Shelter Support Worker Certificate.
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing challenges?
The Shelter Support Work is your gateway to a rewarding career in social services. This 40-hour program provides the practical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to offer compassionate, effective support within shelter environments.
Through interactive case studies, videos, and experiential learning activities, you’ll build expertise in crisis intervention, communication strategies, and resource navigation. Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to enhance your current skills, this course prepares you to create positive change and support vulnerable individuals with confidence.
Take the next step toward a career where your work truly empowers lives.
The Shelter Support Work is your gateway to a rewarding career in social services. This 40-hour program provides the practical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to offer compassionate, effective support within shelter environments.
Through interactive case studies, videos, and experiential learning activities, you’ll build expertise in crisis intervention, communication strategies, and resource navigation. Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to enhance your current skills, this course prepares you to create positive change and support vulnerable individuals with confidence.
Take the next step toward a career where your work truly empowers lives.
Write your awesome label here.
Get Both Certificates for Only $1,540 (Save $1,050)
Pay in Full or Easy 3-Month Instalments.
Limited-Time Offer – Enrol Today!
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Study at Your Own Pace – 100% Online.
Start Anytime!
Why you should take this course?
If you’re passionate about helping others and want to make a real
difference in your community, this course is the perfect place to
start.
In just 6 weeks, you’ll gain the skills needed to support individuals experiencing homelessness, crisis, or housing instability. The training is practical, flexible, and designed to fit into your schedule, with a focus on real-world techniques like crisis de-escalation and case management.
You’ll learn from experienced instructors and graduate with the confidence to step into entry-level roles across shelters, outreach programs, and community service organizations.
This is your fast-track pathway to a meaningful and rewarding career.
In just 6 weeks, you’ll gain the skills needed to support individuals experiencing homelessness, crisis, or housing instability. The training is practical, flexible, and designed to fit into your schedule, with a focus on real-world techniques like crisis de-escalation and case management.
You’ll learn from experienced instructors and graduate with the confidence to step into entry-level roles across shelters, outreach programs, and community service organizations.
This is your fast-track pathway to a meaningful and rewarding career.
What you can expect to learn
Here is what our recent graduates say:
Discover What It Takes to Thrive in a Shelter Support Role.
Shelter support work requires compassion, resilience, and the ability to approach every individual without judgment. Essential skills and considerations include:
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Cultural Sensitivity & Respect: Understanding and valuing clients’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities is essential.
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Inclusivity: Shelters serve individuals of all genders, including gender-diverse people, women, and men, without prejudice.
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Professional Boundaries & Confidentiality: Maintaining clear professional boundaries while ensuring strict privacy in accordance with shelter policies is crucial.
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Shift & Overnight Work: Many shelters operate 24/7, requiring staff to work 8-12 hour shifts, including nights and weekends.
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Practical & Physical Tasks: Shelter work often involves hands-on duties such as cooking, cleaning, and general housekeeping to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
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If you’re compassionate, adaptable, and committed to helping others, a role in shelter work can be both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Where This Certificate Can Take You.
At York College, we’re here to help you unlock your potential and build the confidence to thrive in your career. As a Shelter Support Worker, you can pursue opportunities in:
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Food Banks
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Group Homes
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Supportive Housing
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Abused Women Shelters
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Youth Shelters
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Residential Treatment Centers
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Emergency Shelters – assisting individuals and families facing homelessness.
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Transitional and Supportive Housing Programs – helping residents build stability and independence.
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Community Outreach Services – connecting vulnerable populations with vital resources.
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Nonprofit and Social Service Agencies – supporting diverse groups in need of housing, food, and advocacy.
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Government or Municipal Programs – working within community initiatives focused on housing and poverty reduction.
Certification included.
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Start the course anytime
Progress through the course at your own pace and and learn about:- Shelter Support Work
- Legal Framework and Policies Crisis Intervention
- De-escalation Techniques
- Communication Skills and Cultural Sensitivity
- Mental Health and Substance Use Awareness
- Health and Safety in the Shelter Environment Documentation and Reporting
- Case Management and Resource Navigation
- Workshop and Role-Playing Exercises
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Complete the course & receive Certification
Complete your course entirely online at your own pace and earn a certificate to showcase to current or prospective employers.
New students join every week!
We offer leading programs designed to help you succeed.
Video interactions, note-taking, interactive ebooks, self-assessment, certificates, and much more.
Financial Aid
The institution provides financial aid advice to all students looking for ways to pay their tuition.
Advising
Students are encouraged to reach out to us for an advice on their academic progress.
Career Services
Students are assisted with placement and given names and addresses of job opportunities.
Community & Resources
The school's resources community for job postings, connecting with peers and news & updates is available to students.
Our community & healthcare programs
Join our group of healthcare professionals.
Medical Assistant
Frequently asked questions
Learn at your own pace. Fully online. Start Anytime.
Earn your Shelter Support Worker Certificate in just 6 weeks for under $900—faster, more affordable, and fully online.
How can I choose my course or program?
We offer a number of different learning paths, which you are invited to explore and choose the one that best meets your needs. However if you need any advice we are always available to you.
Who Is This Course Designed For?
This course is designed for individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, trauma, or social barriers.
It is ideal for:
No prior experience in social services is required—just a commitment to compassion, professionalism, and supporting individuals with dignity and respect.
It is ideal for:
- Those seeking a frontline role in shelters, drop-ins, outreach programs, or supportive housing
- Individuals currently working in community services who want to expand their skills
- Newcomers to the sector exploring a career in social services
- People with lived experience who wish to transition into a structured support role
- Anyone passionate about advocacy, crisis intervention, and helping vulnerable populations
No prior experience in social services is required—just a commitment to compassion, professionalism, and supporting individuals with dignity and respect.
Are there any computer requirements?
In order to
successfully participate in the program it's necessary that
each student has access to:
- A a computer with working speakers and microphone — a laptop or desktop computer is fine!
- A following minimum configurations: CPU:64-bit x86 Intel or AMD Processor from 2011, or later, with full virtualization support with minimum 2GHz or faster core speed.
- To make the most of your Live Online experience, we also recommend:
- A working web cam (it doesn’t have to be the greatest quality)!
- A comfortable desk and chair Noise-cancelling headphones
- A positive attitude!
Can I claim the Shelter Support Worker course on my taxes?.
The federal government recognizes that the nature of work is changing and that many Canadians need to upgrade their skills to stay competitive. The Canada Training Credit (CTC) is a refundable tax credit designed to help offset the cost of eligible training programs.
For full details, please consult the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.
For full details, please consult the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.
- Key highlights of the Canada Training Credit:
- Available to Canadian workers 26 to 65 years old
- You must be a Canadian resident who files an income tax and benefit return
- You must have paid eligible tuition or training fees to an approved educational institution in the year you claim the credit
Have a question? Get in touch with us.
Thank you!
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