Addiction and Mental Health Worker (Dip)

The Addictions and Mental Health Worker program allows students to analyze intersecting causes and impacts of addiction and mental health issues from a multidimensional framework that integrates an Anti-Oppressive Practice length along with a strengths-based approach to supporting clients. Students learn how to interact with clients on an individual, group and community level all while advocating for appropriate systemic changes. Throughout the program, students can apply theoretical concepts through lab-based activities, simulations, fieldwork placement and experiential learning opportunities.

 

The interactive lab allows students to work with actors in the field to practice and refine their interviewing and counselling skills. The capstone course encourages students to advocate for social change and promote the field of addictions and mental health overall.

You will challenge the stigma associated with these problems including your own hidden biases to develop holistic healing plans that work and master the self-care strategies that will be critical to your long-term success. Finally, you will put theory into practice during a 580-hour fieldwork placement with social services employers of all kinds including shelters, drop-in centers, recovery homes, correctional facilities, crisis support agencies, and more. These skills have never been more in demand more, and you can make a profound difference in the lives of others by studying here.

 

Graduates from our Addiction and Mental Health Program are eligible to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Northern College also offers a pathway allowing students to complete the Social Service Worker program and AMHW programs in 3 years of full-time study instead of 4.  Students wishing to take this route need to apply to the Social Service Worker Program.

 

This program will prepare you for a rewarding career as an in-demand counsellor, case manager, or outreach worker. In a collaborative lab environment, you will gradually hone your communication, listening and crisis intervention skills – all while gaining an awareness of the complex causes and impacts of mental health issues and addiction.

 

The program ties in various elements of Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice from the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), giving graduates and strong ethical framework to ensure they are meeting the needs of clients throughout the community.  As such, the AMH program was granted SSW equivalency status through the OCSWSSW, and graduates are eligible for registration with the regulatory college.

 

Distance Delivery Information (A154)
 

Our AMHW distance program is synchronous, meaning, classes are scheduled each semester for a class day and time for you to attend online. It is important to note that all classes that have lab components (and some others) have mandatory attendance and participation to be successful in the course. Students who are in the distance program must have a working camera and microphone on their device. This is mandatory for our distance program as it will allow students to participate and engage with classmates and the course material.

 

Our distance students can do their placements in their city/town of their choice, but placements are done in person. Students studying outside of the Timmins area are responsible for securing their own fieldwork placement which will be approved by the placement coordinator. Both the on campus and distance Social Service Worker Program are vigorous programs. For this reason, the program coordinator can meet with you to discuss part-time pathways.

CAREER READY GRADUATES
 

 

 

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option.

 

 

Professionals with training in addictions and mental health are highly sought after by social service employers.

 

Graduates of the Addiction and Mental Health Worker program can find employment in social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, drop-in centres, hospitals, health care services, correctional facilities, recovery or rehabilitation homes and crisis support agencies in roles such as Case Manager, Harm Reduction Worker, Street Outreach Worker, Short-Term Crisis Bed Worker, Front-Line Shelter Worker, Withdrawal Management Counsellor, and others.

 

Graduates of the Addiction and Mental Health Worker program will be prepared for practice with individuals, families/kin and small groups who are impacted by addiction and mental health issues in a variety of community health and human services settings such as social and advocacy organizations, residential care facilities, outpatient care centres and community-based food, housing, emergency and other relief services.