Willis College
Addictions & Community Services Worker
Turn Your Compassion Into a Career That Changes Lives
Online (Remote Classes)
Program Length:
48 weeks
Program Hours:
1080
Credentials:
- ON Diploma
Study Options:
- Online
Start Dates
Online
February 8, 2027
March 29, 2027
May 17, 2027
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Turn Your Compassion Into a Career That Changes Lives
The Addictions & Community Service Worker diploma program at Willis College provides the hands-on training and certifications you need to support individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction and social challenges.
In just 48 weeks, you’ll build practical skills in counseling, communication, conflict resolution, and case management. You’ll learn to identify at-risk populations, understand mental health and addiction treatment models, and apply recovery and harm-reduction strategies that make a real impact.
Recognized by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF), this program ensures you meet national standards in addictions counselling and community support.
Graduates also earn industry-recognized certifications in Verbal Intervention, LivingWorks Start, and CPR/First Aid — qualifications employers value.
Graduate With Practical Experience for Your Résumé
A practicum placement with a community agency gives you real-world experience and confidence to step into meaningful roles across social service organizations, treatment centers, mental health facilities, and shelters.
If you’re ready to make a difference, Willis College will help you turn your empathy and drive into a rewarding, people-first career.
$25.00
Average Wage/HR$37.91
High Wage/HRNational Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 4212/42201
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
In this 40 hour course, the learner will acquire the knowledge and skills to implement an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) care plan. While emphasis will be given to the practice of ABA with autistic children, the skills will be generalized for use with adults and in situations with children where behaviour modification would be appropriate.
An in depth study of the development and applications of social programs and support services in Canada, with a specific focus on the social assistance programs offered in Ontario.
This course introduces students to the foundational concepts, theories, and practices of substance use disorder (SUD) counselling. Learners will explore the biological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, including etiology, assessment, treatment planning, and recovery. Through lectures, discussions, case studies, and applied activities, students will gain insight into addiction behaviour, counselling approaches, ethics, and family impact.
This course provides an overall introduction to the study of psychology. Students will learn the biology of the brain, consciousness, sensation and perception, learning and memory, intelligence, thought, creativity, and motivation.
This course provides an introductory view of the role of society in the development of individuals, social groups, and society as a whole. Students will examine the concepts of socialization, social structure, inequality, and agents of socialization.
This course examines the laws, ethical codes, and regulations applicable to workers in community-based and human services employment, focusing on the rights, protections, and obligations of professionals and clients. Students will explore how legislation, ethics, and proper documentation intersect in the daily practice of social and community service work. Students will also learn to integrate AI tools responsibly for researching legislation, drafting reports, and improving clarity in documentation, while maintaining confidentiality, ethical integrity, and professional judgment.
This course focuses on how family functioning and dysfunction can impact an individual, as well as the worker's ability to address these issues with the client.
An introduction to the nature of conflict and the methods to resolve conflict with an emphasis on communication, collaborative problem solving, and mediation.
This course focuses on counseling theories and techniques to facilitate change in client behavior, enhance the client's coping skills, promote client decision-making processes, and facilitate client potential and development.
This course introduces learners to populations in Canada who may experience increased risk due to social, economic, cultural, or health-related factors. Emphasis is placed on understanding diversity within these groups, recognizing the impact of systemic barriers such as racism, colonialism, poverty, and discrimination, and applying inclusive strategies to support equitable outcomes. Learners will explore the unique needs of Indigenous peoples, newcomers, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. Through case studies, discussion, and applied learning, students will develop the knowledge and skills to identify risk factors, demonstrate culturally responsive approaches, and promote resilience and empowerment in diverse communities.
This is an interactive course where students will, through workshops, discussions, and activities, explore suicidal ideation, learn to recognize when someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, and work to connect them with appropriate support while considering their immediate safety.This is an interactive course where students will, through workshops, discussions, and activities, explore suicidal ideation, learn to recognize when someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, and work to connect them with appropriate support while considering their immediate safety.
