Women's Shelter Crisis Worker

Program Details

Program Phone Number

780-623-5562

Program Description

Program Goal - To assist in the provision of a continuum of quality educational training for crisis intervention workers in women’s shelters and other professionals working in the field of family violence. This family violence training program was developed by Portage College as a result of discussions with the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) who wanted to enhance the skills of crisis workers in shelters. The program has been designed so that individuals working in, or wanting a career in the field of family violence can build on their skills as the work through the program. Successfully completing all ten courses will result in a Crisis Worker Training Certificate, which is recognized by Portage College, ACWS, and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. Eight of the courses in this program are taken through computer-mediated learning (online), and two courses are face-to-face workshops that assist in the learning process and in reinforcing practice skills. Instructors and experts from across the field of family violence will be available for learners throughout this program to assist in the integration of theoretical material and practice. The program is designed to be completed in two years (24 months). The Training Program consists of 8 courses and 2 face-to-face workshops. 1. Foundations of Family Violence 2. Dynamics of Family Violence 3. Shelter Life 4. Skills for Support and Counselling 5. Skills Development Workshop I 6. Intake, Risk Asse

Credential

Certificate

Admission Requirements

Educational transcripts required or Program Coordinator approval. Applicants are required to have a letter from the women's shelter they are affiliated with, or Program Coordinator approval. Program delivered in combination online and face-to-face instruction. Please refer to the following link for minimum technical requirements at our Moodle Site.

Practicum

N/A

Career Potential

The Women’s Shelter Crisis Worker Certificate program has been developed by Portage College and is recognized by Alberta Advanced Education, the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) and women’s shelters across the province. It will be of interest to those working or would like to work in the field of family violence.

Transferability

Transfer arrangements are in process

Program Schedule, Fees & Locations:

Please refer to the link below for current schedule and fees.

Program Schedule & Fees 2011 - 2012

Program Schedule & Fees 2012 - 2013

Course List

• WSCW100 - FOUNDATIONS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

  Course ID: WSCW100

  Name: FOUNDATIONS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course will establish the foundation for the program by exploring and discussing family violence and its key terms. Myths and realities associated with family violence are also explored. Other focus is placed on the historical roots of attitudes and beliefs that have led to violence against women and children, and the history of the sheltering movement in Alberta and the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS).

  
  
• WSCW101 - DYNAMICS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

  Course ID: WSCW101

  Name: DYNAMICS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course explores family dynamics and describes how it relates to family violence. Time is spent on understanding various patterns and characteristics of abusive relationships and recognizing the complexity of abusers from a micro to macro perspective. Consideration and reflection is given to the impact of working in the field of family violence.

  
  
• WSCW102 - SHELTER LIFE

  Course ID: WSCW102

  Name: SHELTER LIFE

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course examines the barriers and choices a woman in crisis faces in deciding to come to a shelter. The importance of shelter structure is considered, along with best practices and guiding principles for crisis workers. Attention is also placed in this course on the experiences of a woman living in a shelter and the societal influences that impact shelter life.

  
  
• WSCW103 - SKILLS FOR SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING

  Course ID: WSCW103

  Name: SKILLS FOR SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course describes the helping process and its stages with focus on basic active listening and relationship skills. A focal point is readings and discussions of the basic theories of counselling and crisis counselling models. This course also examines a range of approaches to working with diverse clients who may be in crisis.

  
  
• WSCW104 - SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP I

  Course ID: WSCW104

  Name: SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP I

  Hours: 22.5

  Credits: 1.5

  This workshop reinforces and builds on the skills and knowledge that the learners have gained throughout the first four courses. Special emphasis is on the skills and techniques of counselling and communication skills to ensure crisis workers are comfortable and confident in these roles. Various opportunities for practicing and sharing skills will be provided to the learners through this workshop.

  
  
• WSCW105 - INTAKE RISK ASSESSMENT & THE LAW

  Course ID: WSCW105

  Name: INTAKE RISK ASSESSMENT & THE LAW

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course presents information and definitions on various aspects of intake and crisis calls. Another key focus is the current family violence legislation, terminology and tools as they apply to family violence. It identifies the different levels and purposes of the legal systems, clarifies options for accessing legal resources, and examines the custody and access and stalking processes.

  
  
• WSCW106 - SKILLS FOR INDEPENDENCE

  Course ID: WSCW106

  Name: SKILLS FOR INDEPENDENCE

  Hours: 45

  Credits: 3

  This course identifies the barriers to seeking independence after experiencing family violence, and explores the key concepts of enabling, oppression and empowerment. In addition, daily living skills required to increase independence, the components of a healthy relationship, and local parenting and daily living skills resources are examined.

  
  
• WSCW109 - SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP II

  Course ID: WSCW109

  Name: SKILLS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP II

  Hours: 22.5

  Credits: 1.5

  This workshop builds on and reinforces the material from the last four courses in the program. Learners will have numerous opportunities to share and practice skills with other learners and instructors.