Those inspired to work with children, adolescents and families with challenging social, emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns and needs are compassionate professionals that the world needs.
For those looking for a family support worker program/ mental health support worker program, there is a step-by-step process for exploring this career pathway.
Within an addictions support worker program, you will learn how to encourage and inspire those children, youth and families who look to you for mentorship and guidance. But how do you begin a career in helping children and families as they overcome challenges and strive to create a better, healthier, life?
3 Steps to Becoming a Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker
Step 1: Determine if This Career is For You
An assistant youth worker program/youth service worker course isn’t for everyone. It takes a dedicated, compassionate, leader to help these children and families address their deepest concerns and fears and transcend their challenges and live a more conscious, intentional life. It is essential that you recognize whether your skillset matches the needs of these youth and their loved ones. Exploring our popular blog post, reflecting on the 5 Reasons to Become a Child and Youth Care Worker will help you determine if this career is a match for you. And if you’re still wondering if this path aligns with your interests, take 4 minutes to complete our “Anderson College Child & Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker Discovery Quiz”.
Step 2: Review the Career Roles, Responsibilities and Career Opportunties
As a child and youth care with addictions support worker you will work closely with children, adolescents and families as they face social, emotional, behavioural and mental health concerns and provide support for their needs. You will assess and implement appropriate prevention and intervention strategies aimed to inspire real and lasting change. You will provide counsel and support, and develop strategies to foster healthy child development, address family dynamics and addiction. You will also work in close collaboration with other professionals in your field including medical and social workers, educators, correctional staff, and community partners.
Upon graduation you will be able to find work in a number of areas including (but not limited to): group homes, shelters, community centres, children’s aid agencies, youth services, addictions centres, detention centres, foster care homes, outreach or mental health programs.
Step 3: Research and Select the Training That’s Right for You!
The Anderson College Child and Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker program is 72 weeks, and includes 500 hours of externship with on-the-job training, offsite with potential employers. It is designed to teach students the necessary practical skills and theory to work with adolescents, children and families with challenging social, emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns and needs. Curriculum will cover areas such as: child and adolescent development, cultural awareness and sensitivity, family ties, mental health practices, child prevention intervention, group work, activity programming, indigenous children’s programs, after school programs, intro to technology, interpersonal communication and much more.
What truly sets us apart is the fact that our program is taught by industry-expert instructors, we use easy-to-use learning materials and ensure you experience real-world training. And perhaps most powerful of all, we are known for our community of support, one that will become like family, and shares your interests and goals for elevating your career and life to new levels.
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Armed with the skills and training to empower children, youth and families as they transform their lives, you will become an inspiring professional poised to truly make a difference every single day.
If you’re ready to begin this rewarding Child & Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker career, book a virtual appointment with our Admissions team to join the next class! We’re here to support you every step along the way.
Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!
We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:
