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Addiction and Mental Health Worker

Academic Year Credential Program Delivery Duration Length

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Referenced from: Program Outlines Archive

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Addiction and Mental Health Worker

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Academic Year Credential Program Delivery Duration Length

2024 - 2025 Ontario College Diploma Full Time 2 Years 4 Semesters A151-PC - Timmins A154-CK - Distance

Program Codes

DESCRIPTION

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 AMH worker 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.

Northern has a partnership with Algoma University. Students who have completed a Social Service Worker diploma through Northern College can enter the Bachelor of Social Work Program with Algoma University.

Program Outline | March 2024

Disclaimer: Information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Content of programs and courses are revised as needed and/or required. Program outlines and information are subject to changes and may be delivered in different or alternate ways then listed in this document. You are advised to always reach out to Northern College if you have questions related to content on the website or outline publications.

Addiction and Mental Health Worker

Students are eligible for up to 60 credits to be transferred into the BSW program, which consists of 120 credits overall. Please reach out to Tara Duclos for additional information: duclost@northern.on.ca

Northern College also has a pathway agreement for students who have completed their Social Service Worker Diploma to enter the Community Economic and Social Development (CESD) Bachelor Program. Please reach out to Leah Blanchette, Leah.Blanchette@algomau.ca for more information.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Addiction and mental health worker
  • Employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, shelters, rehabilitation facilities, health care services and correctional facilities.

VOCATIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. Develop plans to assist clients in achieving their goals for mental wellness and recovery from addictions.
  2. Integrate group work and group facilitation skills across a wide range of community service settings, to support growth and development of individuals, families, and communities affected by addictions and mental health issues.
  3. Deliver addiction and mental health services that align with social policy, legislation, and political, social and economic systems.
  4. Provide treatment and prevention strategies to individuals and families impacted by addiction and mental health issues.
  5. Develop and promote accessible and responsive programs and services to individuals, groups, families, and communities that respect their diverse needs and experiences.
  6. Provide assistance and/or referral where necessary, to clients for the successful resolution of crises.
  7. Develop and maintain positive interprofessional collaboration and working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners that adhere to professional, legal and ethical standards.
  8. Collaborate with clients to identify and advocate for access to appropriate resources to address addiction and mental health issues.
  9. Collaborate with Indigenous peoples and their communities to identify and advocate for access to culturally appropriate resources to address addiction and mental health issues.
  10. Engage in critical self-reflection to develop strategies for professional growth and lifelong learning as a practitioner.
  11. Develop strategies for addiction and mental health practice that meet an organization’s objectives.

Program Outline | March 2024

Addiction and Mental Health Worker

PROGRAM COURSES

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the program. Programs at Northern College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities.

| Semester 1 | Semester 1 | Hours | |

Source: https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/08/Addiction-and-Mental-Health-Worker-2024.pdf