Diploma in Community Worker

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

As a student in the Human Services Foundations program (formerly Pre-Community Services A103), you will gain an overview of the helping field, including roles and systemic issues and a theoretical basis through courses in sociology and psychology. You will develop skills necessary for admission to programs in the School of Social and Community Services* at George Brown College and other post-secondary institutions.

You will improve your skills and confidence in a supportive learning environment. A strong emphasis on group learning encourages co-operation, teamwork, and mutual support that will be beneficial in the helping professions.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Discuss the roles, responsibilities, career opportunities, academic and personal requirements for success in the Community Services and Child Studies field.
• Apply culturally sensitive communication and interpersonal skills to support team functioning in academic and professional settings with the ability to engage in self-reflection.
• Explain major theoretical models of behaviour associated with the study of psychology.
• Apply the appropriate client service strategies according to client behaviour/preference.
• Select the Community Services and Child Studies field best suited to personal and career interest.
• Explain how academic strengths, needs and personal health factors affect success and wellness in a college environment.
• Utilize written and verbal communication skills specific to the Community Services and Child Studies field.

The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program provides students with a feminist analysis of the political and counselling issues related to gender-based violence experienced primarily by self-identified women, children, trans and non-binary survivors. It trains students to be agents for change in their work of community education, political action and law reform. It prepares students to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.

Note: Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a police reference check completed before their field placement. These reference checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” Students who are unable to provide a clear police reference check may find that their choice of placements is limited.

Field education plays an important role in this program by preparing students to work with those affected by gender-based violence including not only those directly impacted, but the communities within which they live and work. This often includes those who identify as trans and non-binary, and other disenfranchised populations.

In year one, students will spend 250 hours with a non-profit community partner (Mondays and Tuesdays, January – April) and will typically engage in introductory activities, such as shadowing staff, conducting outreach, fundraising and special events, and learning about how programs and services are developed. First-year placements vary and can include sites that focus on public education, food banks, drop-ins and political action work, but are generally not frontline positions.

In second year, students will build on that experience by engaging in more direct 1-to-1 survivor counselling, group facilitation, case management, and advocacy. Placements begin in September and continue through to the end of April for a minimum of 500 hours. Students will often do this placement at emergency shelters, rape crisis centres, youth services, health providers and other agencies who provide frontline support.

The agencies used by the program for field placements are very similar to those employing our graduates. In many instances, employers hire graduates because of contact and experience with them through the fieldwork placement. Most agencies are within Toronto, while some agencies, located in other communities such as Brampton, St. Catherines, London, Hamilton, Barrie, Pickering and Oshawa, provide students who live in those communities with placement opportunities.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Apply a feminist analysis in all areas of their work in the field of violence against women and children.
  • Provide ongoing supportive counselling.
  • Provide individual advocacy and political advocacy services
  • Facilitate groups for women and children.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of existing services for women.
  • Cope with high stress work demands and develop strategies for personal survival on the job.
  • Develop and deliver prevention programs.
  • Organize fundraising and write applications and proposals for grants.
  • Utilize the media and organize community response to violence against women and children.
  • Become familiar with pertinent legislation and understand the process of formulating social policy.

The food sector is always changing, particularly when it comes to hospitality and culinary arts. This constant change has reinforced the need for a more holistic approach to culinary education – one that allows students to examine the food system while mastering a variety of culinary techniques.

The Honours Bachelor of Food Studies program provides the food leaders of tomorrow with the skills, insights and knowledge to succeed in this rapidly changing field. It offers extensive career pathways for foodservice professionals, while providing the food sector with leaders who can thrive in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Graduates will be positioned to succeed in a wide range of food-related occupations including roles in culinary, education, tourism, recreation, health, food security, sustainability, economic development, agriculture, public policy and research. There are growing opportunities for careers informed by both culinary experience and versatile critical thinking.

Toronto provides a unique setting for this program because of its wealth of multicultural and Indigenous food traditions. In the classroom and beyond, students will be introduced to the vibrant world of food in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Students will participate in a paid co-op placement focused on the application of culinary and food animation skills. In addition, throughout the program, selected courses will include community-engaged learning opportunities. 

Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Articulate the interconnected structures and functions of food systems at the local, national and international levels.
• Analyze social, cultural, political and environmental influences on current and emerging food-related theory, policy and practice.
• Recommend informed responses to both practical and scholarly issues and challenges using insights from food systems theory and the study of global cuisine.
• Acquire foundational culinary skill proficiency and operational knowledge appropriate to entry into the culinary industry.
• Integrate a healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems perspective into culinary theory and practice.
• Construct coherent arguments to address debates within the broad field of food studies.
• Appraise research methodologies used across disciplines related to food studies.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of formats appropriate to academic, government, non-profit, business and media environments.
• Articulate how uncertainty, ambiguity and limits to knowledge influence perception and interpretation of debates in food studies and consider issues from multiple perspectives.
• Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility in personal and professional settings related to food.

George Brown College’s Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) is the first degree of its kind in Canada. Developed to address the growing demand for qualified Sign Language Interpreters, this degree helps prepare graduates for work in this dynamic field.

An interpreter is a fluent bilingual-bicultural professional, facilitating communication between those who do not share the same language or culture.

To be a sign language interpreter requires manual dexterity, critical thinking skills, visual-spatial recognition, short-term and long-term memory, cognitive processing abilities in order to process information instantaneously at a level of bilingual and bicultural expertise beyond conversational fluency. For non-Deaf interpreters this will also include auditory-processing capabilities.

Over the course of four years, students will continue to improve and hone both their English and American Sign Language proficiencies while studying to become interpreters. This program focuses on seven areas of learning:

• Language and Culture
• Field Fundamentals
• Interpreting Skills
• Research Methods/Trends
• Ethics and Professionalism
• Breadth Electives
• Field and Community Experience

Interpreting is a very rewarding but demanding field of work. Successful interpreters typically possess the following attributes:

• a strong command of both English and American Sign Language
• an excellent memory
• the ability to concentrate and focus easily and for long periods of time
• the ability to process and analyze information quickly (cognitive processing skills)
• multitasking ability
• versatility
• a willingness to be flexible
• strong communication skills
• excellent interpersonal skills

In preparation for field placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups, both in classes and community settings. Attendance and participation are key elements of program success.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Analyze and critically apply current interpreting research trends as they inform meaning-based interpreting practices.
  • Analyze the power dynamics that affect human communication including the impact of the interpreter’s decisions and influence.
  • Respect cross-cultural needs of participants in an interpreted interaction in a professional and ethical manner.
  • Articulate societal views of Deaf culture, the Deaf community, multiculturalism, oppression, audism, global history of Deaf people, sign language linguistics and language variations.
  • Use current research literature to analyze key issues relating to the practice and profession of interpreting.
  • Determine appropriate modes of interpreting using evidence-based practice, effective interpersonal and professional skills.
  • Perform effectively as an interpreter by incorporating current research and recognizing contextual factors including language and culture.
  • Perform accurate and effective translations, consecutive and simultaneous interpretations.
  • Use communicative language abilities in first and second language as required to accommodate specific dialogic interactions.
  • Use professional and ethical judgment in decision making while respecting diversity, equity, equality and rights of all participants.
  • Engage in life-long learning and reflective professional development.
  • Assess personal competencies and limitations in the use of multicultural and multi-contextual approaches to communication.

The need for graduates with skills in the area of business analytics is growing rapidly across all industry sectors. Harnessing the power of big data analytics, the Analytics for Business Decision-Making graduate certificate program prepares students to do data analysis specific to multifaceted business decision-making needs. It is about developing information into knowledge and converting that intelligence into action. The goal is to prepare the student to engage and to be competitive across various business divisions with the ability to “tell stories” about data, which assist decision-makers in their own activities. Through in-depth data analytics courses and business analytics courses, graduates will be prepared to work in the high demand area of business intelligence in Toronto, in Canada and beyond, and learn the knowledge and skills needed to support real-world business decision-making and planning through data insights, data management and data science.

