Virtual Learning as a Trillium College Student

Who would have thought that earning a college diploma would simply require me to log in and learn from home? It’s easy, it’s interesting, and it’s investing in my future, all from the comforts of my living room.

I didn’t have to uproot myself, figure out transportation, or even parking.

I didn’t even have to take on added expenses to buy new clothes or a new backpack… I’ve saved a ton of money by enrolling at Trillium.

My career path is clear, and my future is already looking brighter by simply logging in to my online learning platform.

Four mornings a week, I’m greeted by my instructor, I open up the chat to say hello to my classmates, and the live teaching begins. This wasn’t what I (or any of us for that matter) had planned on for my ‘college years’, but I’m able to remain focused and get my work done, usually while nibbling snacks and wearing my slippers.

Half the time, I only dress from the waist up and keep my pajama pants on for comfort, but I have to remember to turn my zoom video off before I stand up so no one notices. Let me tell you, that is NOT the case for some of my classmates- LOL!

Having a live instructor in a virtual learning environment to deliver all theory-based learning somehow makes the online experience feel like a real, in-person classroom.

Lectures move at a normal pace, and it feels almost as if I have a private instructor since all our computers are muted to keep the lectures free from distraction and background noise until participation is required.

To make it fun, I’ve even started a weekly tally for how many times someone says, “we can’t hear you, you’re on mute.” If I could put a toonie in a bin every time I heard that phrase, I might just be able to buy the college when this is all done.

But all kidding aside, I’ve never been someone who thrives under pressure. I hated when an instructor would call on me, and then all eyes in the classroom would be staring straight at me.

Being at home, being relaxed, and in my own personal space allows me to feel more confident learning the material and doing the assignments and tests.

The bonus is that I will complete my course faster than if I’d gone to a public college, and because of the condensed schedule, I will be able to get out into the workforce a lot faster than if I’d made another choice.

Now, I have yet to see a naked human run through the screen or hear a child singing at the top of their lungs in the background during a lecture like some online blogs profess, but there have been many funny moments as we all adapt to virtual classrooms and the magic that is Zoom.

I am by no means saying this has been a walk in the park. With my loss of part-time employment when the pandemic first hit, I didn’t have extra income or savings to pay for my courses, but my Career Coach helped me realize my tuition was an investment in my future. A Trillium College Student Finance Planner helped me to secure the funding necessary to complete my course; it was so helpful to have someone to help me navigate through all the paperwork. With the schedule being the same start and end times each day, it allows me to take on a part-time job in the evenings, and I don’t feel like I’m falling behind as I know I can fit everything in, including studying.

Another advantage of instructor-led virtual learning and one of the greatest reliefs during this pandemic is that I don’t have to wear a mask, I don’t have to wash my hands ten times an hour, and I’m 100% safe in my own home.

When my alarm goes off every morning, I simply head downstairs, pour a bowl of cereal and make myself a coffee while I boot up my computer and log in. Sure there have been times where the instructor will talk for a few minutes only to realize his mic was muted, or someone accidentally spills coffee on their keyboard and lets out a shriek of horror, but by the end of class, we’ve accomplished our learning objectives and that’s what matters most to me.

Bob Inksetter used to work in a fancy kitchen, whipping up tasty meals that would make your mouth water.  He was passionate about food, but woke up one day and felt that he needed more.  He wanted to give back, to make a difference and help change lives. So; he took a leap of faith and enrolled in a Community and Developmental service worker program, graduated, started working and hasn’t looked back since.  

“As a chef I hit the wall with no upward movement that I could see in my career.  I was looking for a change and wanted something more fulfilling with more mobility.  I asked myself, What’s my purpose?  How do I want to leave the world?  I knew that when I checked out I wanted to leave the world a little bit better…I guess it was an age thing, but I knew I could do something fulfilling.”

Being a Community and/or Developmental service worker is a calling. It’s a passion for helping people from all walks of life and a desire to make a direct impact on people’s lives. The paycheque isn’t six figures but the job satisfaction is second to none.

