School of Human Services and Community Safety

Youth Care Worker

Certificate

Program Overview

Does a career of working one-on-one with youth and families interest you? Check out the Youth Care Worker program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. You’ll find two options: the one-year certificate or the two-year diploma. Whichever you choose, you’ll need a steady personality, strong listening skills, compassion and respect for others.

Graduates of the one-year certificate program are qualified for jobs as youth or family service workers in educational, residential, social services or community-based agencies.

The one-year Youth Care Worker certificate program is offered full time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon campus only, and part time through distance education. Qualified instructors with experience in the field will help you develop the skills you need to build therapeutic relationships with children, youth and families. Your studies will focus on:

Indigenous awareness;
addictions and the criminal justice system;
behavioural intervention strategies and therapeutic activities;
communication, employability and problem-solving skills;
crisis prevention/self-protection strategies;
health & wellness, human growth and development; and
planning and implementing activities.

Practical, Real-World Learning

The program combines classroom theory with practical learning. You’ll learn from guest speakers and participate in experiential activities. Two work-based practicums give you an opportunity to work directly with children and youth at risk on a day-to-day basis. You’ll apply core concepts learned in class, develop your skills and engage in the design and delivery of programs.

For additional information, contact Su Polley at 306-659-4908 or su.polley@saskpolytech.ca, or Marilyn Philipchuk at 306-659-4903 or marilyn.philipchuk@saskpolytech.ca.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

When you graduate, look for positions as a youth worker, family support worker, group home staff, community outreach worker or classroom assistant. There are job opportunities in community-based child and youth programs, school-based programs, residential treatment centres, recreation programs, home-based care, child and youth advocacy, and community development.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at a campus nearest you.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Youth Care Worker	Social and Community Service Workers (4212)	$31,800 - $66,300

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September (full-time Saskatoon Campus delivery)
Length: 35 weeks

Locations

Saskatoon
Online/Distance options available

Some programs offered online or otherwise by distance (i.e., correspondence) include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. They may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.

Part-time Delivery

In order to graduate and receive a credential for this program, part-time students must apply to the program and be admitted after completing the following courses: COMM 291, EMPL 180, HUMD 188, and SAFE 109.

View the program page for a complete list of courses and additional information.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12
English Language Requirement

Note

Admitted students will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Search prior to entering required coursework and practicum with children, youth and adults. At the discretion of the agency, a student may be declined access to a practicum placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check, personal interview and/or medical assessment. A student must complete the practicum placements to graduate from the program. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is the student's responsibility.
Proof of current Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' or equivalent may be required prior to entry into a practicum.
Accepted international students require a co-op work permit to complete the practicum requirements for this program. This is mandatory. Students who do not have a co-op work permit will not be allowed to participate in their practicums. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they have the required documentation to study in Canada and a co-op work permit to complete the practicum requirements of this program.

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.

ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

250 Arithmetic
250 Reading
245 Writing
4 Writeplacer

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

2022/23 Academic Year

$7,245

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +

Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

COMM 291

Interpersonal Communications

You will develop employability skills through the study of interpersonal communications theory and applications in the workplace. Learning outcomes include the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem, perception problems, verbal and nonverbal messages, and listening skills, creating positive communication climates and resolving interpersonal conflict.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): BCOM 103, COMM 112, COMM 135, COMM 155, COMM 160, COMM 381, HUMR 182, HUMR 186, JOBS 190, NEPS 114, NURS 114, NURS 163
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Televised/SCN, Work Based Delivery

EMPL 180

Employability Skills

You will receive instruction and practice in written communication skills needed in the workplace. You will develop effective job search strategies, with emphasis on communicating a professional image through job search materials and interview skills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): COM 103, COM 105, COMM 292, EMPS 105
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

HLTH 183

Health Promotion in Youth Care

You will discuss a holistic approach to wellness with a focus on personal health. You will receive instruction in the lifestyle practices that promote health and wellness. You will study workplace safety practices and have the opportunity to demonstrate competency in practical skills necessary for worker and client safety.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

MGMT 193

Behaviour Supports in Youth Care

You will be introduced to the behavioural change process as it applies to the youth care worker’s role with children and youth at risk. You will examine the theories, principles, and strategies designed to increase optimal behaviours and decrease inappropriate behaviours. You will study practical guidelines and techniques for working with children and youth at risk in the context of family and community. You will learn the role of functional behaviour assessment in managing disruptive behaviour.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): MGMT 281
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

