Full-time Programs
CJSW - Community and Justice Services Worker
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER AND JANUARY
Program Length
Two-Year Ontario College Diploma
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Deirdre Way, Year One Coordinator | dway@loyalistc.on.ca |
| Phil Howlett, Year Two Coordinator | phowlett@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Help build safer communities by working with people at risk.
- There is a strong demand for graduates of this program to work in a variety of settings.
- A common first-year curriculum prepares students to specialize in any justice program in their second year.
- Two four-week field placements offer a competitive job edge to Loyalist graduates.
- Attractive entry-level salaries average approximately $28,000 to $35,000 and higher.
Career Opportunities
The Community and Justice Services program prepares students for careers working with people at risk – both youth and adults – inside correctional facilities and within the community.
Graduates are employed in a range of settings, including:
- youth custody facilities
- child welfare homes
- federal and provincial correctional facilities
- attendance centres
- community justice agencies
- victim support agencies
- residential homes for people at risk
Many students receive job offers before they graduate. Those who are hired on by the provincial or federal correctional system will receive additional training upon employment. Graduates hired and trained by Correctional Services Canada can earn approximately $60,000 per year.
Program Description
This popular program has been recently updated to reflect changes in society. Students will:
- learn through hands-on studies including role playing
- tour existing facilities that may employ program graduates
- develop effective written and verbal communication skills (a major attraction for employers)
- conduct client assessments
- develop case management skills
- learn conflict management techniques
- study best practices to ensure the protection of the public, personal safety and the safety of the community, staff, and clients
Graduates are prepared to work with youth and adults at risk, with a three-fold focus:
- prevention
- intervention
- reintegration
Prevention includes studies in topics such as:
- behaviour management
- addictions
- conflict resolution
- psychosocial conditions of children
- mental health among children
- psychological development in youth
- compulsive disorders
Intervention involves:
- counselling
- intentional interviewing
- conflict management
- a certificate in non-violent crisis intervention
- six weeks of training in alternative dispute resolution
Reintegration emphasizes areas such as:
- guiding clients back into the community
- encouraging “life skills” such as personal hygiene and cooking
- cognitive restructuring – assisting in the redirection of energy for positive purposes
Classroom studies are enhanced by practical experience during the second year, offering:
- two field placements in a relevant community or justice agency
- the opportunity to make an immediate and significant contribution while defining an occupational direction
- eight weeks of on-the-job experience before graduation
- the opportunity to graduate into a job.
Approximate Cost
Tuitions $2,688 (two semesters)
Books and Supplies: $1,240
Note: Relocation and travel may be required for the field placement experiences.
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general,advanced, (C), (U), (M), or (O) level with Grade 12 English
OR
- mature applicant – see page 152 in 2008/09 Calendar
Recommended academic preparation –
- Grade 12 mathematics
- computer proficiency in word processing, file management, e-mail and Internet browsing
(b) Transfer to Another Justice Studies Program: Students who, at the end of Year One, wish to be considered for admission to another Justice Studies program including Police Foundations, Corporate and Commercial Security, Customs and Immigration, or Paralegal, are encouraged to discuss this with their program coordinator.
(c) Transfer of Credit: Applicants with prior education equivalent to Year One (from university and/or college) normally will be admitted directly to Year Two. Applicants seeking advanced standing must review their qualifications with the program coordinator.
(d) Police Background Check: In order to participate in the field placement in Year Two, students will be required to obtain a clean criminal record check by their local police service. Applicants should be aware that the existence of a criminal record may make them ineligible for field placement and thereby affect their ability to complete the program.
(e) Health: A personal health history form must be completed prior to registration. Applicants with special needs or limitations which may affect their potential employment are encouraged to discuss their program and career goals with the coordinator prior to enrollment.
(f) CPR and First Aid: Prior to Year Two, students are required to show proof of current CPR certification – Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Level C, as well as a Standard First Aid Certificate.
(g) Volunteer and Work Experience: These types of experiences are viewed positively when being considered for Year Two and by police services.
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
COMM 1010 Communications 1
This course will enable the successful student to communicate effectively in writing, incorporating correct use of basic grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence construction.
COMP 1006 Computer Technology
This course provides beginner level computer users with more advanced instruction, including introduction to computers, electronic mail, internet software, wordprocessing, spreadsheet and database. Through practical lab experience, the learner will become more efficient operating current workplace software applications.
