This Certificate is collaboratively developed and represents a community-university partnership between the Calgary Homeless Foundation and the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary.
The Level I Certificate prepares professionals to work effectively, competently, and ethically with clients who experience homelessness and their agencies. A Housing First model serves as a foundation for the certificate, which provides skill based learning to front-line practitioners in the homeless sector through 13 learning modules. The focus of this program is to educate practitioners on how to navigate a complex system composed of government, mental health, health, social service and community based agencies. Topics covered include homelessness in Canada, communication – working with compassion, outreach and engagement, legal issues, FASD awareness, worker self-care, case management, harm reduction, professional practice, client advocacy, mental health, substance misuse/ addictions, domestic violence, diversity, culture and anti-oppressive practice from an Indigenous perspective, and working with unique populations experiencing homelessness. These topics are covered by a team of dedicated professionals working in the community and members of the Faculty of Social Work. This program is offered face to face in a classroom setting at the University of Calgary.
What you will learn
The modules for this course have been designed to cover the following areas:
- Module 1: Homelessness in Canada
May 11, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Module 2: Working with Compassion: Outreach and Engagement
May 12, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Module 3: Legal Issues
May 17, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Module 4: FASD: Awareness & Case Management
May 18, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Module 5: Self-care, Burn-out and Trauma
May 25, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Module 6: Harm Reduction
May 26, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Module 7: Diversity and Anti-Oppressive Practice: Working with Aboriginal People
June 1 & 2, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Module 8: Introduction to Health and Wellness
June 8, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm & June 9, 2018; 8:30 am – 12:00 pm - Module 9: Working with Unique Homeless Populations
June 15, 2018; 8:30 am – 12:00 pm - Module 10: Cultural Competency and Homelessness: The Pathway to Effective Service Delivery
June 15, 2018; 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm - Module 11: Domestic Violence
June 16, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Module 12: Case Management
June 21, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Module 13: Mental Health, Addictions and Co-occurring Disorders
June 22 & 23, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Field Trip – Life on the Streets
June 26, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm - Final Presentations
June 28, 2018; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Who should take this program?
The certificate is designed for front-line staff working in the homeless sector who want to develop and enhance knowledge and practice skills. This certificate will be a pre-requisite for any advanced course offerings in this program.
Working with Homeless Populations Certificate Learning Goals
- Develop skills, knowledge and awareness of working with homeless populations in Canada
- Learn from knowledgeable instructors who have practical work experience
- Engage with peers and colleagues in collaborative networking across agencies
- Become knowledgeable on case management, mental health, diversity, systemic oppressions, addictions, FASD, domestic violence and inter-cultural issues
- Develop an understanding of different legal issues within the homeless sector
- Develop a deeper awareness and understanding of different mental health concerns and health conditions for individuals experiencing homelessness
- Develop awareness of the need for self-care within this profession
Admission Requirements
- Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent.
- An applicant whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Currently working with individuals and families who are homeless.
Please note: If you are applying for a scholarship through Calgary Homeless Foundation please contact Larysa Faulkner at lfaulkne@ucalgary.ca for scholarship application information.
Program Coordinator Information
Larysa Faulkner
Email: lfaulkne@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 403-220-2160
Fax: 403-210-6414