In this business analytics program, the focus will be on skills development, technical and otherwise, including analytic understanding and dissemination for various business uses. A bold mix of skills, including some programming, applied statistical comprehension and database understanding, will be explored in the context of organizational Big Data (Operational) requirements.

The Centre for Business has an established reputation for business education that focuses on critical thinking, innovative solutions, leadership and entrepreneurial mindsets, and engaging with the latest technologies. Our faculty bring a combination of professional experience and advanced education to offer course content that is always evolving and reflective of trends in industry and academia.

The School of Management supports academic programs and industry projects such as:

• Analytics Hub
• Humology (human-technology) Lab
• Consulting Hub
• Enactus (social innovation platform)

Why the Bachelor of Business Administration (Business Analytics)?

Businesses have access to an abundance of data, creating opportunities for our graduates throughout high-demand sectors such as banking, government, pharmaceutical, finance, health care and telecommunications. In order for business leaders to make better decisions, they need analysts with a superior ability to interpret data from multiple sources. How do you ensure the appropriate data will be most effective for making optimal decisions? When do you involve human judgment? How do you tell a compelling story from the data? What are some of the most practical applications of current analytics technologies?  

In this business analytics degree program, you will learn an applied framework that incorporates business intelligence models, data management, data insights and frameworks, data science-based decisions, and value creation opportunities to build strong confidence when data is used for increased effectiveness in decision-making. Drawing on global experiences, your professors will prepare you for an analytics role not just in Canada, but in any country on the planet. 

Upon completion of the program, you will know the differences between various analytics approaches and be able to identify the most appropriate ones for your situation. More importantly, you'll know how to tackle big data and leverage it for better business decision-making and outcomes.

This program focuses on skills development, technical and otherwise, including analytic understanding and dissemination for various business uses. A bold mix of skills – including some programming using the latest software, applied statistical comprehension and database understanding – will be explored in the context of organizational data requirements.

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program prepares students to perform at a level that will assist them in gaining entry to a Health Sciences program at George Brown College, including Practical Nursing. It also gives students a basic understanding of social sciences and human relations. This helps them relate to people at college in further studies and at work in health care institutions or with health care providers. Throughout the program, students study biology and chemistry. Other courses include applied math, communications and general education electives.

The George Brown College Financial Planning graduate certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of financial services.

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

• Help clients take steps to achieve their life goals through an integrated approach to the management of all their financial affairs, including such areas as:
• Financial Management – assess the client’s current and future financial position, based upon their cash flow, budget and net worth.
• Investment Management – assess the nature of the client’s assets based on their risk tolerance, time horizon and expected rates of return
• Retirement Planning – compare the client’s expected lifestyle in retirement to their current retirement assets and planned savings
• Tax Planning – assess the client’s current and future tax obligations and strategies employed to minimize or defer taxation
• Insurance and Risk Management – manage the client's exposure to an unexpected financial loss due to death, health issues, property damage and other risks
• Estate Planning – assess how the client can meet their objectives upon death in the most efficient and cost-effective manner
• Prepare a comprehensive financial plan for a complex client situation, integrating and prioritizing the activities listed above

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Integrate ethical decision-making processes into all aspects of the financial planning profession.
  • Apply recognized financial planning principles and industry standards to the systematic analysis of financial position and requirements.
  • Prepare accurate and relevant financial plans manually and electronically.
  • Integrate economic and personal information necessary for effective financial planning decisions.
  • Compare, contrast, and select, from appropriate financial products and services, investment planning and counselling services for the public according to industry standards, including taxation counselling.
  • Effectively market financial products through the development of an inventory of prospective clients, following up with individual sales strategies in pursuit of new and renewal business.
  • Recognize potential tax and legal implications within a financial planning situation.
  • Identify and apply written and verbal client-focused communication styles and strategies.
  • Research market opportunities and implement a business plan in support of client needs, as well as student career choices.
  • Qualify to challenge the Certified Financial Planner (CFP™) and to be fully licensed with the IIROC/MFDA.
  • Provide recommendations and options to the public for managing risk involving life and health insurance products.