COUN 1009 Student Success 1
This course will provide first semester students with information, skills, and strategies that will enhance their chances for academic success. Orientation to the Centre for Justice Studies and Loyalist College facilities and resources is included.
FITN 1000 Lifestyle Management and Fitness 1
This course will introduce students to the incidence and impact of Canada's leading diseases. The student will develop an understanding of wellness concepts, and practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle. Students will study and implement prerequisites for developing and maintaining personal physical fitness programs. The student will develop and implement personal strategies to meet fitness standards required by the various justice agencies.
LASA 1000 Principles of Ethical Reasoning
This course focuses on ethical issues faced by individuals in their personal lives, as citizens, and as professionals. Students will analyze and clarify their values and learn the basics of moral reasoning and ethical behavior. Moral theories and professional codes are examined. Students will apply ethical decision making models to personal and professional dilemmas.
LAWS 1004 Canadian Criminal Justice System
This introductory course provides the student with an overview of the Canadian Criminal Justice System with a particular emphasis on the history, function, role and organization of Canadian law enforcement services. The operation of the criminal justice system will be examined and analyzed in light of contemporary issues affecting the system. Each of the major components from enforcement through the courts and correctional services will be explored.
SOCI 1003 Sociology & Canadian Society
An introductory course in which various concepts and sociological theories are presented. The sociological topics include the historical development of sociology, sociological theories, research methods, culture, socialization, race and ethnicity, and the study of aboriginal peoples of Canada.
SOCI 1004 Community & Social Services
This course will explore the structure and administration of community organizations and social services that operate within and adjacent to the Criminal Justice System. The course will further explore the issues, trends and legislation that impact on community social services.
First Year - Semester Two
COMM 1011 Communications 2
This course emphasizes improvement in basic Communications skills.
Writing styles, editing, and different approaches to writing are
taught.
Prerequisite: COMM 1011
COUN 1003 Interpersonal & Group Dynamics
In this introductory level course, students learn to apply knowledge from interpersonal relations and group dynamics to working in a team. Emphasis will be placed on developing awareness of one's self to enhance effective communications individuals and groups.
COUN 1005 Careers in Justice Studies
Students will explore the organizational structures of the various agencies both public and private that relate to the wide variety of careers in the field of Justice services. The students will then examine the roles, functions and specific careers within Police Services, Customs, Corporate and Commercial Security, Corrections and the Paralegal field.
COUN 1010 Student Success 2
This course is aimed at developing successful students. This curriculum will cover a number of topics, such as time management, learning styles, test taking, note taking, reading comprehension, and health and wellness and learning, but will also be developed throughout the course in consultation with the students.
FITN 1001 Lifestyle Management and Fitness 2
A continuation of Lifestyle Management and Fitness 1 combined with the introduction of the nutritional and psychological continuums of wellness. Emphasis will be placed on the development of personal programs. There will be both theoretical and physical fitness evaluations. Prerequisite: FITN 1000
LAWS 1003 Criminal and Civil Law
This course is designed to take the student from the origins of Canadian law, its roles and various components to the substantive aspects of civil, family, administrative and criminal law.
POLI 1000 Political Science
This course is designed to introduce the student to the most important political institutions in Canada and to provide a better understanding of the issues that have united and divided the country. The law-making process at the various levels of government will be examined and issues related to the enactment of contemporary legislation will be addressed. Students will explore the organization and administrative function of Government as it relates to the various justice fields of study.
PSYC 1003 Psychology
In this introductory level course, students will study the basics of psychology, its concepts and theories including: the historical development of psychology, biological bases of behavior, learning and memory, perception and consciousness, motivation, lifespan and personality development, and abnormal behavior.
SOCI 1005 Contemporary Social Problems
A continuation of Sociology and Canadian Society which will focus on a variety of social problems in Canadian society. The social issues will include: addiction, social stratification, minorities, race and ethnicity, education, workplace, gender issues, media and health issues, and the family. Each issue is looked at in detail including the history of the problem and what society is doing to deal with the issue. Prerequisite: SOCI 1003
Second Year - Semester Three
COMM 2001 Communications 3
This course emphasizes improvement in basic Communications skills. Writing styles, editing, and different approaches to writing are taught.
CORR 2002 Correctional Interviewing and Counselling
An introductory course in skills and techniques necessary for interviewing and counseling in the area of corrections. Specific emphasis is placed on practical information and experiential learning.
