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Youth Care Worker (Diploma)


Location(s):  Saskatoon    Distance Learning Option

The Youth Care Worker Diploma program builds on the skills developed in the Youth Care Worker Certificate program. You will learn about more specific issues and develop the specialized skills needed to work with youth.

You will study:

  • cultural diversity

  • suicide prevention

  • sexual victimization

  • abnormal psychology

  • therapeutic intervention strategies

  • community development

  • conflict resolution

  • family systems

  • individual assessment and development of case plans

  • small group facilitation

  • agency administration


Your practicum placements will provide you with hands-on experience in applying your knowledge and skills and in integrating theory and practice. They may take place in a group home, community agency, community school or residential treatment centre.

Length: 35 weeks


Career Opportunities

Graduates may be employed as family support workers, group home staff, program coordinators or community outreach workers in a range of human service agencies (primarily through community-based organizations that operate supportive services for youth and families).

The settings and programs in which our graduates may find employment include:

  • community-based child and youth programs

  • parent education and training

  • family support

  • school-based programs

  • residential treatment

  • recreation programs

  • therapeutic foster homes

  • child and youth advocacy

  • juvenile or adult justice programs

  • community development

  • AIDS education and support

  • teen moms

  • life skills training


For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

  • community school classroom assistants
  • community school outreach workers
  • family support workers
  • group home workers
  • outreach workers
  • youth and adult mediation case workers
  • youth workers

Program Details

Start Date(s): September

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


Note

  • A security clearance, personal interview and/or a medical may be required for your practicum placements or observation visits.



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.



ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

See Certificate program
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

See Certificate program


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Clinical/Practicum
      Home Study
      Independent Study
      Online

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.





Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.

Some transfer credit options for this program include:

  • block transfer of 60 credit units to Athabasca University

  • selected courses are transferrable to SIAST's Correctional Studies and Aboriginal Police Preparation programs


  • ADMN 286  Administration
  • You will receive an overview of the organizational structure and operation of human service agencies. You will learn the principles of volunteer management and the process of writing effective proposals.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time


  • CLTR 180  Culture and Diversity
  • You will be introduced to the many facets of culture. Your studies will focus on the personal attitudes and values involved in appreciating cultural differences. You will explore multiculturalism in Canadian society and discuss practices that promote acceptance of differences in society.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence, Online/Blackboard


  • COUN 180  Suicide Intervention
  • You will acquire knowledge and develop skills related to suicide intervention and prevention, and explore the common perspectives about suicide. The processes of assessing and addressing risk, employing intervention techniques, developing follow-up and community involvement will be emphasized.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time


  • HUMR 281  Group Facilitation
  • The course will introduce you to the foundations of group work. You will be provided with the opportunity to develop practical skills in group facilitation.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time


  • PRAC 398  Practicum 1
  • The course provides you with an opportunity to acquire extended experience working within programs for youth. The experience will help you apply the knowledge you gained from course work and build skills you need for employment in a real work setting. You will have the opportunity to assess, plan, implement and evaluate a program for a client and to facilitate, evaluate and revise program plans for established agency programs. You will be involved in managing education sessions for agency clientele.

    13.0 Credit Units
    194.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    HUMR 281 Minimum Grade of 60 and YCW 281 Minimum Grade of 60 and YCW 285 Minimum Grade of 60 and YCW 288 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PRAC 399  Practicum 2
  • The course provides you with a second opportunity to acquire extended experience working within programs for youth. The focus of your second practicum experience is on the administrative functions that youth care professionals carry out in the workplace. You will learn to develop your leadership skills. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in your presentation, group facilitation and conflict resolution skills. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing your professional and personal growth.

    13.0 Credit Units
    194.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard, Clinical/Practicum-Individual

    Prerequisites:
    ADMN 286 Minimum Grade of 60 and CLTR 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and COUN 180 Minimum Grade of 60 and HUMR 281 Minimum Grade of 60 and PRAC 398 Minimum Grade of P and PSYC 188 Minimum Grade of 60 and PSYC 189 Minimum Grade of 60 and SPSY 290 Minimum Grade of 60 and YCW 282 Minimum Grade of 60 and YCW 283 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PSYC 188  Psychology A
  • The course provides an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior. The course content includes psychology as a discipline, neuroscience and behavior, learning, memory, motivation, stress and stressors.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence

    Equivalent Course(s):   PSYC 184   


  • PSYC 189  Psychology B
  • The course is a continuation of the scientific examination of human behavior introduced in PSYC 188 (Psychology A).The course content includes personality, abnormal psychology, theories of emotional disturbance, treating emotional disturbance and altered states of consciousness.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time, Correspondence


  • SPSY 290  Abnormal Psychology
  • The course will provide you with an introduction to a range of disorders that often lead to abnormal behaviors seen in youth at risk. You will learn about how these disorders are manifested and treated. The purpose of the course is to expose you to the behaviours you are likely to encounter in the field so that you are better prepared to assist clients.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time


  • YCW_ 281  Youth Care Practices 2
  • Your studies will focus on the role of community development as tool to improve service for youth. You will learn how to advocate for change and manage barriers that impede effective service delivery.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time


  • YCW_ 282  Family Systems
  • You will examine patterns of marriage and family in Canadian society. You will explore the issues and challenges facing families and develop strategies to improve family function.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time


  • YCW_ 283  Sexual Victimization
  • Your studies will focus on the scope and characteristics of sexual violence in Canada. You will learn to identify indicators of sexual abuse, the impact on the victim and family and the recovery process. The importance of self-awareness and self-care is stressed.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Correspondence-Structured Time

    Prerequisites:
    HUMD 186 Minimum Grade of 60


  • YCW_ 285  Conflict Resolution
  • You will be introduced to conflict theory and the many different ways of resolving interpersonal conflicts. You will examine a model interest based conflict resolution for resolving conflicts and be expected to act as a mediator by applying the different stages of the model. Finally, you will look at mediation within the criminal justice system, as well as; family conferencing and restorative justice on a community based level.



    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time


  • YCW_ 288  Behaviour Intervention Strategies
  • Building on the skills you acquired in MGMT 281 (Behavioral Principles and Practices), you will study additional helping models of intervention used in youth care work.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Correspondence-Structured Time



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