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 26-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.
*This program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

PROGRAM DELIVERY METHOD:

  • Affordable & flexible
  • Competitive tuition: $1,095 (spread over 3 easy monthly payments)
  • 100% online & self-paced
  • Balance learning with your schedule
  • Complete in as little as 8 weeks
  • Job-ready skills

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Our community & healthcare programs

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Shelter Support Worker

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Hospital Unit Clerk

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Medical Assistant

Source: PayScale Canada

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 8 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

A Hospital Unit Clerk plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of healthcare facilities by providing essential clerical, secretarial, and administrative support. In both public and private healthcare settings, typical responsibilities include admitting and registering patients into hospital units or departments, collecting and entering patient data, performing clerical tasks, and maintaining accurate patient charts.

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:
  • Cultural Sensitivity & Respect: Understanding and valuing clients’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities is essential.
  • Inclusivity: Shelters serve individuals of all genders, including gender-diverse people, women, and men, without prejudice.
  • Professional Boundaries & Confidentiality: Maintaining clear professional boundaries while ensuring strict privacy in accordance with shelter policies is crucial.
  • Shift & Overnight Work: Many shelters operate 24/7, requiring staff to work 8-12 hour shifts, including nights and weekends.
  • Practical & Physical Tasks: Shelter work often involves hands-on duties such as cooking, cleaning, and general housekeeping to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
  • 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:
  • Food Banks
  • Group Homes
  • Supportive Housing
  • Abused Women Shelters
  • Youth Shelters
  • Residential Treatment Centers
  • Emergency Shelters – assisting individuals and families facing homelessness.
  • Transitional and Supportive Housing Programs – helping residents build stability and independence.
  • Community Outreach Services – connecting vulnerable populations with vital resources.
  • Nonprofit and Social Service Agencies – supporting diverse groups in need of housing, food, and advocacy.
  • Government or Municipal Programs – working within community initiatives focused on housing and poverty reduction.

Certification included.

  • 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
  • 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.

Register for the Shelter Support Worker Certificate course today!

We will help you unlock your inner potential so you can excel in your professional field.
Boost your confidence, master the field, become a certified professional

New students join every week!

Join our community of students from all around the world!

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.

Frequently asked questions

Learn at your own pace. Fully online. Start Anytime.

Earn your Hospital Unit Clerk Diploma in just 6 months for under $4,000—faster, more affordable, and fully online. 

How can I choose my 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.

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!

What can you offer that I cannot get at other schools?

With us, you’ll have the opportunity to learn directly from distinguished professionals in the field. Our strong global presence in education allows students to gain unique insights and experiences beyond the classroom. Students regularly take part in local, national, and international workshops and events, expanding their knowledge and building valuable professional connections.

Have a question? Get in touch with us.

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