CORR 2006 Corrections in Canada
This course is designed to familiarize the student with knowledge base of the correctional system in Canada.This knowledge of the correctional system in Canada (comprised of federal and provincial government facilities, as well as non-governmental agencies and private "profit centered" organizations) will assist in the transition to become an effective worker within correctional systems or related social/educational service providers. The learner will be able to, service delivery models, and the. The learner will be introduced to the range of correctional residential facilities, community supervision programs (probation, parole, community service, etc) and services available to court-ordered clients in the community. The methods and techniques of course delivery will include standard lectures, case studies, guest speakers, video presentations, and group work/discussion.
CORR 2007 Contemporary Issues in Com/Jus
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the structure and function of local social service, community resource, and justice providers. In addition, the learner will be exposed to current/relevant topics that challenge these respective agencies and their clients. Along with assisting the learner to make informed and realistic decisions about potential careers/opportunity in these areas, by being exposed to professionals currently working in the field, the detials and particulars of agency structure and function will take on more meaning and significance for each learner.
LAWS 2002 Youth in Conflict with the Law
Enables the student to explain and analyze the historical, philosophical and contemporary application of statutes affecting youth in conflict with the law. Examines and analyzes the Youth Criminal Justice Act (2003) and other relevant legislation, the detention, interviewing and processing through the court structure of young offenders. The ability to summarize and appraise disposition alternatives with a view to aiding and rehabilitating a young offender while facilitating public safety and victim response is developed. Prerequisites: LAWS 1004 & SOCI 1004
PRAC 2003 Corrections Placement Preparation
A course designed to prepare the student for field placement (in both semesters) and future employment in the field of corrections. The course focuses on issues that may arise on placement with an emphasis on problem solving.
PRAC 2004 Correctional Worker - Practicum 1
To provide the student with the opportunity of observing career orientated functions and perform a variety of assigned tasks within the Program Goals.
PSYC 2001 Applied Psychology
The study of abnormal behavior including non-psychotic disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, drug addiction and psychopathology and analysis of abnormal behavior from a psychological perspective.
Second Year - Semester Four
COMM 2002 Communications 4
This course will utilize the skills developed in previous Communications courses allowing the student to write professional reports, business letters, and memos. Prerequisites: COMM 1010; COMM 1011; COMM 2001
CORR 2003 Safe and Secure Environments
This is a laboratory/lecture course designed to familiarize the student with the procedures used in correctional facilities in Canada. Procedures will be reviewed for a wide variety of program types.
CORR 2008 Principles of Case Management
This course is designed to present the student with a variety of approaches that lead to the acquisition of case management skills and techniques that are applicable for work within various Human Service consumer populations and age groups. This course acquaints the student with the philosophy, history and "best practice" of case management. Emphasis is given to ethical and policy considerations faced by human service practitioners, ehtical decision-making, professional competence, self-disclosure, confidentiality, and related topics as they apply to working as part of a case management team.
CORR 2009 Program for Integration/Re-in
Programming for Intervention and Reintegration This course acquaints the student with the philosophy, history and "best practice" of effective programming. Designed to familiarize the student with a variety of program models used for intervention/reintegration, the learner will have the opportunity to practice the skills and techniques that are applicable for work within various Human Service consumer populations and age groups. The methods and techniques of course delivery will include standard lectures, case studies, video presentations, and group work/discussion.
COUN 1004 First Nations Peoples
First Nations Peoples This course will increase knowledge and awareness of aboriginal peoples in Canada, and in particular people of the Iroquois nations; where they are coming from historically, culturally and in their traditional world views. Contemporary legal and social issues will also be explored in detail.
COUN 2002 Corrections Career Preparation
A course designed to prepare the student for job search specifically focusing on the cover letter, resume, and interview situation.
PRAC 2005 Correctional Worker Practicum2
Through this placement experience, students demonstrate achievement of program outcomes.
PSYC 2000 Conflict Management
The first part of this course is designed to teach the skills and techniques of non-violent crisis intervention to the justice studies student. This is a hands-on experiential course where the required skill will be taught through role-plays and didactic exercises. Students will learn how to respond appropriately to defuse the anger and/or frustration in the disruptive individual. The student is able to receive certification from the Crisis Prevention Institution. The remainder of this course is an applied course in conflict resolution with an emphasis on mediation and negotiation. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and SOCI 1004
SOCI 2000 Sociology of Deviance
This course is an examination of the sociological theories of deviance. The student will be responsiblefor researching one area of Sociological Deviance and preparing a paper on that topic.
