Are you passionate about helping people facing housing challenges or insecurity? Do you want to make a difference for people dealing with housing challenges? The Shelter Support Worker Micro-Credential Certificate Program is a five-week course that helps you build key skills for a rewarding career in social services.
Whether you’re launching your career, changing paths, or looking to upskill, this intensive program provides practical, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction training to support individuals and families in need — in Toronto and across Ontario and Canada.
Shelter Support Workers are frontline professionals who help individuals facing housing challenges or transitions. They work in shelters and supportive housing programs to assist clients in finding stability, accessing resources, and moving toward independent living.
In this role, you will:
With the growing need for qualified support workers in Toronto and throughout Canada, this micro-credential helps you gain practical skills for shelters, supportive housing, and community outreach roles. Whether you are beginning your career in social services or improving your current position, this program provides tools that employers appreciate. Discover more details and download our brochure now.
Essential knowledge and practical tools include trauma-informed care, de-escalation strategies, cultural sensitivity, boundary setting, and navigating shelter systems and community resources. You will receive training to support individuals with various housing and social service needs. For a detailed breakdown of topics, view the Course Outline here.
This introductory module outlines the course structure, participant expectations, and a historical overview of the housing and homelessness crisis in Ontario. It explores both systemic and individual contributors, particularly among youth, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, refugees, and people with disabilities. The session also introduces the Toronto shelter system, including operational standards, low-barrier models, and approaches like Housing First.
Participants will explore the experiences of marginalised and intersecting communities. They will gain a deeper understanding of systemic oppression and human rights in the context of shelter work.
This module focuses on building strong communication skills to prevent misunderstandings and promote clarity. Participants will also develop effective listening strategies and techniques for de-escalating tense situations.
Students will learn how trauma-informed practices create supportive environments that promote healing and recovery. This approach recognizes the widespread effects of trauma and aims to prevent re-traumatization in service delivery.
This module covers the ethical principles and professional standards needed for work in shelter environments. Students will learn how to keep information confidential, set healthy boundaries, and handle appropriate disclosure while following a caring and respectful code of conduct.
Students will identify common personal barriers and learn strategies for building confidence and avoiding behaviours that hinder professional growth.
This module explores harm reduction strategies—approaches that aim to reduce the adverse health, legal, and social impacts associated with substance use. Students will learn how to offer support without judgment or pressure. Abstinence will not be required for care.
Participants will learn the core concepts of case management, including assessment, planning, coordination, and evaluation of client care. Best practices for documentation and record-keeping in shelter settings will be discussed.
This module gives students mechanisms to respond effectively to people in challenging situations. Participants will learn de-escalation techniques, how to remain calm under pressure, and why it’s essential to respond with empathy.
This final module offers a look into Indigenous cultures, values, and beliefs. Students will examine Indigenous histories through storytelling and think about how personal and societal stories impact well-being.
Graduates may pursue opportunities in settings such as:
Begin your training in shelter and housing support today.
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