Are you passionate about helping individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity? The Shelter Support Worker Micro-Credential Certificate Program offers a 5-week, skills-based training designed to prepare you for meaningful work in the social services field.
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 support individuals facing homelessness, trauma, or crisis. They work in shelters and transitional housing programs to help clients achieve stability, access resources, and move toward independent living.
In this role, you’ll:
Support residents in achieving their case plans and personal goals
Provide frontline care rooted in compassion and respect
Foster independence through daily living routines
Create a safe, client-centered environment
Connect individuals with essential resources and transitional housing.
With rising demand for qualified shelter workers across Toronto and Canada, this micro-credential equips you with the real-world skills employers are looking for. Whether you’re starting your career in social services or looking to enhance your current role, this program prepares you for success in shelters, supportive housing, and community outreach settings.
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 to homelessness, 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 shelter models, and approaches like Housing First.
In this session, participants will explore the experiences of marginalized and intersecting communities, gaining 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 acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and aims to avoid re-traumatization in service delivery.
This module introduces the ethical principles and professional standards essential for working in shelter environments. Students will learn about maintaining confidentiality, setting healthy boundaries, and navigating appropriate disclosure while upholding a compassionate and respectful code of conduct.
In this module, students will identify common personal fears and understand the concept of self-sabotage. The session will offer practical strategies for building confidence and avoiding behaviors that hinder personal or 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 provide support free from judgment, coercion, or discrimination, without requiring abstinence as a condition of care.
Participants will be introduced to the core concepts of case management, including assessment, planning, coordination, and evaluation of client care. This session will also highlight best practices for documentation and record-keeping in shelter settings.
This module equips students with tools to effectively respond to individuals in crisis. Participants will learn de-escalation techniques, how to remain calm under pressure, and the importance of responding with empathy rather than sympathy.
This final module offers insights into Indigenous cultures, values, and belief systems. Students will engage with Indigenous histories through decolonized storytelling and reflect on how personal and societal narratives impact the well-being of Indigenous communities.
Shelter Support Workers have the opportunity to work in:
