Overview

KWH Academy’s Shelter Support Worker Certificate Program is designed to equip current and aspiring social service professionals with the trauma-informed skills and knowledge needed to support individuals facing housing challenges or transitions. Our comprehensive 5-week instructor-led, self-paced webinars walk you through how to help clients find stability, access resources, and move toward independent living. We now offer placements as part of our program. 

Program Highlights

You’ll learn real-world strategies for practicing operational standards, low-barrier models, and approaches like Housing First.

You’ll focus on the core concepts of case management, including assessment, planning, coordination, and evaluation of client care.

By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to confidently step into a professional Shelter Support Worker role in settings such as shelters, social services, government agencies, and correctional facilities. Some settings may require additional training or education for specific target populations.

Please note that if you don’t have or choose not to complete your Vulnerable Sectors Check, your Standard First Aid & CPR/AED, or your Food Handlers certificate, you will be ineligible for all or some of our placement opportunities. 

Career Opportunities & Prospects in Ontario

Source: Canada Job Bank. Calculated by 8 h/day using calculator calculatrice.

There’s a high shortage risk of shelter support workers from 2024 to 2033. Further, 55,400 estimated job openings align with the estimated number of people looking for work.

Source: Government of Canada

Who Is It For

• Service and social orientation
• Stress tolerance
• Concern for others
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Adaptability
  

Source: Canada Job Bank

Who Can Apply

• Individuals seeking a career shift or entry into the social services sector.
• High school graduates with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
• Applicants with international education credentials (must be translated and assessed for equivalency).
• Individuals who speak English.

What You’ll Gain

• 40 hours of comprehensive, structured online training.
• Self-paced, instructor-led webinars.
• Employment support and job search coaching to help you transition into the field.
• 40 hours of an optional placement with a completion letter. 
• Ongoing career guidance, interview preparation, and résumé assistance.
  

Career Settings After Completion

Source: Canada Job Bank

If you are interested in one of our courses, please complete the form via this link, and a member of our team will contact you with the next steps for enrollment.

Curriculum

Module 1: Orientation: Toronto Shelter System & Professional

Responsibilities

Module 2: Equity, Diversity & Human Rights

Module 3: Conflict Resolution & Effective Communication

Module 4: Trauma-Informed Care & Wellness

Module 5: Ethics, Confidentiality, Boundaries & Disclosure

Module 6: Building Confidence & Overcoming Barriers

Module 7: Harm Reduction Approaches

Module 8: Case Management & Documentation

Module 9: Intervention Strategies & De-Escalation

Module 10: Indigenous Competency & Cultural Awareness

Instructor 

Here, include details and qualifications of the instructor:

• Where they studied and their degrees 
• Their experience in the field, including years
• Their teaching experience
• Their main interests/research interests
• Any publications, if applicable.

 Ideally, with a photo of them.

Payment Methods: Program Only With Optional Food Handlers Certificate

Please note that if you don’t have or choose not to complete your Vulnerable Sectors Check, your Standard First Aid & CPR/AED, or your Food Handlers certificate, you will be ineligible for all or some of our placement opportunities.

How to Enroll

Through our website:

1. Go to our Shelter Support Worker Program website (the page you’re currently on)
2. Create an account
3. Click on Buy Now
4. Click on the payment method that works for you
   1. Paypal
   2. Cash on delivery
   3. Stripe
5. Pay

E-transfer: 

1. Send an e-transfer of $500.00 CAD or $519.95 CAD (with a Food Handlers Certificate) to kwhinitiative@gmail.com
2. Include your full name, course, interact email or ID used in the message
3. Take a screenshot of the transaction and reply to this email
4. Include the transaction reference number

What You’ll Receive:

• Class access details
• Your orientation information
• How to obtain your Vulnerable Sectors Check
• Everything you’ll need to be ready

Option 1: One Payment

This can be paid via e-transfer or through the website

Option 2: Two Payments

This can only be paid via e-transfer

Option 3: Three Payments

Important Payment Policy

• Payments must be completed according to the selected plan.
• Continued access to the course is dependent on maintaining the agreed payment plan. 
  • Failure to pay on the due date without prior approval will result in the removal of access to the course, with no refund until payment is received.
  • If you choose to drop the course, refunds will be given in accordance with our refund policy, with more details on our website.
• Any payment challenges should be communicated to KWH Academy in advance for support.

Payment Methods: Program and Standard First Aid & CPR/AED

How to Enroll

Through our website:

1. Go to our Shelter Support Worker Program website (the page you’re currently on)
2. Create an account
3. Click on Buy Now
4. Click on the payment method that works for you
   1. Paypal
   2. Cash on delivery
   3. Stripe
5. Pay

E-transfer: 

1. Send an e-transfer of $640.00 CAD or $659.95 CAD (with a Food Handlers Certificate) to kwhinitiative@gmail.com
2. Include your full name, course, interact email or ID used in the message
3. Take a screenshot of the transaction and reply to this email
4. Include the transaction reference number

What You’ll Receive:

• Class access details
• Your orientation information
• How to obtain your Vulnerable Sectors Check
• Everything you’ll need to be ready

Option 1: One Payment

Option 2: Two Payments

Option 3: Three Payments

Important Payment Policy

• Payments must be completed according to the selected plan.
• Continued access to the course is dependent on maintaining the agreed payment plan. 
  • Failure to pay on the due date without prior approval will result in the removal of access to the course, with no refund until payment is received.
  • If you choose to drop the course, refunds will be given in accordance with our refund policy, with more details on our website.
• Any payment challenges should be communicated to KWH Academy in advance for support.

