What It Takes to Become a Developmental Service Worker in Canada?
Posted by Jason White on Monday, July 14, 2014
Under: College Education
Developmental service workers (DSWs) are specially trained individuals
who provide support and personal care to people who have developmental
or intellectual disabilities. They may work with people of different
ages and disabilities, ensuring that their basic health, safety and care
needs are met. They support their clients in achieving their personal
health goals, both physical and emotional, by encouraging skill
development, advocating for their inclusion in the society and building
connections between individuals, families and community partners.
What Is It Like Being a Developmental Service Worker?
DSWs may work in a variety of settings, such as residential,
institutional, community or any specific work location. They are
responsible for providing person-directed supports and services and
safety to people with developmental disabilities. They also employ and
adapt formal and informal strategies to support the learning of people
with intellectual disabilities. In addition, they are expected to help
people fill valued role in the society and develop personal support
skills.
The job of a DSW is extremely challenging as it involves working with
people who are not quick in grasping things. It requires a lot of
patience and emotional stability to work with individuals who are
vulnerable and are unable to take care of themselves. Moreover,
individuals considering this profession must be dedicated to serve the
community and bring a positive change in the lives of people who are
intellectually or developmentally disable.
What It Takes to Become a DSW in Canada?
Although no formal qualifications are required to serve the community
but the job of a DSW is extremely specific. It requires a deep
understanding of the life experiences of the people who have
intellectual disabilities. It is also important to possess the ability
to promote life skills among intellectually disable people, so that they
can gain independence and be able to perform their daily tasks.
As this is a specialized discipline, aspiring developmental service workers
are required to undergo formal post-secondary education. Centennial
College's two-year post-secondary diploma in developmental service
worker provides students with the knowledge, skills and training
required to begin their careers in this field. The program curriculum
blends theory and practical, offering students a strong foundation in
the field of intellectual disabilities and critical knowledge and skills
as well as hands-on training in real world settings in the areas of
teaching and provision of personal support.
It's an intensive program that emphasizes on in-depth understanding in
intellectual disabilities, critical thinking, problem solving, values
clarification, health promotion and personal well-being, social
psychology, community and family role and teaching. The students also
develop strong interpersonal, facilitation, time management, team-work
and reflective thinking skills.
Prior hands-on experience in working with intellectually disable people
is also required in order to begin career in this field, in addition to
the knowledge and skills. Keeping this in mind, the program incorporates
two research projects, two field seminars and two industry field
placements, allowing students apply their learning into practice and
gain real world experience.
The diploma program opens doors to a variety of careers as educational
assistants, job coaches, family support workers, integration
facilitators, employment support workers and residential support
workers.
In : College Education
Tags: developmental services workers