Inksetter works as a family support worker at the Good Sheppard in Hamilton, ON.  His main focus is homelessness; helping his clients find housing after difficult situations. The Good Sheppard is the only family shelter in Hamilton meaning that they help with shelter for families that have a mother, father and children or a father led family. 

“It’s the only option for dads,” Inksetter says, “so that’s kind of sad and yet cool to be a part of at the same time.”

“I’m not gonna lie,” Inksetter comments, “there are days it is really tough,” but he then went on to say that one day in particular will always stand out to him.  

“We were helping this really young family try to find housing.  The mom was only 16 and the dad was 18.  They had experienced a lot of trauma and barriers, but they just wanted to live as a family.  It took a long time, but eventually we got them a house.  Our whole office had a celebration, lots of high fives were passed around.  It was a great day to be able to give them a start.”

Lindsay Riehl, who considers herself a human services advocate, has worked as a community service worker for a decade.

“You have to have a really strong will and you need to know your limits,” she explains.  

“You understand how lucky you are because after a hard day, least we can it behind and go home to our families, eat a meal and turn on the tv to unwind; something that our clients don’t usually have the means to do. It can be hard to see the situations people are living in, but you just learn to turn it off as a professional,” Riehl explains.

Riehl worked most of her career with brain injury patients; helping them to integrate back into the world and get back on their feet. 

 “When I can walk into a room, sense my client’s mood and diffuse a situation, I find that very rewarding,” she explains.

Riehl has since moved on to the developmental side of service work helping people with physical, mental or intellectual development disabilities function better in the classroom, at work or in their day-to-day life and is enjoying the change.  

“There is so much room for growth,” she explains, “New techniques, new ways to get involved in making positive change, there are so many possibilities.”

Riehl admits that there are hard days, but the bottom line is that there are many more days that you can go home knowing you have made a real difference.

Both Inksetter and Riehl admit that one down side to service work is burn out, it can be so hard to leave the work at work, but you learn to compartmentalize your emotions and do what needs to be done during working hours only. 

If you can identify with both Inksetter and Riehl as being someone who wakes up thinking, “How am I going to make this world just a little bit better for someone else today?”, then you are definitely the type of person who would excel in a career as Community and/or Developmental Service Worker, click here to learn more. 

How to React During A Time of Crisis – COVID-19

The current global COVID-19 pandemic is a rather peculiar and unique situation for students and people worldwide. There are not too many instances in life where we are asked to slow down and stay in. For many of us over the last few weeks, we went from being busy humans on a schedule to being home-bound with minimal to no human interaction. During a crisis, things are out of our control and can change without any warning and we must adjust accordingly. These are uncertain times. What kind of effect can this have on us? Often without a sense of control, we naturally tend to panic, stress, and worry, but it is completely normal.

Health experts recommend these strategies to react appropriately during a time of crisis:

Stay informed during a crisis

Use reliable sources such as official health and government websites to stay informed with what is happening in your local community. Contradictory information is always being circulated on social media and social media is certainly not an accurate source for COVID-19 updates. While it is important to stay up to date with news, remember to keep it at a limit. Overloading with negative information can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Stay informed when necessary and stay calm.

Focus on yourself and your health

Feel your feelings and be aware of them. Vocalize and explain your feelings to someone you trust, write them down, or even express them through activities. Mental health awareness is key in times of crisis. Focus on your health by being attentive and taking necessary precautions. Practice healthy habits and limit your contact with stress-inducing factors. There are many great practices for mental health available online.

Create a plan with strategy

One of the positive outcomes of the current COVID-19 pandemic is the increased time we have. Use this time to create a plan if you haven’t yet! Keep yourself occupied by writing down tasks, activities, jobs, exercises, and things you generally enjoy doing, then do it. Take the time to explore a hobby that you have always wanted to try, or simply enjoy the outdoors with attention to social distancing. Plan what you will do now and then make an action plan of what the future will hold after we overcome the pandemic. Focus on “the now” and worry about this rest when the time comes.

Take action when necessary

Listen to your body if you think you are not feeling well both physically and mentally. Be aware of the COVID-19 symptoms and monitor yourself accordingly. Seeking help if symptoms occur is necessary. The same is necessary if you are feeling mentally unwell or express feelings of hopelessness.

