Mental Health and Personal Support Work
Course List
| Code | Course Description |
|---|---|
| HCSW 1101 | Concepts for PracticeThis course provides students with the opportunity to develop a theoretical framework for practice. Students will be introduced to the philosophical values and theoretical understandings that provide a foundation for competent practice as a HCA. The course focuses on concepts of caring and person-centred care; basic human needs and human development; family, culture and diversity as they relate to health and healing. Students will also be introduced to a problem-solving model that will be critical to their practice. |
| HCSW 1102 | Lifestyle and Introduction to PracticeThis course introduces students to a holistic concept of health and the components of a health-enhancing lifestyle. Students will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that can impact lifestyle choices. Students will be introduced to a model that can be applied in other courses to understand the multi-faceted aspects of health and healing. Students will also be introduced to the role of the Health Care Assistant (HCA) within the British Columbia health care system. Students will be introduced to the healthcare team and the roles and function of the HCA within the team. Students will also have opportunities to develop self-reflective skills required for competent practice and will be introduced to effective job-finding approaches. |
| HCSW 1103 | Interpersonal CommunicationsThis course focuses on the development of self-awareness, increased understanding of others and development of effective interpersonal communication skills that can be used in a variety of care-giving contexts. Students will be encouraged to become more aware of the impact of their own communication choices and patterns. They will have opportunity to develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect, and active listening skills. Students are also introduced to, and encouraged to explore, concepts of culture and diversity as they relate to interpersonal communications and care-giving interactions. |
| HCSW 1104 | Health Challenges 1This course introduces students to the normal structure and function of the human body and normal bodily changes associated with aging. Students will explore common challenges to health and healing in relation to each body system. Students will also be encouraged to explore person-centered practice as it relates to the common challenges to health. |
| HCSW 1105 | Applied Practice Experiences 1This practical course offers students the opportunity to acquire personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of the HCA role. The course is comprised of class and supervised laboratory experiences, as well as supervised practice experience in a multi-level or complex care setting. Through these experiences, students learn to integrate and apply the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes they have learned in all other courses in the program. Students are provided with opportunities to develop care-giver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety and independence of individuals in facility contexts. |
| HCSW 1106 | Health Challenges 2This course builds on HCSW 1104: Health Challenges 1. In this course, students will continue to explore common health challenges and person-centered practice, especially in relation to chronic diseases and end-of-life care. Students will have the opportunity to consolidate learning from previous courses, and to consider further caring for clients in home and assisted living settings. |
| HCSW 1107 | Cognitive and Mental Health ChallengesThis course builds on content from other courses to assist students to explore concepts and care-giving approaches that will allow them to work effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive or mental challenges. Emphasis is on recognizing behaviours and identifying person-centred intervention strategies. |
| HCSW 1108 | Applied Practice Experiences 2This practical course builds on the learning experiences in HCSW 1105: Applied Practice Experiences 1. Students have further opportunities to integrate theory from other courses, and to consolidate care-giving skills in the laboratory and clinical settings. In the laboratory, increase emphasis will be placed on home and community settings. For this second clinical experience, students will continue to practice and learn in multi-level or complex care facilities, providing an opportunity for students to gain expertise and confidence with the role of the HCA. |
| HCSW 1109 | Applied Practice Experiences 3In this course students have the opportunity to consolidate their learning in Complex Care to gain further expertise and confidence with the role of the HCA within a continuing care facility. Students will also experience working with individuals with cognitive challenges in specialized dementia care units. As well, students will be provided with the opportunity to become familiar with the role of the HCA within a Home Support Agency and to gain abilities that will prepare them to assume the role of a Community Health Worker. The course experiences will also allow students to acquire familiarity with HCA practice in the Assisted Living setting. |
| HCSW 1155 | Foundations of Community Mental Health Work PracticeThis course introduces foundational perspectives and current legislation relevant to community mental health work practice. Historical beliefs and approaches to mental illness will be presented. The focus of the course is to provide theory on current best practices in mental health care and treatment. Legal and ethical issues related to individuals, families and populations experiencing mental health challenges will be presented, including an introduction to ethical decision-making frameworks for managing practice related ethical dilemmas. |
| HCSW 1170 | Concepts for Mental Health PracticeThe course will introduce the learner to the theoretical underpinnings relevant to Community Mental Health Work (CMHW) and Health Care Support Work (HCSW) practice. Concepts related to common mental health challenges, including neurobiology, DSM-5 categories, behavioral manifestations of various mental health disorders including addictions and substance use disorders, as well as various treatment modalities will be presented. Assessment tools and intervention techniques will also be discussed. |
