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Get the Skills to Become a Community and Developmental Service Worker

A woman comforting a crying lady. Take a Community and Developmental Service Worker Program at Oxford!
Discover a rewarding career where you can change people’s lives for the better, start training for your new profession at Oxford College

13 Month Community and Developmental Service Worker Program in the Greater Toronto Area

Some people need a little extra help in life, and it takes a special kind of caring person to provide that support. If you have a compassionate personality, and the ability to connect with people and assist them through trying times, then you could thrive as a Community and Developmental Service Worker.

A Community and Developmental Service Worker is trained to help those who struggle with social challenges, be it mental and physical disabilities, or those with mental health and addictions issues. In addition to helping people through critical situations, you would also work with your clients to get them back on track with goal-setting and attainment strategies, so that they can become healthy and functional members of society.

Flexible Program Options

If you’re interested in starting a rewarding new career, but you can’t put your entire life on hold to pursue it, you’re in the right place. At Oxford College, we offer flexible class schedules including Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Weekend sessions. We also offer flexible learning options (Online, Hybrid and In-person) for many of our programs.

For more information about Oxford College’s flexible program options, inquire today!

Refer a Friend to
Oxford College

Do you know someone who is looking for a change in their life? Refer a friend to Oxford College to help propel their career! If your friend is interested in following in your footsteps, you could be eligible for a $500 reward.

Refer a Friend Now!

The best way to see if Oxford College is the right fit for you is to come in and visit the school. You can tour our facilities, and meet with both students and instructors. Schedule a Tour Now orGet More Info.

Community and Developmental Service Worker

13-Month Diploma | $46,946 median annual salary***


  • Graduates hired by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies & group homes
  • Practical, hands-on training through placements in community support settings
  • Advance into Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy and much more!


***https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/5063/ON visited on February 18, 2022. Salary source for community development workers in Ontario with lowest 10% earning $33,280 to the highest 10% of workers earning $66,810.

Become Qualified in Community and Developmental Service Work

Oxford College’s Community and Developmental Service Worker program gives you the academic knowledge and practical skills needed for a professional career in community support settings. As a Community and Developmental Service Worker, you will administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services. You’ll also assist clients to deal with personal and social problems.

During the Community and Developmental Service Worker program, you’ll learn how to:

  • Interview clients to obtain case history and background information
  • Assess clients’ relevant skill strengths and deficits
  • Assist clients to sort out options and develop plans of action while providing necessary support and assistance
  • Assist clients in locating and utilizing community resources including legal, medical, and financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, assistance with moves, daycare, and other referral services
  • Counsel clients living in group homes and half-way houses, supervise their activities and assist in pre-release and release planning
  • Assess and investigate eligibility for social benefits
  • Advise and aid recipients of social assistance and pensions
  • Provide crisis intervention and emergency shelter services
  • Implement life skills workshops, substance abuse treatment programs, behaviour management programs, youth services programs, and other community and social service programs under the supervision of social services or healthcare professionals

As part of this program, you’ll gain valuable experience through placements in community support settings.

Is a Career as a Community & Developmental Service Worker Right for You? Take the Oxford College 'Community and Development Service Worker Career Training Readiness Quiz'

This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get your Community and Development Service Worker Career Training Readiness score now!

Countless Career Opportunities

Graduates are employed by social service and government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, school boards, correctional facilities, and other establishments.

Upon completion of the program, you may find employment as:

  • Special Needs Worker
  • Family Support Worker
  • Life Skills Instructor
  • Community Development Worker
  • Group Home Worker
  • Mental Health Worker
  • and more!

Career Services

After your training, we won’t leave you hanging. Career Services is here to help you throughout your entire career training journey and afterwards, too. From organizing placements at prominent companies to helping you with your resume, cover letter, and interview tips, you’ll feel confident that you’re putting your best foot forward when it comes time for you to enter into the profession. What’s more, you can access our services after graduation if you need help with the employment hunt. Because when you become a student at Oxford College, you join the Oxford family for life!

Financial Aid

Many people need extra financial assistance to attend school. At Oxford, we believe that finances should not be a barrier for anyone seeking higher education. That’s why we have many funding programs in place, including OSAP, Second Career, and private student loans, to name a few. We will also work with you to set up manageable monthly payment plans for you. Sit down with a financial aid advisor, and they’ll help to assess your situation and create a funding plan that works for you.

Is a Rewarding Career in Community and Developmental Service Work Right For You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in learning more about Community and Developmental Service Work and exploring if this is the right career path for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

For immediate questions, call 1-866-604-5739

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