Here are some signs you might benefit from extra help and support:

• You can’t think about anything other than coronavirus or the COVID-19 illness
• Your anxiety interferes in your daily life—for example, you have a hard time doing daily tasks
• You isolate yourself from others when it isn’t necessary
• Feeling hopeless or angry about the situation
• Having a hard time eating or sleeping well
• Experiencing physical symptoms like constant headaches or stomach pains

We recognize this can be a stressful time and it’s normal to feel worried and anxious. It’s also very common for people to display great resilience during times of crisis! After all, pressure is how diamonds are made. This is a time to come together as a society and stay close emotionally if not physically. As the pandemic continues to unfold, let’s act responsibly and reach out when we need support.

Opportunities From Our Law & Security Program

• You are interested in the criminal justice system.
• You’ve been personally affected by the law.
• Law and justice inspires you to make a change.
• Mystery and true crime events intrigue you.
• You want to be part of criminal and law enforcements.

Are you ready to learn about what it takes to enforce laws and provide security in communities?

• On-site roles
• Administrative roles
• Specific law jobs
• Security-related roles
• Much more!

Thus, it’s time to start your new career. Our Law & Security program can lead to these career and job opportunities:

• Corrections officer
• Customs officer
• Private Investigator
• Military police
• Railway Police
• Private security officer
• Security officer
• Armed forces
• Border patrol services
• Conservation services
• Correctional facilities
• Corporations
• Ontario police services

When studying Esthetics & Spa Operations, students are taught the proper skills and techniques to practice and apply in the industry of beauty, cosmetics, and esthetics.

So you have a passion for esthetics, along with the talent. Will that alone secure your spot in the esthetics industry? An important factor you will want to remember is standing out from the competition. There are many career paths to choose from in the esthetics industry. From working for a beauty company, in a salon, at a spa, or running your own business. Whichever path you take, branding yourself as an Esthetician is the key to a successful career.

As with any profession, there are stereotypes associated with being an Esthetician.

Many people assume that an Esthetician only works in the makeup industry. However, this is only a fraction of what an Esthetician is qualified to do. Those who study ESO are taught to perform a variety of services such as facials, anti-aging skin treatments, makeup application, body waxing, manicures, pedicures and more. Undoubtedly, the program is very hands on, but students are also taught in-depth theory behind many new industry services. These services range from microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, and as well learning salon and spa administration. An Esthetician may have a tough time narrowing down their choice of practice. It’s best to choose a path and practice that you can excel in, and one you thoroughly enjoy.

How do you stand out from the competition? It starts with clientele.

Whether you choose to work in a salon, spa, or run your own business, the clientele is what will determine your success or failure as a service provider. Working in a salon/spa setting could make the process of gaining clientele a little easier due to their established client base. If you decide to start your own business, it may take a few more steps to obtain clients rather than having them handed to you by a salon/spa. Either way, having loyal clients will essentially create your ‘team’. Your ‘ team’, also known as your customers, are the people you should be the most thankful for! It’s important to ensure you are communicating with clients in the most efficient way possible. This can begin with proper branding.

You may be asking, what does branding have to do with esthetics?

Simple! Branding aids businesses in marketing their services appropriately to current and potential clients. Ever heard of brand awareness? As a solo business, you will want people to know who you are and in order to do this you need brand awareness or a presence in the market. Your presence can be physically around your community, or more commonly in your digital community. There are many free social media platforms at your disposal to advertise or brand your esthetics business such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and many more. Estheticians can use these social media platforms to showcase their work and promote their services.

Whether your business is starting up, online/offline, small or large, social media can provide a client communication advantage for any business.

Currently, we live in a world in which traditional advertising and branding strategies just aren’t cutting it anymore. As an Esthetician, it’s important to keep your digital profile up to date. This means maintaining a constant presence and always looking for new ways to increase your business’ exposure. Keeping customers and potential customers engaged with business events and latest offerings will create a strong connection with clients. Ensure that the people you are reaching are in fact your desired audience though. Using social media and personal branding properly will not only help you gain new clients, but also help start up your business and make a name for yourself within the industry and among the appropriate audience!