This course introduces students to the professional standards of documentation, report writing, and case management in community service settings. Learners will practice maintaining accurate, objective, and legally compliant client records. The AI integration prepares students to responsibly use artificial intelligence tools, such as grammar checkers, writing aids, and case-note generators to enhance accuracy, clarity, and efficiency in their professional documentation, while maintaining ethical standards, privacy, and confidentiality.
This course will present relapse as a natural part of the recovery process. Students will study a range of strategies and techniques to help minimize and prevent the effects of prolonged relapse during the recovery journey. This course will also introduce students to addiction prevention and harm reduction programming.
This course presents basic principles of pharmacology and the behavioral effects of a diverse range of psychoactive drugs in today's society. Students will learn the mechanisms involved in tolerance and dependence, as well as the therapeutic and toxic effects of psychoactive drugs on our minds and bodies, and the impact on society as a whole.
This is an interactive course where students will, through workshops, discussions, and activities, explore suicidal ideation, learn to recognize when someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, and work to connect them with appropriate support while considering their immediate safety.This is an interactive course where students will, through workshops, discussions, and activities, explore suicidal ideation, learn to recognize when someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, and work to connect them with appropriate support while considering their immediate safety.
This course provides an introduction to the theory and methods of solution-based counselling techniques.
Verbal Intervention (VI) Training prepares learners to identify, respond to, and prevent low-risk crisis behavior with non-restrictive intervention techniques. VI training teaches the learner to understand what is behind the behaviours to enable them to de-escalate challenging behaviour and support positive outcomes
This 20-hour course provides students with essential workplace-readiness training through the completion of basic CPR and First Aid, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), and de-escalation techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing the knowledge and practical skills needed to ensure personal safety, protect the well-being of clients and colleagues, and maintain a healthy professional practice in community and support settings.
This course explores mental health disorders, addictive behaviours, and treatment approaches across diverse populations. Students examine psychological theories, causes, and therapeutic techniques for mental illness and addiction, while also building the interpersonal and ethical skills necessary to support clients in recovery. The AI and Mental Health component focuses on how clients use artificial intelligence for self-diagnosis and digital therapy, as well as the implications for professional ethics, client safety, and effective communication in the helping relationship.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have achieved a basic level of competency in the Microsoft PowerPoint application. Topics include creating slides, formatting slides, transitions, animations, and delivery.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have achieved a core level competency of the Microsoft Excel application. Topics include creating worksheets, formulas, functions, charts, formatting, analysis, templates, and working with multiple worksheets and workbooks.
Learners in this 60-hour course develop a strong foundation in Microsoft Word, with no prior computer experience required. The course covers how to create, edit, and format documents and multi-page reports before progressing to templates, themes, styles, and mail merge. Learners also explore advanced features, including workflow automation and the creation of advanced online forms.
This course explores the interpersonal dynamics that shape effective helping relationships. Through role-playing, guided reflection, and applied practice, students will learn to communicate with empathy, manage conflict, and build rapport with clients and colleagues. The course highlights how communication impacts team cohesion, service delivery, and client outcomes in community service work.
This course will help students develop the communication skills necessary to function in a professional business setting. There will be a review of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation as they apply to business communication. Students will complete various exercises to improve basic skills in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, and apply these skills to writing assignments and tasks.
The Career Management course will introduce students to and enable them to apply the most effective strategies to secure employment in their chosen career. Students will learn effective job search strategies, cover letter writing, strategic resume writing, interviewing skills, and interview preparation to ensure their success in the career search process.
Three Industry Certifications that employers demand: Verbal Intervention, LivingWorks Start, and CPR/First Aid
Upon successfully completing all academic and financial commitments of the program, the student will be hosted by a community-based support agency. During their Practicum Placement, each student could perform/job shadow a combination of the following activities at the workplace: effectively use communication, teamwork, and time management skills; maintain client records and files; perform general office duties; draft correspondence and reports; and interact directly with clients.
