Community Worker Program (Accelerated) (C131)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown College has been preparing Community Workers for 50 years.
The Community Worker program will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Program Overview
The Community Worker (Accelerated) program will prepare you to work for progressive social change with organizations, communities and individuals across a range of issues such as poverty, housing, legal rights, discrimination, food justice, immigration and refugee settlement.
Apply to this accelerated stream, a condensed version of the two-year Community Worker (C101) program, if you have an existing diploma or degree.
To begin your studies in May 2026, apply to the 2025/26 intake for this program. To begin your studies in May 2025, apply to the 2024/25 academic year.
Full Description
To start this program in May 2026, apply to the 2025/26 intake. To begin your studies in May 2025, apply to the 2024/25 academic year.
Apply to this one-year Community Worker (Accelerated) (C131) diploma program if you are a college or university graduate with a diploma or degree. This program is a dynamic, accelerated version of the Community Worker (C101) two-year diploma program, grounded in the principles of and respect for social justice, human rights and anti-oppressive practice.
If you are passionate about human rights and social justice, committed to working with diverse communities, bring a mature and professional approach to your education and fieldwork, and are prepared to take on a full-time course load, this program is for you. Community Worker (Accelerated) students are a diverse group with a range of social and community experiences.
This is an approved education program by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Graduates of this program may apply to receive the additional designation of RSSW (Registered Social Service Worker). Extra fees may apply.
In this accelerated program stream, you will learn to work with urban-centred, diverse communities across a range of issues, including poverty, housing, food justice, immigration and settlement. You will also learn how to be responsive to community needs as they change and evolve.
Community partners play a key role in networking events, guest panels, teaching many of the program specializations and offering field experiences. You will develop relationships with our partners as you build your professional network in the classroom and off-site during fieldwork. This program combines classroom instruction and supervised unpaid field placements, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in class to a community setting. You can expect to participate in highly engaged classes of dialogue, debate, interactive lectures, guest panels, and group activities.
Community Worker (Accelerated) Program Features
- The School of Social and Community Services has partnerships with over 350 agencies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond.
- The Tommy Douglas Institute, founded by the Community Worker program faculty, is a progressive space of dialogue for educational communities and wider communities to explore, discuss and advance ideas of critical pedagogy and educating for change in the 21st century. It is also home to the Courage My Friends podcast. Episodes are hosted on rabble.ca and explore community, education, and social justice issues in the 21st century.
Key Skills Taught in the Community Worker (Accelerated) Program
Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to develop a variety of important and high-demand skills, including:
- anti-oppressive practice in working with diverse populations (including immigrant and refugee communities, marginalized populations, and Indigenous peoples)
- critical analysis, research, and writing
- group facilitation and leadership
- individual and group counselling
- conflict mediation
- community organizing, activism, and advocacy
- community development, project design and funding
- policy analysis and rights-based advocacy
Community Worker (Accelerated) Core Areas of Study
- community work theory and practice
- social and political analysis
- group skills and counselling
- field placement and seminar
Community Worker (Accelerated) Faculty
Faculty are experienced educators who bring their passion for education and change to create a highly engaging and dynamic learning environment. The faculty have local, national, and global activism backgrounds, and they remain active on social issues and maintain close ties to communities, activists, and organizations.
Your Field Education Options
As a Community Worker student, you will have the opportunity to develop practical skills and gain valuable work experience by completing 420 hours of unpaid field placement in the final two semesters of the program.
Through our strong ties to more than 350 field agencies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond, you can find unpaid placements suited to your interests in a variety of settings – from immigration and settlement services to community food centres, multi-service and government agencies.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
As a Community Worker graduate, if you complete this program with a high academic standing, you may qualify for pathways to the following programs:
- Community Development B.A. and Community Economic & Social Development B.A. at Algoma University
- Community Development B.A. at Humber College
- Policing & Community Well-Being (B.A) at Trent University
- Professional Communications B.A. and Justice Studies B.A. at Royal Roads. University
- You may also apply to programs at Toronto Metropolitan University and York University
For further information, see the Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 2
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
CWRK 1310 | Community Work Theory |
CWRK 1314 | Interpersonal Communication Skills from An Anti-Oppressive Perspective |
CWRK 1312 | Socio-Political Analysis and Human Rights |
CWRK 1313 | Community Work in Practice |
Semester 3
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
COUN 2003 | Counselling |
CWRK 2019 | Canadian Social Policy |
CWRK 2038 | Fieldwork II |
CWRK 2039 | Fieldwork Seminar II |
CWRK 2043 | Community Development: Programs and Funding |
Program Specialization Course |
Semester 3 Program Specialization Courses
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
CWRK 2026 | Housing & Homelessness |
CWRK 2035 | Immigration and Settlement: Working with Immigrant and Refugee Populations |
Semester 4
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
CWRK 2016 | Group Facilitation |
CWRK 2032 | Global Politics |
CWRK 2038 | Fieldwork II |
CWRK 2039 | Fieldwork Seminar II |
CWRK 2044 | Critical Digital Community Work |
Program Specialization Course |
Semester 4 Program Specialization Courses
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
CWRK 2033 | Food Justice |
CWRK 2040 | Environmental Justice |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Establish constructive relationships with individuals concerned with community work.
