by the Government of Canada. Salary estimates may vary depending on education, experience, employer, geographic location, and current labour market conditions. Program completion does not guarantee employment or a specific salary. Source: Government of Canada Job Bank, Social and community service workers (NOC 42201), British Columbia, checked October 10, 2026.
Curriculum
Course information
This program is structured into clear, actionable modules that build your knowledge from fundamental principles to advanced strategies.
Addictions, Pharmacology and Mental Health
- Addictions Fundamentals (40 hours)
- Pharmacology Fundamentals (80 hours)
- Mental Health Fundamentals (80 hours)
- Psychology Fundamentals (60 hours)
Working with Clients
- Interview and Intake Procedures (60 hours)
- Professional Report Writing (40 hours)
- Behavior Analysis Techniques (40 hours)
- Relapse Prevention (40 hours)
Families, Youth and High-Risk Populations
- Family Studies (40 hours)
- Child and Youth Populations (40 hours)
- High Risk Populations (20 hours)
Self-Care, Resources and Certificates
- Self-Care Techniques (20 hours)
- Resources and Networking (20 hours)
- Special Certificates (80 hours)
Work Experience and Career Preparation
- Work Experience (100 hours)
- Career Employment & Strategies (40 hours)
Program Highlights
- 45-week diploma program (900 total hours: 800 instructional and 100 work placement)
- In-person, instructor-led delivery in Surrey, B.C.
- Training in addictions, mental health, pharmacology, intake interviews and relapse prevention
- 100-hour supervised work placement in a community-service setting
- Prepares graduates for NOC 42201 social and community service worker roles across British Columbia
English-Language Proficiency
Applicants must provide acceptable evidence of English-language proficiency through at least one of the following options.
Secondary education in English: transcripts showing completion of Grade 12 English with a minimum grade of C, from a school where English was the language of instruction.
Post-secondary education in English: evidence of completed post-secondary studies at an accredited institution where English was the language of instruction.
Approved English-language test: verified results from an accepted test. Accepted minimum scores: IELTS overall 5.5 or higher; CAEL overall 40 or higher; Duolingo English Test overall 95 or higher; TOEFL iBT overall 46 or higher; CELPIP (ask admissions for the required level); PTE overall 43 or higher.
Admission requirements
Admission is decided by the partner college.
- High school diploma or equivalent, with Grade 12 English (minimum grade C)
- Criminal record check
- Immunization report
- Completed student declaration form
- Acceptable evidence of English-language proficiency (options below)
Outline
Course outline
| Course | Hours / Focus |
|---|---|
| Strategies for College Success | 20 h · study skills and program orientation |
| Addictions Fundamentals | 40 h · substance use and addiction concepts |
| Social Service Work Fundamentals | 20 h · the social-service field and the worker's role |
| Psychology Fundamentals | 60 h · human behaviour and development |
| Sociology Fundamentals | 20 h · society, communities and social issues |
| Ethics Fundamentals | 40 h · professional ethics and boundaries |
| Pharmacology Fundamentals | 80 h · drugs, medications and their effects |
| Self-Care Techniques | 20 h · managing stress in support work |
| Resources and Networking | 20 h · community resources and referrals |
| Interview and Intake Procedures | 60 h · client interviews and intake |
| Professional Report Writing | 40 h · case notes and reports |
| Family Studies | 40 h · working with families |
| Mental Health Fundamentals | 80 h · mental-health conditions and support |
| Behavior Analysis Techniques | 40 h · understanding and responding to behaviour |
| Relapse Prevention | 40 h · relapse-prevention planning |
| High Risk Populations | 20 h · supporting high-risk groups |
| Child and Youth Populations | 40 h · working with children and youth |
| Work Experience | 100 h · supervised community placement |
| Career Employment & Strategies | 40 h · job search and employment skills |
| Special Certificates | 80 h · industry certificates |
Career opportunities
- Community service worker
- Crisis intervention worker
- Developmental service worker
- Drop-in centre worker
- Family service worker
- Group home worker
- Life skills instructor
- Mental health worker
- Rehabilitation worker (social services)
- Social services worker
Employment opportunities
- Community service agencies
- Addiction treatment and recovery centres
- Mental-health organizations
- Shelters and transitional housing
- Group homes and supported-living residences
- Youth and family service organizations
- Drop-in and outreach centres
- Non-profit and community organizations
Costs
Tuition, fees and funding
Tuition, fees, payment options and refund rules are set by the partner college. Your advisor will share its fee and refund details before you apply.
Our service is free to you. Alpha Community Outreach is a private student-recruitment agency. Partner colleges pay Alpha when a student we have helped enrolls.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Who is Alpha Community Outreach?
Alpha Community Outreach is a private career pathway guidance and community engagement service provider. We are not a college or government agency.
Can you help with immigration or study permits?
No. We can't give immigration advice. For questions about permits or status, please speak to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
Contact
British Columbia team
Alpha Community Outreach – Surrey Office (appointments only)7327 137 Street, Suite 304, Surrey, British Columbia V3W 1A4+1 236-857-4900 · admissions@acoonline.ca