As an experienced psychiatric nurse and instructor in Herzing’s Community Support Worker (CSW) program, Kim Melnyk was used to having lots of in-person interactions with students and people in recovery. She wasn’t the biggest fan of technology; she much preferred a more personal touch.

So when COVID came along and forced her to shift to teaching online, she had to make some major adjustments.

Initially, Kim was very much looking forward to a return to class post-pandemic. But when it started to occur, she found that it did not solve the problems she thought it would. Instead, she found herself doing more and more interaction online—and discovering benefits she had never considered before.

We spoke with her recently to learn more about her experience.

Updated February 2023

Do you feel driven to help at-risk children and teens get the support they need to improve their lives? If you become a youth worker, you can make a career out of doing exactly that.

Youth workers specialize in helping kids navigate tough situations. They connect vulnerable young people with community programs and resources designed to lift them out of dangerous conditions and get on a better path.

Ultimately, this job is about ensuring the safety and well-being of kids who find themselves in challenging circumstances.

Looking to become a youth worker in Winnipeg? Not sure how to begin?

Have a look at five steps that can help you launch a career in this branch of social services.

Updated February 2023

Many people are drawn to a career as a community support worker (CSW) out of a desire to improve the lives of vulnerable individuals.

CSWs give at-risk people the tools and resources they need to overcome their challenges and rebuild their lives.

This role is about offering compassionate, practical support to those in need. And it can be very rewarding.

But of course, there are advantages and drawbacks to every job. You should have a full picture of what to expect before you commit to a career path.

Read on to discover the major pros and cons of becoming a CSW, and see if this role truly is your calling.

Updated February 2023

A Community Support Worker (CSW) diploma is a quick, efficient way to start a career in social services.

If you want to do front-line work in your community, but don’t want to earn a university degree in social work, a CSW diploma is a good alternative. It takes just 12 months to complete the program. 

We have been delivering CSW training for several years.

Students always say their favourite part of the program is the hands-on training in counselling, plus the real experience they get on internship at a local community organization.Most students are excited to get out there and start working with people in need. They’re not interested in spending years studying social work history and theory.  

So, exactly what topics and skills are covered in a CSW diploma? How does it prepare you for the challenges of supporting at-risk people?

Read on for a good preview of what you’ll be learning in class.

Updated February 2023

Looking to become an addiction counsellor? Improving the lives of people battling problems with drugs or alcohol can be immensely rewarding.

And the need for these professionals is higher than ever. CTV News reported that the number of deaths attributed to drugs have more than doubled in Manitoba compared to pre-pandemic times.

Plus, the Manitoba government estimates there will be more than 300 new job openings for family, marriage, and other related counsellors throughout the province between 2021 and 2025.

But what does it take to become an addiction counsellor? How can you get started in this field?

In this post, we provide a clear breakdown of the training and skills every addiction counsellor needs. Here's what you need to know.

Image: Volunteering and hands-on training are core components of a quality CSW course

Updated December 2022

Planning to become a community support worker (CSW)? You're on track to a rewarding career with many different job options.

Community services is a challenging, diverse, and quickly growing field. CSWs work in front-line roles, supporting vulnerable populations and helping people lead healthier more independent lives.

So how do  you get started?

Your first step is find a quality community support worker course. There are quite a few colleges across Manitoba that offer this program. How do you know which one to choose?

While you should certainly take the time to do your own research, there are a few key factors that every good community support worker course should offer.

In this post, we outline all the features you should look for when researching CSW training options.

After reading, you will be much better prepared to find a great program to launch your career.

Updated March 2023

You’ve landed on this page because you’re interested in a career in healthcare. You’re drawn to roles where you can really help people and make a meaningful difference in their lives, but you don’t want to spend years at university earning a degree. 

Community support worker (CSW) and health care aide (HCA) are two excellent alternatives. Both are front-line roles with positive impact. Both are in demand in Manitoba. And you can train for either career in less than 12 months. 

Which path should you choose? Which role suits you best? 

In this post, we’ll walk you through the main differences between community support workers and health care aides. You will learn how training, job responsibilities, skills, and career options vary between these two roles. By the end, you’ll know which path is right for you and exactly how to get started. 

Community Support Worker students in class at the Herzing College Winnipeg campus 

Updated February 2023

Thinking about a career in social services, but don’t want to invest four years in a university degree? You’re probably leaning toward Community Support Worker training. 

There are quite a few colleges offering this program (or something similar) across Canada. Most students do their research, compare all the programs, read all the reviews, and try to figure out which school is right for them.