Youth Care Worker

Program Overview

The Youth Care Worker Diploma program is offered online only, through distance education.

Does a career of working one-on-one with young people 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 two-year diploma program are qualified for jobs as family support workers, group home staff, program coordinators or community outreach workers in a variety of educational, residential, social services or community-based agencies.

The two-year Youth Care Worker diploma program is offered through distance education. Qualified instructors will help you build on knowledge and skills developed in the Youth Care Worker certificate program. You’ll learn more about:

  • abnormal psychology
  • agency administration and community development
  • conflict resolution and small group facilitation
  • cultural diversity and family systems
  • individual assessment and development of case plans
  • sexual victimization
  • therapeutic intervention strategies and suicide prevention

Practical, Real-World Learning

You’ll participate in two extended work-based practicums. You’ll get hands-on experience implementing individual client programs, facilitating established agency programs, carrying out basic administrative functions and managing client education sessions. It’s an opportunity to build your professional skills while enhancing your own personal growth.

Get a Degree

Use your Youth Care Worker diploma to transfer into third year of the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies at Lethbridge College in Alberta.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

As a graduate of the diploma program, you could work as a family support worker, group home staff, program coordinator or community outreach worker in a wide range of human service agencies. There are job opportunities in a wide range of settings—community-based child and youth programs, parent education and training, family support, school-based programs, residential treatment, recreation programs, therapeutic foster homes, child and youth advocacy, justice programs, AIDS education and support, life skills training and community development.

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

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Youth Care WorkerSocial and Community Service Workers (4212)$31,800 - $66,300

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):

Varies by course


Length: 35 weeks

Locations

  • 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

To graduate and receive a credential for this program, part-time students must apply to the program and be admitted before taking any program courses.

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

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Note

  • A security clearance, personal interview and/or a medical may be required for practicum or observation visits.
  • Admitted students are required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and 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.

See Certificate program

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

Varies by course

Courses

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Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
HUMR 281
Group Facilitation
3
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You will be introduced to the foundations and structure of group work. You will learn about group dynamics and the role of effective communication in group process. You will explore the concepts of roles, norms, motivation, diversity leadership and power as they relate to being an effective group member. Finally, you will be provided with the opportunity to develop practical skills and experience in group facilitation.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 385
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
PSYC 188
Psychology A
3
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You will be introduced to the scientific study of human behaviour. You will study psychology as a discipline of neuroscience and behaviour, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning and memory.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Equivalent Course(s): PSYC 184
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
SEM 105
Youth Care Worker Diploma Integration Seminar 1
1
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You will reflect on professional practice with a focus on advanced knowledge and skills developed in youth care courses. You will develop a personal portfolio for practicum placement in PRAC 398, Practicum 1. You will explore the professional expectations of agencies involved in your placement.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 385
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
YCW 281
Youth Care Practices 2
3
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You will focus on the role of community development as a tool to improve service for youth. You will learn how to advocate for change and manage barriers that impede effective service delivery.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 385
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
YCW 285
Conflict Resolution
3
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You will be introduced to conflict theory and to approaches of resolving interpersonal conflict. You will examine the model of Interest Based Conflict Resolution. You will act as a mediator by applying the stages of the model. You will examine the process of mediation, family conferencing and community-based restorative justice in the criminal justice system.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 385
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 13

Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
PRAC 398
Practicum 1
12
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You will acquire extended experience working with program service individuals and families at risk. You will apply the knowledge gained through coursework and build helping skills needed for employment in work settings. You will assist with the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of case plans. You will facilitate, evaluate and revise program plans for established agency programs. You will lead agency programs and group work.
Credit Units: 12
Course Hours: 180.0
Prerequisites(s): HUMR 281, SEM 105, YCW 281, YCW 285
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 12

Semester 3

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
ADMN 286
Administration
3
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You will receive an overview of the governance, organizational structures, funding mechanisms, and operations of human services agencies. You will learn the legal and employment considerations for clients, workers, and employers in human services. You will learn the principles of volunteer management and the process of writing effective proposals.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 385
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
CLTR 180
Culture and Diversity
3
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You will be introduced to the many facets of culture. Your studies will focus on the personal attitudes and values involved in appreciating cultural differences. You will explore multiculturalism in Canadian society and discuss practices that promote acceptance of diversity in society.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
COUN 180
Suicide Intervention
2
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You will acquire knowledge and develop skills for suicide prevention and intervention. You will explore personal and community perspectives on suicide. You will identify and assess suicide risk factors, apply suicide intervention techniques, and examine ways to mobilize community support. You will identify suicide prevention and post-vention strategies related to helping individuals and the community.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 385
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
PSYC 189
Psychology B
3
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You will continue to examine the scientific examination of human behaviour introduced in PSYC 188, Psychology A. You will study intelligence, cognition and language, motivation and emotion, social psychology personality, health and stress.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): PSYC 188
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
SEM 200
Youth Care Worker Diploma Integration Seminar 2
1
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You will reflect on practicum experiences and the application of advanced theories, knowledge and skills in practicum settings. You will discuss current issues in the provision of youth services. You will add to your personal portfolio for practicum placement in PRAC 399, Practicum 2. You will explore the expectations of agencies involved in your placement.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 398, PRAC 385
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
SPSY 184
Youth Criminal Justice
3
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You will be introduced to the Canadian criminal justice system. You will explore the history of juvenile justice and will examine the impact of custodial placement on youth in conflict with the law. You will examine sentencing, correctional placement, parole and conditional release for youth and adult offenders. You will be introduced to the roles of police, judges, prosecutors, and defence lawyers working with youth in conflict with the law.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 385
Equivalent Course(s): SPSY 183
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
SPSY 290
Abnormal Psychology
3
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You will be introduced to the psychological and social disorders seen in youth at risk. You will learn how these disorders are manifested, screened, assessed, and treated.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 385
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
YCW 283
Sexual Victimization
3
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You will focus on the scope and characteristics of sexual violence in Canada. You will learn to identify indicators of sexual abuse, the impact on the victim and family and the recovery process. You will study the importance of self-awareness and self-care.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 385
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 21

Semester 4

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
PRAC 399
Practicum 2
12
Show course details
You will have a second opportunity to acquire extended experience working with human services programs for at risk persons and groups. You will focus on the administration functions that youth care professionals carry out in the workplace. You will learn to develop your leadership, documentation, reporting and project management skills.
Credit Units: 12
Course Hours: 180.0
Prerequisites(s): ADMN 286, CLTR 180, COUN 180, HUMR 281, PRAC 398, PSYC 188, PSYC 189, SEM 105, SEM 200, SPSY 184, SPSY 290, YCW 281, YCW 283, YCW 285
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Clinical/Practicum-Individual, Prior Learning
Total semester credits: 12

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.

60 credit units may be granted toward Bachelor of Professional Arts-Human Services (BPA-HRSV) 
May be eligible for block transfer, with a min GPA of 2.0, into the third year of the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice Studies. Students must complete Criminology-CJP 2278 prior to entering third year of the BAAJS program.

Additional Information

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