Developmental Services Worker

Thames Campus - Chatham (K200)

Two Year - Ontario College Diploma

September

Kim Smart
(519) 354-9714, ext. 3246
ksmart@stclaircollege.ca

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level qualify for admission to this program.

Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.

PROGRAM GOAL
The Developmental Services Worker supports people with a range of challenges including developmental, intellectual and age related disabilities. Inclusion and empowerment are goals met by helping people be part of the community and making good choices. The DSW also teaches people various life and community skills and supports people to be healthy.

This program will appeal to students who like working with people and appreciate and understand differences. They must be both patient and flexible, while showing a caring attitude and be able to work both independently and as a team member.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Work placement in community living, schools and activity programs for seniors
• Well experienced teachers from the field
• DSW diploma will give access to the Child and Youth Worker Accelerated and Autism and Behavioural Sciences programs.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Typical entry level positions are residential support worker with Community Living and other organizations, educational assistant in schools, family support worker and activation assistant. Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects. Often part time work begins while still in the program.

FIELD PLACEMENT
Employers who provide our field placement settings require a clear POLICE RECORD CHECK for criminal offences with vulnerable sector screening before accepting a student into the field placement setting. The record check MUST be obtained by the student at the student's expense. If you are unable to obtain this police clearance by mid April, you jeopardize the opportunity to complete either of your field placements.

Prior to going on your field placement, you must have your CPR and Standard First Aid Certification. This must be obtained at your own expense.

In the event of a shortage of placements or internship sites, you may be required to perform your placement or internship duties on off hours, which may include evenings and weekends.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Accepted applicants must supply proof of a satisfactory medical examination and immunization prior to going on placement in Semester 3.

Please be advised that lack of documented immunizations may result in the restriction of clinical placement and therefore may delay and/or prevent completion of the prescribed program.

DEGREE COMPLETION
Graduates can be granted credit toward Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Windsor, and admission to the Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree in Disability Studies at Ryerson University

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Program Physical Demands Analysis: K200

YOUR INVESTMENT
Fees are subject to adjustment each year. The standard tuition and compulsory fees for 2011 are as follows:

$3,122.69
$600 - $800

For a breakdown of tuition and other compulsory fees for Canadian, U.S. and International students, see Tuition & Fees.