PROGRAM INFORMATION


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PROGRAM INFORMATION

Academic Year :

2025-2026

Credential :

Ontario College Diploma

Program Delivery :

Full-Time

Duration :

2 Years

Length :

4 Semesters

Program Code(s) :

A151 - Timmins Campus (PC)

A154 - Distance (CK)

DESCRIPTION

The Addiction 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 strength-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 labs allow 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 580hour 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.

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 AMHW program was granted SSW equivalency status through the OCSWSSW, and graduates are eligible for registration with the regulatory college. Graduates of our Addiction and Mental Health Worker program can register with the OCSWSSW.

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.

Addiction and Mental Health Worker

Program Outline 2025-2026

Addiction and Mental Health Worker

Program Outline 2025-2026

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 Addiction and Mental Health Program are vigorous programs. For this reason, the program coordinator can meet with you to discuss part-time pathways.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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.

VOCATIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

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.

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