George Brown College's Community Worker (C101) is a two-year, four-semester Ontario College Diploma program that integrates local and global perspectives within a multi-level understanding of the historical, social, political, economic and systemic ways in which social issues have developed, and are experienced by communities.

Grounded within social justice and human rights, we provide students with the critical analyses, knowledge, skills and attitude required to work with diverse and historically marginalized individuals and communities on a range of concerns.

This is an approved education program by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Graduates of this program may apply to receive the additional designation of RSSW (Registered Social Service Worker). Extra fees may apply.

Community Worker Program Features: 

• Strong ties with more than 350 agencies across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
• Twenty-plus-year relationship with Anishnawbe Health Toronto (AHT).
• Graduates of AHT’s Community Health Worker Training Program can gain direct entry into the second year of the Community Worker program.
• Founder and lead organizer of the annual Tommy Douglas Institute, which brings participants together to explore community, education and social justice in the twenty-first century.

The Role of a Community Worker

Emerging from a proud history of community-based organizing, advocacy and activism, community workers work with individuals and communities at all levels (local, national, natural and global) toward positive social change.

Community workers are committed to the full and equal inclusion of all peoples within societies that value equality, diversity and human dignity. The pursuit of social justice is about rights—not charity; working in solidarity with communities—not for them.

Key Skills Taught in the Community Worker Program

Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to develop a variety of important and high-demand skills, including:

• anti-oppressive and intercultural practice in working with diverse populations
• critical analysis, research and writing
• group facilitation, counselling and leadership development
• community organizing, activism and advocacy
• community development, project design and proposal-writing
• policy analysis and rights-based advocacy

Community Worker Program Structure

The program combines classroom instruction with two supervised field placements.

Theory, analysis and practice are presented through a variety of innovative instructional tools developed from popular education and learner-centred approaches to teaching and learning.

Highly participative classes of dialogue, debate, interactive lectures, guest panels and group activities provide students with a program of study that is current, exciting and critically engaging.

Program Courses Are Organized into Four Core Areas:

• community work theory and practice
• social and political analysis
• group skills and counselling
• field placement and seminar

Community Worker Faculty

Faculty are experienced educators who bring their passion for education and change to create a highly engaging and dynamic learning environment. Coming from backgrounds in local, national, and global activism, they remain active on social issues and maintain close ties to communities, activists and organizations.

Community Worker Students

From mature students to high school graduates, from newcomers to those hoping for a career change, our diverse and committed student body is a core strength of our program.

If you are passionate about human rights and social justice, committed to working with diverse communities, and bring a mature and professional approach to your education and fieldwork, this is the program for you.

In preparation for the field placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups within classes and community settings.

Already have a diploma or a degree? Visit the Community Worker (Accelerated) program page to see if you are eligible.