The Developmental Services Worker supports individuals who have a range of physical, mental or developmental abilities. The role of the graduate has expanded considerably in order to implement the concepts of inclusion to support individuals in the community.
If you’re interested in a career working with persons with disabilities, the Developmental Services Worker program is the place to start. This rewarding and challenging two-year course, will provide plenty of opportunity for academic achievement, as well as personal and professional satisfaction. In addition to classroom instruction, you can look forward to field placements with the five major agencies in Thunder Bay, as well as with both Boards of Education.
Employment Opportunities:
You may expect to find employment in a variety of settings providing services for persons with a disability. Roles include paraprofessional specialists within educational services, employment support persons in vocational services, support workers in residential services and support for families. There are expanded opportunities as people with disabilities are further included into the mainstream of society. The program has high employment statistics, with careers available across Canada.
Career Categories include prospective positions such as Educational Assistant, Employment Support Specialist, Residential Support Worker, Advocate, Family Support Worker or other agencies that provide services in developmental services.
Following graduation from this program, you may find employment with several agencies in Thunder Bay and the region, including Wesway, Options Northwest Personal Support Services, City of Thunder Bay Recreation & Culture Division Inclusion Services, Superior Greenstone Association for Community Living, Avenue II Community Program Services Thunder Bay, Brain Injury Services of Northwestern Ontario, Community Living Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board and Lakehead Public Schools. There are also many career opportunities outside of Thunder Bay. If you are willing to travel, your skills are recognized throughout Canada.
Admission Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels.
- or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
- or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).
And Course Required: Grade 12 College or University preparation English.
If you do not meet these admission requirements, we encourage you to consider our College Access or General Arts and Science programs; if you successfully complete one of these programs, you will be eligible to apply to programs in the Community Services area.
Physical Demands:
The Developmental Services Worker student must possess the physical capability to lift and support clients.
Other Requirements:
- Immunization and Communicable Disease’s Form
Prior to commencement of field placement, the following is required:
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Up-to-date Immunization including TB Skin Test at the beginning of each academic year.
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Standard First Aid and CPR Level C
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Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training completed within the first semester.
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A recent Criminal Reference Check must be provided to the Program Coordinator at program registration and at the beginning of each academic year. All costs associated with police checks, testing and proof of certification are the responsibility of the applicant. The check is used by employers in this field as a screening requirement of field placement and employment. A criminal record will prevent agencies and schools from providing you with a field placement experience, thus blocking your ability to complete program requirements. Outstanding charges, recent convictions and person-related crimes are of particular concern. For more information, contact the Program Coordinator.
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A valid Driver's License
Post-Diploma Options
- Ryerson University - A part-time program giving community college graduates the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Developmental Disabilities.
- Athabaska University - Bachelor of Arts in Human Services.
- Lakehead University - Social Work Program.
- Loyalist College - Human Services Management.
- Humber College - Post-Graduate Diploma - Behavioural Sciences Program.
- Confederation College - Autism and Behavioural Sciences Program.
To be eligible for participation in field placement, a student must not have been convicted of any criminal offense for which the student has not yet been pardoned. An unpardonable criminal record will result in the student not being able to participate in the field placement courses, and therefore prevent the student from graduating. A recent and valid criminal reference check with vulnerable screening(CRC) is therefore required to enable the student to progress through this program.
Note: Any costs associated with acquiring a Criminal Reference Check (CRC) will be the responsibility of the student applicant.
Program Continuation Criteria:
To proceed into a subsequent semester and to graduate, the student must have a minimum "C" grade in each semester course.
Articulation Agreements:
Graduates from this program are eligible to access articulation agreements with the following universities:
- Lakehead University
- Athabasca University
For more information on Articulation Agreements
Accelerated Program:
1-Year, Ontario College Diploma Program (Program Code: 0162)
Each year a number of seats will be available to people with a university degree in a related field or a community college graduate with a diploma from a human/community service program. Students must apply to www.ontariocolleges.ca and must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher average. A transcript is required. The program is comprised of courses from the first and second year of the program. The duration is 2 semesters, from September to May.
1450 Nakina Drive, P.O. Box 398, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7C 4W1 [ 
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