Note: Timely payments help ensure uninterrupted access to course materials, learning support, and program participation.

Refund Policy

We have a refund policy if you only want to drop our program and your Food Handlers Certificate. We will only refund your Food Handlers Certificate before you are given access to the course. 

KWH does not have a policy on refunds for Standard First Aid & CPR/AED. The Canadian Red Cross specifies that the self-directed and online portions are non-refundable. We can support attempting to get you a refund for the in-person content or to reschedule, but we cannot guarantee refunds on the Canadian Red Cross’s behalf (Canadian Red Cross). 

Note: Timely payments help ensure uninterrupted access to course materials, learning support, and program participation.

FAQs

General Information

What’s the Shelter Support Worker course format?

Our program is a 5-week online, self-paced, instructor-led course. 

What can I expect from your Shelter Support Worker Program?

You will be able to:

• Do trauma-informed ethical care with cultural sensitivity
• Use de-escalation and boundary-setting strategies
• Navigate shelter systems and community resources
• Create effective documentation with referrals/navigation.

You’ll be ready to confidently step into a professional Shelter Support Worker role in settings such as shelters, social services, government agencies, and correctional facilities.

We also offer career guidance, interview preparation, and résumé assistance. 

International Students Acceptance

We accept all international students. Study and work permits aren’t required to take our courses.

How are the exams taken?

All of our exams are online. 

Does your program give you a certificate upon completion?

Yes, we do!

Is KWH Academy recognized by the Government of Ontario?

There is no governing body for Shelter Support Workers in Ontario. 

KWH Academy, as an institution, is registered and accredited with the CPD Registry as a recognized organization. View this link for more information   

https://thecpdregister.com/providers/cpd-group-providers–789881.

KWH Academy’s Shelter Support Worker Program is recognized by the Government of Ontario as an exemption under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

Placements

Do we have guaranteed student placements?

We currently have 40 hours in total of unpaid placements; however, they aren’t guaranteed.

How many hours/ how long is the placement?

The total placement is 40 hours regardless of the organization you’re placed at.

Typically, it’s for one month; however, the duration may differ depending on the organization you’re placed at.

Are the placements paid?

Not at this moment, unfortunately.

Where are they located?

Currently, in the Jane and Finch or Scarborough region. 

Careers

Will this course help me get a job?

It can help teach you some core skills you need to succeed as a shelter support worker.

We also offer placements that could increase your chances of securing a position as an internal applicant, but this depends on the organization you’re placed at. 

Additionally, offer career support with job searching, resume writing, cover letter writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview preparation. 

What career setting can I work in after completing the Shelter Support Worker Program?

You can work in:

• Social service & government agencies
• Shelters & community organizations
• Group homes
• Correctional facilities*
• Substance abuse centres*
• Mental health agencies*

*May require additional

Is your Shelter Support Worker certificate credible/recognized/accredited?

However, KWH Academy is registered with the CPD Registry as a recognized organization. View this link for more information https://thecpdregister.com/providers/cpd-group-providers–789881.

Do your community support courses offer specific career pathways? (e.g., becoming an intensive case manager through our shelter support worker placement)

No, our community support courses do not offer career pathways. 

Starting and Completion Times

When is the next cohort’s start date?

Please ask to speak to a member of our team to receive cohort start dates.

Can I start now if I pay?

Yes! We can give you access to our full course once you pay the course enrollment fee.

Can I finish the course earlier?

Yes, with the course being self-paced, you can complete it as quickly or as slowly as you’d like. Certificates will be given 1-3 business days after successful completion of the course.

Diploma 

I don’t have a high school diploma. What are my options?

Here are some options to gain your high school diploma in Ontario as a mature student.

1. Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) Requirements (more information https://www.ontario.ca/page/adult-learning-canadian-adult-education-credential-caec)
   1. To be a resident in Ontario for 6 months or more.
   2. No Ontario High School Diploma
   3. Not registered in an Ontario high school
   4. Requires a date of leaving letter from your previously attended high school
   5. 18 + years of age
   6. $100 enrollment fee

1. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Requirements (more information https://www.ontario.ca/document/education-ontario-policy-and-program-direction/policyprogram-memorandum-132#section-2)  
   1.  Free
   2. Register with a local Ontario School Board in the Adult and Continuing   Education Department

Does my high school diploma from outside of Canada count?

International high school diplomas meet the requirements of our program.

Payment Information

I created an account. Why can’t I access the course?

If you’ve created an account and can’t access the course you’d like to take, this is usually because you haven’t paid for the course yet.

If you’ve already paid for the course in full and you cannot access it, please contact a member of our support team at support@konnectingwithumanity.com. 