- Describe their personal values and motivation as a community worker.
- Serve in a variety of grassroots community organizations especially in the areas of co-operatives, seniors and community legal services.
- Be comfortable in community work roles ranging from direct service to classical advocacy and organizing.
- Understand and articulate the special needs of multicultural groups.
- Analyze social inequalities and demonstrate creativity in the organization of new services and institutions to meet community needs.
- Work with groups to identify their own needs.
- Access existing services and community resources.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
‡ May semester (bridging) fees are approximately; $900.00 Domestic, $4,000.00 International. These fees are not included in the tuition above and are subject to change. They are to be paid separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding (for semesters 3 and 4), provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Note: Semester 2 (May–June) is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- diploma or bachelor's degree
** Please note that successful completion of the five-week program in May is required prior to entrance to the fall semester.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English Language proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit English Proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
Not eligible for course exemptions.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy
Note: In compliance with the requirements of our field partners, all students in this program are required to complete a Police Vulnerable Sector Check before commencing their field placement. These reference checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary by region and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the Police Vulnerable Sector Check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” The program will assist students in applying for the police check once they begin the program.
Students without a "clear" police reference check may find that their choice of placement is limited. Students in this situation are encouraged to work with the field education coordinator to identify placement opportunities that do not require the vulnerable sector check. Students are also encouraged to inquire and apply for Suppression and Destruction of Record or Record Suspension (formerly known as Pardon) at their specific regional police services in order to prepare for their future careers or employment.
Please visit the Clinical Pre-placement website for more information.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Social & Community Services
Email: communityservices@georgebrown.ca.
Community Worker Program (Accelerated) Coordinator:
Farhia Abdi, Email: fabdi7@georgebrown.ca
International Students: Please contact the International Centre.
If you require accommodations, please contact Accessible Learning Services.
For more information about George Brown College Contact George Brown College.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Community Worker Program (Accelerated) (C131)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown College has been preparing Community Workers for nearly 50 years.
Program Overview
The Community Worker (Accelerated) program prepares students to work for progressive social change with organizations, communities and individuals across a range of issues such as poverty, housing, legal rights, discrimination, food justice, immigration and refugee settlement.
This accelerated program stream is designed for college and university graduates and is a condensed version of the two-year Community Worker (C101) program.
Full Description
If you apply to the 2024/25 intake for this program, you will start in May 2025. To begin your studies in May 2024, apply to the 2023/24 academic year.
The one-year Community Worker (Accelerated) (C131) diploma program, designed for college and university graduates, is a dynamic, fast-track program grounded in the principles of and respect for social justice, human rights and anti-oppressive practice.
If you are passionate about human rights and social justice, committed to working with diverse communities, bring a mature and professional approach to your education and fieldwork, and are prepared to take on a full-time course load, this program is for you. Community Worker (Accelerated) students are a diverse group with a range of social and community experiences.
This is an approved education program by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Graduates of this program may apply to receive the additional designation of RSSW (Registered Social Service Worker). Extra fees may apply.
You will learn to work with urban-centred, diverse communities across a range of issues, including poverty, housing, food justice, immigration, and settlement, and develop the skills you need to be responsive to community needs as they change and evolve.
Community partners play a key role in networking events, guest panels, teaching many of the program specializations and offering field experiences. You will develop relationships with our partners as you build your professional network in the classroom and offsite during fieldwork. This program combines classroom instruction and supervised field placements, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in class to a community setting. Students can expect to participate in highly engaged classes of dialogue, debate, interactive lectures, guest panels, and group activities.
Community Worker (Accelerated) Program Features
- The School of Social and Community Services has partnerships with over 350 agencies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond.