| HCSW 1180 | Recovery in Mental HealthThis course will focus on the concepts and domains of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) as they relate to the principles of the Recovery Model of mental health care. Mission statements, philosophies, values, and beliefs of various agencies will be discussed. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs will be discussed in relation to the prioritization of needs in providing care. Principles of advocacy and PSR as they relate to Community Mental Health Work (CMHW) and Health Care Support Work (HCSW) practice will be addressed. |
| HCSW 1190 | Therapeutic Relationships in Mental HealthThe focus of this course is to prepare students to develop therapeutic relationships through the use of communication skills. Empathy, warmth, genuineness, caring confrontation and immediacy will be taught. Assessment, communication, and motivational interviewing skills will be discussed as they relate to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Conflict resolution, problem-solving, and leadership skills are also presented. Group therapy and stress management theories and techniques will be discussed. Therapeutic use of self, self-awareness, and trauma informed approaches as critical elements of developing therapeutic relationships are the foci of this course. Students will practice communication skills with actors in communication lab sessions. |
| HCSW 1195 | Clinical Practice I for Community Mental Health WorkIn this course students are introduced to the community mental health clinical practice setting. Students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their roles and responsibilities as a community mental health worker and as a member of the community mental health team. Students will begin to apply Community Mental Health Work (CMHW) concepts and therapeutic communication skills with individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Students will identify community resources available to mental health clients. Psychosocial Rehabilitation(PSR) utilizing the principles of the Recovery Model of mental health care will be the focus of this clinical practicum. |
| HCSW 1200 | Clinical Practice II for Community Mental Health WorkIn this course students will continue gaining experience in the community mental health setting. Students will practice within their roles and responsibilities as a community mental health worker and as a member or the community mental health team. Students will apply Community Mental Health Work (CMHW) concepts and therapeutic communication skills with individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Students will identify the resources available in the community and understand how to incorporate these resources when planning client-centered care. Psychosocial Rehabilitation(PSR) utilizing the principles of the Recovery Model of mental health care will be the focus of this clinical practicum. |
| MHPS 1110 | Concepts for PracticeThis course provides students with the opportunity to develop a theoretical framework for practice. Students will be introduced to the philosophical values and theoretical understandings that provide a foundation for competent practice as a Health Care Assistant. |
| MHPS 1120 | Lifestyle and Introduction to PracticeThis course introduces students to a holistic concept of health and the components of a health-enhancing lifestyle. Students will be invited to reflect on their own experience of health, recognizing challenges and resources that can impact lifestyle choices. |
| MHPS 1130 | Interpersonal CommunicationsThis course focuses on the development of self-awareness, increased understanding of others, and development of effective interpersonal communication skills that can be used in a variety of caregiving contexts. Students will be encouraged to become more aware of the impact of their own communication choices and patterns. They will have opportunities to develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect, and active listening skills. The course also focuses on concepts of culture and diversity as it relates to health and healing. |
| MHPS 1140 | Common Health Challenges IThis course introduces students to the normal structure and function of the human body and normal bodily changes associated with aging. Students will explore common challenges to health and healing in relation to each body system. Students will also be encouraged to explore person-centered practice as it relates to the common health challenges to health. |
| MHPS 1150 | Personal Care & Assistance IThis practical course offers students the opportunity to acquire personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of the HCA role. The course comprises classroom and supervised laboratory experiences. The student will integrate theory from other courses to develop caregiver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety, and independence of clients in community and facility contexts. |
| MHPS 1160 | Applied Practice Experience IThis supervised clinical practice experience provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses in the program with individuals in a multi-level or complex care setting. Opportunity will be provided for students to gain expertise and confidence with the role of the HCA within a complex care facility. |
| MHPS 1170 | Common Health CHallenges IIThis course builds on MHPS 1140: Common Health Challenges I. The students will explore common challenges to health and healing in relation to each body system. Students will also be encouraged to explore person-centered practice as it relates to the common challenges to health including and, in particular, to end-of-life care. |
| MHPS 1180 | Cognitive and Mental Health ChallengesThis course builds on content from other courses to assist students to explore concepts and caregiving approaches that will allow them to work effectively with individuals experiencing cognitive and/or mental health challenges. The emphasis is on supporting clients with dementia, recognizing responsive behaviours, and identifying person-centered intervention strategies. |
| MHPS 1190 | Personal Care & Assistance IIThis course builds on MHPS 1150: Personal Care and Assistance I. This practical course offers students the opportunity to acquire personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of the HCA role. The course comprises class and supervised laboratory experiences. The student will integrate prior theory to develop caregiver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety, and independence of clients in community and facility contexts. |
