Child and Youth Worker (1055)
3 Years - 6 Semesters
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Your Questions Answered
The Child & Youth Worker program is for anyone who wants to make the world a better place...that's one of the things that makes it special! If YOU are interested in the youth of our society, and if YOU are looking for a challenge in your life, then CYW is the place to be!!
1. ARE THERE JOBS?
Yes! Sault College Child & Youth Worker graduates are well-trained in their profession and have the skills needed to get hired (e.g. interview skills, resume-writing skills, job-search skills). They enter a competitive market and succeed. Our job placement statistics tell us that the CYW field is growing, especially in the education sector, as well as in the field of in-home support for families. For the past few years the job placement rate for Sault College CYW graduates has been on par with all Community College graduates.
2. WHAT DOES A JOB IN THIS FIELD PAY?
Child and Youth Work is a respected profession and is growing in recognition. Employment conditions vary from full-time to contract to part-time. The salary or contract range is similar to related professions. Converted to yearly salary figures, the range is from $25,000 to $50,000 Canadian per year. Many Child & Youth Workers add to their credentials and take on senior levels of responsibility in agencies, thereby increasing their salary possibilities.
3. DO MANY CHILD & YOUTH WORKERS CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION AFTER GRADUATION?Yes! The Sault College Child & Youth Worker Program and Algoma University here in Sault Ste. Marie have one of the best College to University Articulation Agreements in the Province, allowing our graduates to complete a Bachelor’s Degree at Algoma in just one year. Similar opportunities for advanced standing exist at other institutions. Students may also opt to transfer credits towards a second diploma in a related College program.
4. HOW IS THIS PROGRAM DIFFERENT FROM SOCIAL WORK?Our Child & Youth Worker program is focused on the psycho-social needs of children, youth, and their families. The program contains a solid theoretical base and is also highly practical and applied. Child & Youth Worker students don't only learn why things happen, they learn how to make things happen! Social work has an emphasis on case management. Social work focuses on issues facing people at any age, whereas Child & Youth Workers are those who devote their studies and energies to the betterment of young people specifically. Child & Youth Worker students complete up to 750 hours of practical, applied training as part of their course of study at Sault College.
5. DO CHILD AND YOUTH WORKERS WORK WITH YOUNG OFFENDERS?Sometimes. The area of work depends largely on the student's interest. Many Child & Youth Workers are employed in correctional facilities, others work in educational or health facilities, or in community-based prevention programs. Child & Youth Workers are trained to apply their skills and knowledge in a variety of settings. This flexibility makes for a wider range of employment possibilities.
6. IS THE CHILD AND YOUTH WORKER DIPLOMA RECOGNIZED OUTSIDE ONTARIO?Yes! Our graduates have been successful in securing employment in large centres within Ontario and Alberta, as well as in other provinces, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, the United States and the Dominican Republic. Our faculty have consulted and trained staff in Ontario, in other provinces, in the United States, and in Scotland.
7. IS THE PROGRAM DIFFICULT?
Child & Youth Worker students at Sault College are highly regarded for their commitment, their professionalism, and their creativity. The faculty are committed to student success and offer support in a variety of ways to the students. The students do work hard, but they also learn to work 'smart' by developing organizational skills, study skills, and effective problem-solving skills. Graduates often say that they were challenged in this program, but that with consistent effort they were able to master those challenges and reach their level of excellence.