About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
  • Campus: Welland
  • Code: 0170 P0170
  • Delivery Length: 2 Years
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Overview

Are you interested in a career path that enables you to have a meaningful impact on troubled youth and adults?

As a Correctional Worker, you provide counsel and support to incarcerated individuals and assist them in making positive choices about life after parole.

Highlights
  • Incorporates case management theory and practical experience.

  • Focuses on interpersonal communication, problem solving and professional ethics.

  • Over 400 hours of in-field work experience results in industry skills and knowledge and connects students with potential employers.

  • Program can be completed in 10 months by graduates from any Ontario College Police Foundations and Protection, Security and Investigation diploma programs. See the Pathways tab for details.

Career Opportunities
  • Attendance, crisis centre, life skills, or treatment counsellor
  • Bail, correctional or federal parole officer
  • Case manager
  • Community residential, crisis centre, life skills or treatment counsellor
  • Community service order coordinator
  • Outreach worker
  • Probation and parole supervisor
  • Program facilitator
  • Victim services worker
  • Youth worker/counsellor
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Courses

Term one (2024 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
CAPL1199 Computer Applications 3
COMM1180 Essentials of Writing to be Understood 3
LAWS1122 Basic Law 3
LAWS1320 Introduction to Community and Justice Services 3
PHED1108 Fitness and Lifestyle Management I 1
PHED1159 Fitness Lab l 1
PSYC1101 Psychology 3
SOCL1100 Introduction to Sociology I 3
Term two (2025 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1280 Communications for Justice Studies II 3
CORR1132 Work Experience Issues 2
CORR1422 Intervention Strategies for Clients at Risk 3
COUN1245 Crisis Intervention 1
LAWS1124 Introduction to Youth and Family Law 3
LAWS1222 Advanced Law 3
PHED1208 Fitness and Lifestyle Management II 1
PHED1259 Fitness Lab II 1
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term three (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
CORR1232 Experiences - Justice Services Worker 1
CORR1323 Case Management I 3
CORR1324 Community Services I 3
PRAC1232 Field Placement - Community and Justice Services 11
Term four (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
CORR1423 Case Management II 3
CORR1424 Community Services II 3
CORR1428 Issues in Criminology and Corrections 3
SOCL1430 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada 3
CRIM1201 Criminology 3
PHED1301 Physical Fitness - FITCO 1
PHED1309 Fitness Lab - FITCO 1
PSYC1310 Abnormal Psychology 3
Program Outcomes Term: 1244
  1. communicate in a manner consistent with professional ethics and practice, and a respect for self, others, and relevant law, policies and legislation.

  2. employ all relevant static and dynamic safety and security techniques to ensure the protection of the public, staff, and clients in institutional, residential, and community settings.

  3. intervene with clients, individually and in groups, in order to address and manage barriers to promote inclusion, positive growth and personal development.

  4. collect information, observe, monitor, record and assess client behaviour accurately in compliance with legal and organizational requirements.

  5. assist in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, crises, and emergency situations using intervention strategies as prescribed by relevant legislative requirements and industry certification and/or standards.

  6. develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors and community justice stakeholders to maintain a productive, professional and safe working environment

  7. engage in program planning, implementation, assessment, and evaluation to meet the needs of clients, staff, community and administration within the context of an interdisciplinary setting.

  8. apply knowledge of the history, philosophy, and diverse models of corrective action, of detention, rehabilitation, and reintegration to decision-making and institutional practices.

  9. develop and implement self-care strategies using self-awareness, self-inquiry and reflection.

  10. work in a manner consistent with professional ethics demonstrating respect for self, others and relevant legislation, policies and procedures in a multi-disciplinary workplace.

  11. assess and respond to the strengths and needs of clients, including complex responses impacted by mental health, addictions and other social factors in order to support and promote positive change.