Start your career in the exciting world of health, beauty and esthetics at Trillium
College. Click here to learn more about the Esthetics & Spa Operations program and begin branding your esthetics career away!

It all starts with you. You can start to make a difference in a local community. Be a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on and be the support that people may need.

Have you always thought of yourself as a leader? Are you easy to talk to, approachable, and caring? Is there a fire burning inside of you wanting to impact someone’s life? How about impacting a community? When you graduate from the Community and Developmental Service Worker Program, you will be able to confidently say that you are changing lives and communities and making a difference.

In what ways would you be changing lives and communities? Many!

You play a special role in the process of helping people be the best they can be. However, there is no way to truly determine what exact situations you will take on or be part of as a community and developmental service worker. The role you contribute as a community developmental service worker may vary from others, because every person is different. To put it simply, some people may require a bigger push than others.

As a community and developmental service worker, you work with individuals face-to-face in various situations.

They are not necessarily the easiest situations, but you have the skills and training to do this job effectively and correctly. This could mean interacting with people with addictions, people with mental issues, people with disabilities and more. Everyone has a different story and your job is to help others to continue writing their own.

This amazing career can let you be someone’s advocate.

You can be a voice for someone who has lost theirs. You can help others see a light at the end of a dark tunnel. With the right, positive attitude, a caring personality, a passion to create change, inspire hope and take action, you’re able to truly make a difference in lives and communities!

Are you interested in being an advocate and impacting change in a community as a community and developmental service worker?

Have you been thinking of a career change, but afraid to make the first leap? You can always request information about a program by filling out a form on the program pages, such as the community and developmental service worker program page or simply fill out the one below. Along with requesting more information on the program page, it will also give an overview of the program as well as possible career options and employment opportunities.

Reasons You Should Become a Community Service Worker NOW

Trillium College’s Community Service Worker diploma program gives you the knowledge and confidence to help change people’s lives for the better.

The Good News

According to Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report, employment as a Community Service Worker occupation “has experienced fairly strong growth in Ontario over the last decade.”

According to the report, these workers are “mostly employed in the health care and social assistance sector, mainly with individual and family services, and residential care facilities such as group homes. Public administration, largely local governments, and elementary and secondary schools are also key employers.”

The Better News

Government funding for social programs is the main factor driving job creation for community service workers. Over the next few years, a fair amount of job openings in this field are expected due to increased government investments in social initiatives.

An Upward Trend

Government funding has recently been delegated for developmental services systems to expand existing programs, provide more residential supports and improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities. This translates into a bigger demand for community service workers.

Some of the factors driving employment for the services of these workers are:

• The province of Ontario has developed a long-term Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, which means more mental health support for children and youth.
• There’s been a significant increase in investments in Indigenous communities
• More funding has been provided for the homelessness strategy generally in Ontario.

Ontario Facts

Here are some key facts, according to Government of Canada Job Bank Job Market report, about social and community service workers in Ontario:

• Approximately 48,300 people work in this occupation.
• Social and community service workers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Social assistance (NAICS 624): 42%
  • Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 26%
  • Religious, grant-making, civic, and professional and similar organizations (NAICS 813): 6%
  • Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 6%

Exciting Employment Opportunities

As a graduate of Trillium College’s CSW program, you may find rewarding employment as an addictions support worker, group home support worker, community service worker or shelter support worker in a variety of community facilities and settings.

Within this occupation, individuals working under the title, ‘social service workers,’ are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), which also approves related educational programs.

Career Options

There are many job options open to community service workers. Here’s just a few:

• Addictions services worker
• Community health worker
• Intake worker
• Rehabilitation care worker
• Residential counsellor

Make a Real Difference

Want to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life? As a community service worker, you can do that every day. Start now!

Our Community Service Worker diploma program gives you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to create, implement and oversee a variety of social and community-based programs. You will develop skills to assist in client assessment, proper referral procedures, assisting in monitoring clients’ treatments and evaluating treatment effectiveness to help change people’s lives for the better.

What Does a Community and Developmental Service Worker Do?

As a graduate of Trillium College’s Community and Developmental Service Worker (CDSW) diploma program, your opportunities will span nearly all aspects of human services.