What’s the cost of your Shelter Support Worker Program?

Our program costs $500 or $519.95 with a Food Handlers certificate for the entire course. This includes the course content itself and the optional placement. 

If you’d like to take Standard First Aid & CPR/AED, it costs $640 or $659.95 with a Food Handlers certificate.

No extra fees are required. Please note that placements are not guaranteed. 

How do I pay?

We have multiple ways to register.

Through our website

1. Go to our Shelter Support Worker Program website
2. Create an account
3. Select program only or program + CPR + optional Food Handlers certificate add-on
4. Click on Buy Now
5. Click on the payment method that works for you
   1. Paypal
   2. Cash on delivery
   3. Stripe
6. Pay

E-transfer 

1. Send an e-transfer of $500.00 CAD (or $519.95 CAD with a Food Handlers certificate) or $640 CAD (or $659.95 CAD with a Food Handlers certificate) for the program with the CPR add-on to kwhinitiative@gmail.com
2. Include your full name, course, interact email or ID used, and the program you’re registering for in the message
3. Take a screenshot of the transaction and reply to this email
4. Include the transaction reference number

If you’re using a payment plan, you must use the e-transfer method.

 Please tell us if you have any trouble with enrolling. We’re happy to help!

Do you have payment plans?

Yes, if you’re unable to afford it at once, you can make payments throughout the course. It differs if you want to take the course only or if you also want the Standard First Aid & CPR/AED add-on.

Payment plan options for the course only are:

• Two Payments: Paying $250 CAD or $259.98 CAD (with a Food Handlers Certificate) today and in 2 weeks
• Three Payments: Paying $200 CAD today or $219.95 CAD (with a Food Handlers Certificate) and 2 installments of $150 CAD or $169.95 CAD (with a Food Handlers Certificate), one week and two weeks after the program start date.

Payment plan options with the CPR add-on:

• Two Payments: Paying $320 CAD or $329.98 CAD (with a Food Handlers Certificate) today and in two weeks
• Three Payments: Paying $200 CAD or $219.95 CAD (with a Food Handlers Certificate) today, and 2 installments of $220 CAD or $239.95 CAD (with a Food Handlers Certificate) one week and two weeks after the program start date.

Please note that while you can pay throughout the course, you won’t receive your certificate at the end of the course until you’ve paid the entire fee.

I can’t afford to pay for the course at all/can only afford partial payment

Unfortunately, we don’t provide any funding.

Do you have OSAP?

Not at this moment, unfortunately.

Do you offer program bundles?

Not at this moment, unfortunately.

Do you offer refunds?

For our programs, yes! We will also give refunds for the Food Handlers certificate add-on before you’ve been given access to the course. However, KWH does not have a policy on refunds for Standard First Aid & CPR/AED. 

Refund policy for our programs:

• 100% refunds 0-2 days after enrollment. Refund amount $500 CAD.
• 75% refunds 3-5 days after enrollment. Refund amount $375 CAD.
• 50% refunds 6-7 days after enrollment. Refund amount $250 CAD.
• 25% refunds 8-9 days after enrollment. Refund amount $125 CAD.
• 0% refunds 10 days after enrollment. Refund amount $0 CAD.

The Canadian Red Cross specifies that the self-directed and online portions are non-refundable. We can support attempting to get you a refund for the in-person content or to reschedule, but we cannot guarantee refunds on the Canadian Red Cross’s behalf (Canadian Red Cross). 

I need my caseworker to release my funds

We’re happy to provide a letter or call your caseworker. 

More Information

Where can I find more information on the Shelter Support Worker Program?

You can find more information on our website: https://konnectingwithumanity.com/academy/courses/intensive-case-management-micro-credential-2/.

You can also contact us. Call or text us at (647) 724-2590 or email us through studentinquires@konnectingwithumanity.com

Technical Issue for Enrolled Students

We’re so sorry for the trouble.

Please email support@konnectingwithumanity.com to start your ticket. 

Please Include:

1. Details of the specific problem you’ve encountered
2. Any solutions you’ve tried, if any
3. Any screenshots and supporting documents 

A member of our support team will respond to your email once they are able.

Thank you for your patience. 

Do you have any other programs?

Yes!

Our additional courses include:

• Intensive Case Management For Addictions and Homelessness Micro-Credential Certificate Program

This comprehensive 5-week online program walks you through every phase of the case management process, from client intake and assessment to referrals, advocacy, documentation, and case termination.

• Building an Online Business

Learn how to create, launch, and grow a profitable online business.

• E-Commerce Management

Learn real-world skills to move from developing a business plan and a marketing plan to selecting software and tracking.

• Becoming a Manager

Learn the knowledge and skills you need to move from an individual contributor to an effective leader.

• Cyber Security Fundamentals for Employees

Learn to protect both your organization and yourself in a rapidly changing digital world of cyberattacks

• Emotional Intelligence

Learn the skills and tools you need to validate and understand others’ emotions

Find more on our website: https://konnectingwithumanity.com/academy/

How can I contact you?

You can call or text us at (647) 724-2590 or email us at studentinquires@konnectingwithumanity.com