  12. promote inclusive practices within community and justice services to increase understanding within the community and meet the needs of diverse populations.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

  • Aboriginal Beliefs, Values, and Aspirations in Contemporary Society – Grade 11 (C)
  • Canadian Politics and Citizenship – Grade 11 (O)
  • Challenge and Change in Society – Grade 12 (M)
  • Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology – Grade 11 (M)
  • Understanding Canadian Law – Grade 11 (M)
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Program Requirements
Criminal Record Check
  • A Criminal Record Check which is less than 6 months old is required before the start of Term 3.
  • Students with criminal charges or convictions will be severely limited in placement, clinical, and/or employment opportunities in this field.
  • Those with criminal charges pending or an uncleared criminal record (criminal convictions must be pardoned, sealed or expunged) are not eligible for a field placement experience. Field placements must be completed in order to graduate.
  • All employers require this to secure an appropriate field placement.

First Aid and CPR
  • Current Standard First Aid certification and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level A certification is required by the start of the program or prior to the start of the term which features placement opportunities.
Additional Health Requirements
  • Some placement agencies may require students to provide proof of up-to-date immunization and documentation of a 2 step TB test.
  • All health requirements must be met one month prior to the start of the placement term or placement will be denied.
Physical Fitness
  • For most placements, students must be able to engage in moderate physical activity.
Transportation
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
  • Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
  • Students require access to a private vehicle to facilitate program requirements.
  • A valid driver’s license is required.
Computer/Technology Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program. (learn more)

Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

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Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

International Applicants

Sorry, international applications are not accepted for this program.

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Pathways

Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Community and Justice Services (Correctional Worker) program below.

  • NC Pathway
    This program grants Advanced Standing to qualified graduates of:
    Niagara College Police Foundations

    Students receive two 2-year Ontario College Diplomas in 3 years.

  • NC Pathway
    This program grants Advanced Standing to qualified graduates of:
    Niagara College Police Foundations (Advanced Standing)
  • NC Pathway
    This program grants Advanced Standing to qualified graduates of:
    Niagara College Protection, Security and Investigation - Customs Border Services

    Students receive two 2-year Ontario College Diplomas in 3 years.

  • NC Pathway
    This program grants Advanced Standing to qualified graduates of:
    Niagara College Protection, Security and Investigation - Private Security

    Students receive two 2-year Ontario College Diplomas in 3 years.

  • From NC to
    Griffith University Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice Australia
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Sociology United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Criminology/Criminal Justice United States
  • From NC to
    Royal Roads University Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies Canada
  • From NC to
    Seneca College Honours Bachelor of Crime & Intelligence Analysis Canada
  • From NC to
    Trent University Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology Canada
Did you know?

Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.

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Tuition

The below is a tuition fees estimate ( what's this?) for the indicated start term. Tuition fees are set in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities fee guidelines.

Year: 2023-2024
Start Term: Fall

Expand each level below for a fee breakdown.

Year 1
Level one $2,573.04
Fee Breakdown for Level one
Fee Type Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$1,104.95
Material Fees
$110.60
Level one Total
$2,573.04
Level two $2,142.44
Fee Breakdown for Level two
Fee Type Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$756.95
Material Fees
$28.00
Level two Total
$2,142.44
Year 1 Total: $4,715.48
Year 2
Level three $2,394.44
Fee Breakdown for Level three
Fee Type Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$1,036.95
Material Fees
$0.00
Level three Total
$2,394.44
Level four $2,225.00
Fee Breakdown for Level four
Fee Type Fee Cost
Tuition
$1,357.49
Ancillary Fees
$716.95
Material Fees
$150.56
Level four Total
$2,225.00
Year 2 Total: $4,619.44
Estimated Program Total: $9,334.92
We're helping make your NC dreams a reality.

To help fund your education access $1.5 million in scholarships and awards made available by our generous donors. You will be automatically considered for some awards, however other awards will require an application.

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Advanced Tuition Tool

The tuition amounts provided are an estimate only ( what's this? ).

To generate a detailed fees calculation, which includes tuition, ancillary, and material fees for this or a different start term, please access the Advanced Tuition Tool.

Generate My Fees

Sorry, international applications are not accepted for this program.

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The quality of this program can be measured by the consistently high number of graduating students who successfully obtain employment in the corrections field.

Barry McDonnell, Superintendent, Niagara Detention Centre, Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
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