Youth Care Worker

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The one-year Youth Care Worker certificate program is offered full time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon campus only, and part time through distance education. 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. 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.

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.

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

Part-time delivery

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

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

2023-24 academic year

$8,280

Courses

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.

• Candidate Guide
• More 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.

Related programs

Youth Care Worker diploma

Additional information

• Personal Readiness
• Have a question about part-time delivery? Email ConEd@saskpolytech.ca or call 306-659-4418.