ORTN 385

Orientation

You will visit human service agencies and you will meet the workers from a range of programs and agencies for youth, adults, and families at risk. You will prepare for advanced coursework and confirm your career choice.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

SAFE 109

Introduction to Crisis Intervention

You will examine the components of crisis situations and apply conflict de-escalation strategies.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): SFTY 184
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

SOCI 184

Sociology A

The course provides an introduction to the sociological perspective and addresses the study of people as social beings. You will examine culture, socialization processes and social inequality.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 160
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

YCW 187

Youth Care Practices 1

You will be introduced to the assumptions, values, ethics and laws that provide the basis for working with youth and families. You will develop awareness of your professional role and boundaries in maintaining effective helping relationships. You will apply the problem solving process to client situations.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

YCW 282

Family Systems

You will examine the structure and patterns of family life in the context of Canadian cultural and societal diversity. You will identify and discuss issues that impact family functioning. You will use strength based assessments, interventions, and strategies that promote resilience and healthy family life while in the role of a youth care worker.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

Total semester credits: 25

Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

HUMD 188

Human Growth and Development

You will learn the physical, sensory, perceptual, cognitive, social, and personality stages of human growth and development from conception to death.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

PRAC 384

Practicum 1

You will apply knowledge and skills learned in your coursework at a program or agency that provides youth and family services to persons at risk. Under the supervision of the agency, you will develop skills needed to work as a youth and family service worker in a social services, residential, educational, or community agency in Saskatchewan.
Credit Units: 9
Course Hours: 135.0
Prerequisites(s): EMPL 180, MGMT 193, ORTN 385, SAFE 109, YCW 187
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning

REHA 281

Program Planning

Building on YCW 187, Youth Care Practices 1, you will apply the problem solving process to planning supportive interventions to client groups. You will examine needs assessment and decision making as applied to group services in youth and family services. You will develop program goals and objectives, identify learning activities, write activity plans, and develop program resources. You will develop a 15 hour program for at risk youth and you will create a program manual to support delivery of the program.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): YCW 187
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

SOCI 185

Sociology B

Building on what you learned in SOCI 184, you will examine the importance of a sociological understanding in human service professions. You will study social institutions, social deviance, and issues facing mainstream and marginalized people in Canada.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): SOCI 184
Equivalent Course(s): SOCI 260, SOCI 282
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

YCW 188

Therapeutic Activities

You will examine the role of the youth care worker in planning and implementing culturally and developmentally appropriate activities for youth and families at risk. In the role of the Youth Care Worker, you will develop, implement, and evaluate individual and group activities, aboriginal cultural activities, and activities that involve the use of social media.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Equivalent Course(s): REC 184
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

YCW 189

Indigenous Awareness

You will receive an introduction to First Nations and Métis Nations of Canada. You will examine historical and current issues that affect Indigenous peoples. You will explore racism and will develop an understanding of how self-awareness impacts helping relationships.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

YCW 284

Addictions

You will examine historical trends and perspectives of addictive behaviours and interventions, with a focus on substance, gambling, and sexual addictions. You will identify drug classifications and the impact of addiction on family functioning. You will learn about prevention, intervention, and treatment options.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

Total semester credits: 27

Semester 3

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PRAC 385

Practicum 2

Building on the experience you gained in Practicum 1, you will develop greater independence and expand the skill set needed to work as an employee in social services, residential, educational, or community agency that provides youth and family services in Saskatchewan.
Credit Units: 9
Course Hours: 135.0
Prerequisites(s): COMM 291, HLTH 183, YCW 282, HUMD 188, REHA 281, SOCI 184, SOCI 185, YCW 188, YCW 189, YCW 284, PRAC 384
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning

Total semester credits: 9

Note: Students must be admitted to the program before taking the practicums.

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Athabasca University

30 credit units may be granted toward Bachelor of Professional Arts-Human Services (BPA-HRSV). Students are required to present an additional 30 university level credits prior to admittance into the BPA-HSRV program.

Additional Information

Personal Readiness
Have a question? Email ConEd@saskpolytech.ca or call 306-659-4418.

School of Human Services and Community Safety

Youth Care Worker

Program Overview