Job Market
Addictions and Community Services Workers and counsellors work in personal support roles with youth and adults in various social settings. Successful graduates of this program may pursue a variety of exciting positions, including:
- Addictions Worker
- Group Home Support Worker
- Community Services Worker
- Women’s Shelter Worker
- Corrections Facility Professional
- Youth Worker
- Women’s Centre Coordinator
Salary Information
Average Wage ($/hr) – $25.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $37.91
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 4212/42201
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Admissions Requirements
Academic Admission Requirements:
Canadian High School diploma or equivalent. Willis College’s Admissions Team uses the Wonderlic assessment tool.
For Mature Students
Applicants without a high school diploma may qualify under Mature Student Status by meeting the following criteria:
- Age: Must meet provincial minimums (18 in ON; 19 in the rest of Canada), verified via government photo ID.
- Assessment: Achieve minimum cut-off scores on the securely proctored Wonderlic test.
- Prerequisites: Satisfy all program-specific and language proficiency requirements.
For full details, see the Willis College Mature Student Admissions Policy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An Addictions and Community Services Worker supports individuals and families dealing with substance use, addiction, mental health challenges, and social barriers. They work in shelters, treatment centres, community agencies, and social services organizations.
Yes, Willis College offers the Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma both on-campus in Ottawa and fully online, so you can study from anywhere in Canada.
Graduates work as addictions workers, community support workers, outreach workers, case managers, crisis intervention workers, and social services workers in hospitals, shelters, community health centres, and government agencies.
This program is an excellent fit for:
- Compassionate individuals who want to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
- Empathetic problem solvers drawn to supporting clients through addiction, recovery, and mental health challenges.
- Team players who thrive in people-focused environments and want a rewarding, purpose-driven career.
- Career starters or changers seeking a meaningful role in community or social services.
- New Canadians or mature students looking to gain recognized Canadian credentials and experience.
Why choose the Addictions & Community Services Worker program?
- Prepare for a Purpose-Driven Career: Train to support individuals and families facing addiction, mental health, and social challenges.
- Earn Industry Certifications: Graduate with NVCI, LivingWorks Start, CPR/First Aid, and workplace safety training.
- Gain Real-World Experience: Apply your skills during a six-week practicum with a community-based organization.
- Study Online: Complete career-focused training from home while balancing work, family, and other commitments.
- Train to National Standards: Complete a program recognized by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation.
- Graduate Ready to Make an Impact: Build the confidence and practical skills to pursue roles across community and social services.
What You'll Learn
- Counselling & Communication: Build practical skills in counselling, conflict resolution, empathy, and client-centred communication.
- Addiction, Mental Health & Recovery: Learn addiction models, treatment approaches, harm reduction, relapse prevention, and mental health support.
- Crisis Intervention & Safety: Develop skills in de-escalation, suicide intervention, workplace safety, and crisis response.
- Case Management & Documentation: Learn professional recordkeeping, report writing, case planning, and ethical use of AI tools.
- Inclusive Community Support: Support diverse and at-risk populations using culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and ethical practices.
- Professional Readiness: Build teamwork, self-care, career management, and workplace skills for community service settings.
Why You'll Love Willis College
- Industry-Aligned Programs: Career-ready curricula designed alongside top employers to ensure your skills match current market demands.
- Instructor-Led, Applied Learning: Hands-on training taught by industry experts who bring real-world knowledge, mentorship, and practical insight into the classroom.
- Flexible Learning Pathways: Tailored study options—in-person, online, or hybrid—that fit your lifestyle and meet you where you are.
- Personalized Small-Class Support: Dedicated guidance and encouragement in smaller group settings where you are a person, not a number.
- Accessible Funding Assistance: Direct support navigating student loans, grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans to make your education attainable.
- Lifetime Career Services: Continuous job-search support and career counseling to help you transition smoothly from the classroom to the workforce.
What Our Graduates Are Saying
"Online schooling was helpful in working around my schedule. It allowed me to gain the education I needed from the comfort of my own home. Despite online classes, you receive a quick response when help is needed."
Daphne Phillips
Addictions & Community Services Worker Graduate