Updated February 2023

Wondering if a career in social services is right for you? One of the best ways to figure that out is by looking at the skills you'll need to succeed on the job.

If those qualities match up with your profile and interests, chances are you're a good fit for the role.  And if they don't? You're probably better off in another career.

In this post, we're looking at what it takes to be an effective community support worker (CSW). We break down the top 10 characteristics, interests, and skills needed to really thrive in this job.

By the end, you'll know if a CSW career makes sense for you, and exactly how to get started.

Marina Denisova always knew she wanted to help people change their lives for the better.

She completed graduate studies in social work in her native Russia. But when she came to Canada, she knew she needed additional training.

She needed to build on her English language skills and learn about the social programs and systems that were in place in this country.

That’s what led her to enrol in the Community Services Worker (CSW) program at Herzing.

Marina graduated from the program and is now an ECE assistant with the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

We spoke with her recently to get her thoughts on the CSW course, the instructor, and the overall Herzing experience.

Here’s what she had to say.

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.

A group of Community Services Worker students at Herzing College Ottawa

Updated November 2022

What will your life look like after community services worker (CSW) training? Where will you work, and who will you work with?

This is, obviously, a key question for anyone considering a career in community services.

Our goal in this post is to give you a clearer idea of your options and opportunities as a freshly graduated CSW.