The job of developmental service workers is highly specialized and extremely demanding. Aspiring DSWs must enroll in a developmental services worker program to develop the knowledge, skills and attitude required to operate in a highly challenging work environment.

1. What It Takes to Become a Developmental
Service Worker in Canada?
Developmental service workers (DSWs) are specially trained
individuals who provide support and personal care to people who have
developmental or intellectual disabilities. They may work with people of
different ages and disabilities, ensuring that their basic health, safety and
care needs are met. They support their clients in achieving their personal
health goals, both physical and emotional, by encouraging skill
development, advocating for their inclusion in the society and building
connections between individuals, families and community partners.
What Is It Like Being a Developmental Service Worker?
DSWs may work in a variety of settings, such as residential, institutional,
community or any specific work location. They are responsible for
providing person-directed supports and services and safety to people
with developmental disabilities. They also employ and adapt formal and
informal strategies to support the learning of people with intellectual
disabilities. In addition, they are expected to help people fill valued role
in the society and develop personal support skills.
The job of a DSW is extremely challenging as it involves working with
people who are not quick in grasping things. It requires a lot of patience
and emotional stability to work with individuals who are vulnerable and
are unable to take care of themselves. Moreover, individuals considering
this profession must be dedicated to serve the community and bring a
positive change in the lives of people who are intellectually or
developmentally disable.
What It Takes to Become a DSW in Canada?
Although no formal qualifications are required to serve the community
but the job of a DSW is extremely specific. It requires a deep
understanding of the life experiences of the people who have intellectual
disabilities. It is also important to possess the ability to promote life skills
among intellectually disable people, so that they can gain independence
and be able to perform their daily tasks.
As this is a specialized discipline, aspiring developmental service
workers are required to undergo formal post-secondary education.
Centennial College’s two-year post-secondary diploma in developmental
service worker provides students with the knowledge, skills and training

2. required to begin their careers in this field. The program curriculum
blends theory and practical, offering students a strong foundation in the
field of intellectual disabilities and critical knowledge and skills as well as
hands-on training in real world settings in the areas of teaching and
provision of personal support.
It’s an intensive program that emphasizes on in-depth understanding in
intellectual disabilities, critical thinking, problem solving, values
clarification, health promotion and personal well-being, social psychology,
community and family role and teaching. The students also develop
strong interpersonal, facilitation, time management, team-work and
reflective thinking skills.
Prior hands-on experience in working with intellectually disable people is
also required in order to begin career in this field, in addition to the
knowledge and skills. Keeping this in mind, the program incorporates two
research projects, two field seminars and two industry field placements,
allowing students apply their learning into practice and gain real world
experience.
The diploma program opens doors to a variety of careers as educational
assistants, job coaches, family support workers, integration facilitators,
employment support workers and residential support workers.