Community Worker Program (Accelerated) (C131)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown College has been preparing Community Workers for more than 40 years.
Program Overview
George Brown College's Community Worker (Accelerated) (C131) is a dynamic, fast-track program designed to prepare you to work with individuals, organizations and communities. You'll lean to work across a range of issues including social justice, poverty, housing, violence, food justice, immigration and settlement in ways that are responsive to their multiple and changing needs. This accelerated program stream is suitable for students with an existing diploma or degree.
PLEASE NOTE: if you apply to the 2023/24 intake for this program, you will start in May 2024. To begin your studies in May 2023, apply to the 2022/23 academic year.
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.
Full Description
George Brown College's Community Worker (Accelerated) is a dynamic, fast-track program grounded in the principles of and respect for social justice, human rights and anti-oppressive practice.
This fast-track program stream is suitable for students with an existing diploma or degree.
PLEASE NOTE: if you apply to the 2023/24 intake for this program, you will start in May 2024. To begin your studies in May 2023, apply to the 2022/23 academic year.
Over the course of three semesters, you will learn how to work with urban-centred, diverse communities across a range of issues such as: poverty, housing, food justice, immigration and settlement. You will develop the skills you need to be responsive to their needs as they change and evolve.
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 field work and are prepared to take on a full-time course load, this program is for you.
About the Community Worker (Accelerated) Program
This program combines classroom instruction with supervised field placements. Theory, analysis and practice are presented through a variety of innovative instructional tools developed from popular education and learner-centred approaches to teaching and learning. Practical experience gives you the opportunity to apply what you've learned in the classroom in a community setting.
Highly participatory classes of dialogue, debate, activities, interactive lectures, guest speakers and panels, and group work provide students with program content that that is current, exciting, and critically engaging.
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
This Community Worker Program Features:
- Strong ties with over 350 agencies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond.
- Founder and lead organizer of the annual Tommy Douglas Institute, which brings communities, students, educators and activists together to explore higher education and social justice in the twenty-first century.
- The full-time Community Worker (C101) program has been graduating community workers for more than 40 years.
Community Worker Core Areas of Study:
- community work theory and practice
- social and political analysis
- group skills and counselling
- field placement and seminar
You will develop relationships with our community partners through field placements, and sector professionals in your classrooms. Community partners play a key role in networking events, guest panels, and teaching many of the program specializations.
Community Worker (Accelerated) Faculty
The experienced educators that make up our faculty bring their passion for education and change to create a highly engaging and dynamic learning environment. Coming from backgrounds in local, national and global activism, they remain connected to social issues and maintain close ties to communities, practitioners, and organizations.
Community Worker (Accelerated) Students
Graduates from other degrees and diploma programs interested in learning more about social justice and community development enroll in this program. The students are a diverse group with broad social and community experiences.
Your Field Education Options
Community Worker students have the opportunity to develop practical skills and gain valuable work experience by completing approximately 400 hours of field placement in the final two semesters of the program.
Through our strong ties to more than 150 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
- Social Work B.A. programs at Toronto Metropolitan University and York University
For further information, see 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 |
SEMESTER 3: Program Specialization Course
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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 total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Spring 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.
‡ May semester fees are approximately; $870.00 Domestic, $3,520.00 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, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
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
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 Pardon) at their specific regional police services, in order to prepare for their future career or employment.
Please visit the Clinical Pre-placement website for more information.
Our field placement partners may require students to show proof of vaccination. It is your responsibility to ensure all pre-placement requirements are met.
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.
Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Community Worker Program (Fast-Track) Co-ordinator:
Farhia Abdi, Email: fabdi7@georgebrown.ca
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 3926
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