A service worker is trained to help those who struggle with a variety of social challenges. Here are just a few careers options available to graduates of our Community and Developmental Service Worker diploma program.

Life skills instructor

Life skills instructors work one-on-one or in small groups to help those with unique challenges develop basic life skills– such as cooking, basic hygiene, and money management skills. This helps these individuals gain independence and move forward in life.

Community development worker

A community development worker works to help those who are marginalized or excluded from society to integrate into their community. Their work helps to create social change and improve the quality of life for those who are otherwise overlooked.

Crisis intervention worker

Crisis intervention workers counsel people in distress. They help those in danger of harming themselves or others; support those undergoing acute mental health crises; and help those affected by terror attacks or natural disasters.

Program Coordinator

Program coordinators run community-based social programs and services. They assess a community’s needs and then develop group programs to meet these needs. These programs could be in the area of legal help, medical attention, financial assistance, housing, employment, transportation, and more.

Family service worker

A family social worker can help to restore harmony by providing services to families in crisis. Their work varies, depending on the clients they serve. These workers work with clients and other professionals to develop a treatment plan; coordinate services provided to clients by their or other organizations; research community services available to their clients; help clients fill out application paperwork; and monitor clients to ensure that their family gets the help they need.

Group home worker

Group home workers act as a liaison. They communicate between the resident and law enforcement agencies; families; social service agencies; and community organizations to update these parties of the status of the resident. They also monitor the behavior of residents, help to resolve disputes and teach residents basic quality-of-life life skills such as hygiene, meal preparation, taking medications, cleaning the home, and going to work.

Mental health worker

Mental health workers are responsible for providing support, counselling and services to individuals and families experiencing mental health issues. This includes early intervention strategies, mental health education and advocacy and relapse prevention work.

Addictions worker

Addictions workers provide individual or group therapy to individuals struggling with addiction. These workers counsel patients and work with a patient’s family members or close friends. They participate in orientation sessions, informational programs and/or dependency prevention initiatives.

Do you have a strong desire to assist others and make a true difference? A career as a Community and Developmental Service Worker will be a rewarding, satisfying career. Start today!

At Trillium College, our Community and Development Service Worker program gives you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to offer support as a community service worker. Learn the skills needed to properly work alongside social workers who assists people of all ages with mental and/or physical disabilities or who face challenges with mental health and/or addictions.

As a graduate of Trillium College’s Community and Developmental Service Worker (CDSW) or the Community Service Worker diploma program, the opportunities you can pursue span nearly all aspects of human services. You may find employment as a life skills instructor, community development worker, community service worker, crisis intervention worker, developmental service worker, drop-in center worker, family service worker, group home worker, mental health worker, Aboriginal outreach worker, veteran services officer, welfare and compensation officer, addictions worker, women’s shelter supervisor, rehabilitation worker. Potential work settings for a community service worker may include community residences, private homes, recreation programs, schools, hospitals, social services, and government agencies.

Current Employers of our Community Developmental Service Worker and Community Service Worker graduates in Oshawa

FFT
Access Community Services Inc.
COSTI Immigrant Services
The Portia Learning Centre
Donorworx Inc.
Donorworx Inc.
Access Rehab
Senior Persons Living Connected
Access Community Services Inc.
Storey Homes Ltd.
Richmond Hill
Access Rehab
Chartwell Retirement Residences
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
Fred Victor Centre
Stewart Homes
Gates College of Business, Culinary & Healthcare
KPP

Community Developmental Service Worker Program Description

Trillium College’s Community and Developmental Service Worker (CDSW) diploma program gives you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to offer support as a community service worker. A community and developmental service worker can work alongside a social worker who assists people of all ages with mental and physical disabilities or who face challenges with mental health and or addictions. A service worker is trained to help those who struggle with a variety of social challenges.

Community Service Worker Program Description

Trillium College’s Community Service Worker (CSW) diploma program gives you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to assist in creating, implementing and overseeing a variety of social and community-based programs. You will develop skills to assist in client assessment, proper referral procedure and monitoring clients’ treatments help change people’s lives for the better.