The Esports Management program equips you with the knowledge of esports business management. You will learn about the industry, players, influencers and partner loyalty, business and revenue models, regulations and media rights, digital communication approaches, team management, and audience engagement strategies. 

As a graduate, you will be equipped with the skills and interdisciplinary knowledge to succeed in the industry.? You will be work-ready and able to implement sponsorship programs, oversee differentiated delivery modes and manage teams. 

The program focusses on business management of esports events in virtual and in-person spaces, profitability and viability, brand extension, influencer, and partner loyalty. 

You will learn:

• Strategic planning including revenue models and brand management strategies for teams, leagues, franchises, and influencers. 
• How to build tactical plans including esports digital and social media promotion for participants, viewers, influencers, and consumers. 
• About governing the industry's legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. 
• HR/organizational strategies to manage teams, esports event participation influencers, and spectators. 

Your Field Education Options - There are 80 to 100 hours of experiential learning opportunities offered in the program within the esports industry. This includes partner facilitated and hosted projects, and mentoring.?

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Construct proposals, promotional material, and presentations to meet the needs of stakeholders by utilizing evidence-based research, persuasive communication techniques, and graphical elements.
• Manage technical strategy, including applications, software and hardware required in scalable esports environments.
• Develop strategies for the successful implementation of esports partner and sponsorship programs.
• Assess, plan and implement differentiated delivery modes for esports events to ensure profitability and viability.
• Research the micro and macro environments of gamers and esports communities in order to develop events, experiences, marketing and promotional material that respond to the needs of those environments and communities.
• Adhere to professional, legal, regulatory, environmental, ethical, diversity and inclusion standards when performing work and conducting esports business operations.
• Manage accounting and financial operations to comply with tax and insurance practices for entrepreneurial, small, medium and large businesses.
• Manage internal staff and external relationships by applying human resource leadership principles and negotiation skills to promote organizational effectiveness. 
• Use project management principles, tools, and strategies to plan, organize and execute online or in-person experiences.
• Lead the development of integrated marketing strategies that increase brand equity and revenue streams across all media.
• Build and cultivate inclusive community-oriented business strategies that engage diverse stakeholders and generate revenue across the esports ecosystem

The Screenwriting & Narrative Design program educates students on the challenge of writing a well-structured story within linear and nonlinear contexts. The elements of character, dialogue, scene, setting, texture, style and tone are rigorously explored. Students master the subtle variances of language employed through structured and open-world storytelling as they create memorable stories and scripts for film, TV, games and interactive media. Opportunities will be provided to work with fellow students (directors, actors and designers) on student-led projects as well as potential research projects.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Produce linear and non-linear narrative content to industry standards using current and relevant software.
• Create content employing traditional and non?traditional dramatic narratives with advanced application for entertainment writing within linear and non?linear mediums.
• Articulate the differences between the varying mediums’ production processes and how the writer integrates into each process.
• Investigate the varying guilds, associations, agencies, and groups and how they interact with relevance to the different industries.
• Differentiate the history of film, television, video game and interactive media from other media as well as the intersections between them.
• Analyze the evolving landscapes for production, distribution and content creation in order to anticipate challenges and opportunities arising from technological change and consumer demand.
• Prepare for employment in the field by evaluating the present business climate of the relevant film, television, video game, online, mobile and interactive industries, and using interview and presentation skills, resume writing skills, proposal and pitch development skills, and portfolio preparation.
• Conduct research using a variety of relevant research methods, including online and library resources to do effective world building and character creation.
• Engage and invoke an emotional response from an audience, recognizing and using relevant style and narrative structures including plot analysis, characterization, setting, dialogue, point of view, structure, length and originality.
• Evaluate personal and recognized works of entertainment writing for traditional composition techniques including “unity of effect” as these apply to both traditional rhetorical structures and narratives with branching structures and/or multiple narratively coherent conclusions.
• Manipulate point of view to develop narratives, analyze form and structure to apply evolving techniques, and compare setting and atmosphere to adjusting narrative time within linear and non-linear narrative.
• Assess personal and recognized works of traditional and interactive narratives for techniques in character development exploring limitations presented by traditional techniques in character development for non-linear and participatory character creation.