- The Tommy Douglas Institute, founded by the Community Worker program faculty, is an annual event and home to the Courage My Friends podcast. Episodes are hosted on rabble.ca and explore community, education, and social justice issues in the 21st century
Key Skills Taught in the Community Worker (Accelerated) Program
Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to develop a variety of important and high-demand skills, including:
- anti-oppressive practice in working with diverse populations (including immigrant and refugee communities, marginalized populations, and Indigenous peoples)
- critical analysis, research, and writing
- group facilitation and leadership
- individual and group counselling
- conflict mediation and restorative justice
- community organizing, activism, and advocacy
- community development, project design, and proposal writing
- policy analysis and rights-based advocacy
Community Worker (Accelerated) Core Areas of Study
- community work theory and practice
- social and political analysis
- group skills and counselling
- field placement and seminar
Community Worker (Accelerated) Faculty
Faculty are experienced educators who bring their passion for education and change to create a highly engaging and dynamic learning environment. The faculty have local, national, and global activism backgrounds, and they remain active on social issues and maintain close ties to communities, activists, and organizations.
Your Field Education Options
Community Worker students have the opportunity to develop practical skills and gain valuable work experience by completing approximately 420 hours of field placement in the final two semesters of the program.
Through our strong ties to more than 350 field agencies across the GTA and beyond, students can find placements suited to their interests in a variety of settings, from immigration and settlement services to community food centres, multi-service and government agencies.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Community Worker graduates who successfully complete this program with a high academic standing may qualify for pathways to the following programs:
- Community Development B.A. and Community Economic & Social Development B.A. at Algoma University
- Community Development B.A. at Humber College
- Policing & Community Well-Being (B.A) at Trent University
- Professional Communications B.A. and Justice Studies B.A. at Royal Roads. University
- Students also may apply for programs at Toronto Metropolitan University and York University
For further information, see the Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 2: May–June
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
CWRK 1310 | Community Work Theory |
CWRK 1314 | Interpersonal Communication Skills from An Anti-Oppressive Perspective |
CWRK 1312 | Socio-Political Analysis and Human Rights |
CWRK 1313 | Community Work in Practice |
SEMESTER 3: September–December
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
COUN 2003 | Counselling |
CWRK 2019 | Canadian Social Policy |
CWRK 2038 | Fieldwork II |
CWRK 2039 | Fieldwork Seminar II |
CWRK 2043 | Community Development: Programs and Funding |
Program Specialization Course | |
CWRK 2026 | Housing & Homelessness |
CWRK 2035 | Immigration and Settlement: Working with Immigrant and Refugee Populations |
SEMESTER 4: January–April
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
CWRK 2032 | Global Politics |
CWRK 2038 | Fieldwork II |
CWRK 2039 | Fieldwork Seminar II |
CWRK 2016 | Group Facilitation |
CWRK 2044 | Critical Digital Community Work |
Program Specialization Course | |
CWRK 2033 | Food Justice |
CWRK 2040 | Environmental Justice |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Establish constructive relationships with individuals concerned with community work.
- Describe their personal values and motivation as a community worker.
- Serve in a variety of grassroots community organizations especially in the areas of co-operatives, seniors and community legal services.
- Be comfortable in community work roles ranging from direct service to classical advocacy and organizing.
- Understand and articulate the special needs of multicultural groups.
- Analyze social inequalities and demonstrate creativity in the organization of new services and institutions to meet community needs.
- Work with groups to identify their own needs.
- Access existing services and community resources.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service, and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
‡ May semester fees are approximately; $870.00 Domestic, $3,8350.00 International. These fees are not included in the tuition above and are subject to change. They are to be paid separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding (for semesters 3 and 4), provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Note: Semester 2 (May–June) is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- diploma or bachelor's degree
** Please note that successful completion of the five-week program in May is required prior to entrance to the fall semester.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English Language proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit English Proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Vulnerable Sector Check requirements and program policy
Note: In compliance with the requirements of our field partners, all students in this program are encouraged to complete a Police Vulnerable Sector Check before commencing their field placement. These reference checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary by region and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the Police Vulnerable Sector Check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” The program will assist students in applying for the police check once they begin the program.
Students without a clear police reference check may find that their choice of placement is limited. Students in this situation are encouraged to work with the field education coordinator to identify placement opportunities that do not require the vulnerable sector check. Students are also encouraged to inquire and apply for Suppression and Destruction of Record or Record Suspension (formerly known as Pardon) at their specific regional police services in order to prepare for their future careers or employment.
Please visit the Clinical Pre-placement website for more information.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Social & Community Services
Email: communityservices@georgebrown.ca.
Community Worker Program (Fast-Track) Coordinator:
Farhia Abdi, Email: fabdi7@georgebrown.ca
International Students: Please contact the International Centre by visiting: https://www.georgebrown.ca/international/contact-international-centre
If you require accommodations, please contact Accessible Learning Services by visiting:
https://www.georgebrown.ca/current-students/services/accessible-learning-services
For more information about George Brown College Contact George Brown College | George Brown College
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page