| MHPS 1200 | Applied Practice Experiences IIThis course builds on MHPS 1160: Applied Practice Experience I. This supervised practice experience provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses in the program with individuals in a multi-level or complex care setting. Opportunity will be provided for students to gain expertise in and confidence with the role of the HCA within a complex care facility. |
| MHPS 1300 | Applied Practice Experience IIIThis course builds on MHPS 1160: Applied Practice Experience I and MHPS 1200: Applied Practice Experience II. This practice course provides students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from all other courses with individuals and families in a community setting. A portion of this clinical experience will be devoted to working with individuals with dementia. Students will become more familiar with the role of the HCA within a home support agency, assisted living facility, or a group home. Students will be prepared for employment in these settings. It is essential that students understand the philosophy of community care settings and the importance of client choice and independence. |
| MHPS 1400 | Foundations in HealthThis course examines the students’ personal understanding of health and relationships in the context of individuals, families, and groups. Students will develop a theoretical framework for practice. The course will focus on concepts of caring and client-centred care; basic human needs and human development; and family, culture, and diversity as they relate to health and healing. Students will be introduced to personal care and assistance skills within the parameters of their role. |
| MHPS 1500 | Introduction to Mental HealthThis course introduces foundational perspectives and current legislation relevant to mental health practice. Historical beliefs and approaches to mental illness will be presented. The focus of the course is to provide theory on current best practices in mental health care and treatment. Legal and ethical issues related to individuals, families, and populations experiencing mental health challenges will be presented, including an introduction to ethical decision-making frameworks for managing practice related ethical dilemmas. |
| MHPS 1600 | Common Mental Health DisordersThe course will introduce the learner to the theoretical underpinnings relevant to Mental Health and Substance Use Work. Concepts related to common mental health challenges, including neurobiology, DSM categories, behavioural manifestations of various mental health disorders (such as addictions and substance use disorders), and treatment modalities will be presented. Assessment tools and intervention techniques will also be discussed. |
| MHPS 1700 | Therapeutic Relationships in Mental HealthThe focus of this course is to prepare students to develop therapeutic relationships using communication skills such as empathy, warmth, genuineness, caring confrontation, and immediacy. Assessment, communication, and motivational interviewing skills will be discussed as they relate to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Conflict resolution, problem-solving, and leadership skills are also presented. Group therapy and stress management theories and techniques will be discussed. Therapeutic use of self, self-awareness, and trauma informed approaches as critical elements of developing therapeutic relationships are the foci of this course. Students will practise communication skills with actors in communication labs. |
| MHPS 1800 | Practicum Experience 1This course introduces students to the mental health and substance use clinical practice setting. Learning opportunities will encourage students to use all the concepts and therapeutic communication skills they have learned thus far in the program to assist the individuals with mental health and substance use disorders to maximize their independence. Students will begin to recognize the importance of the mental health and substance use worker and the role they play as part of the community health team. Students will recognize Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) principles and how they apply to the client’s recovery. Emphasis will be on strengthening students’ communication techniques when working with clients in the mental health and substance use setting. |
| MHPS 1900 | Recovery in Mental HealthThis course will focus on the concepts and domains of Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) as they relate to the principles of the Recovery Model of mental health and substance use care. Mission statements, philosophies, values, and beliefs of various agencies will be discussed. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs will be discussed in relation to the prioritization of needs in providing care. |
| MHPS 2000 | Medication ManagementThis course prepares students with the knowledge and skills to safely administer and manage medications for their clients in mental health and substance use settings. The course comprises class and supervised laboratory experiences. The students will integrate theory from other courses to develop caregiver skills that maintain and promote the comfort, safety, and independence of clients in community and facility contexts. |
| MHPS 2100 | Professional PracticeThis course prepares the learner to be a successful employee in the workplace. Emphasis will be placed on the need for self-care. Utilizing practices related to stress management will be explored. Self-awareness with responsibilities and obligations as a professional for promoting excellence in practice, critical self-reflection, and the philosophy of lifelong learning will be included. |
| MHPS 2200 | Mental Health and Substance UseThis course will focus on students developing the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to clients experiencing co-existing substance use and mental illness, using a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework. Emphasis will be on understanding substance use, addiction processes and illness, harm reduction practices, facilitating change, evidence-based treatment approaches, promoting recovery, and maintenance of health and well-being. |
| MHPS 2300 | Trauma Informed PracticesIn this course students will learn what it means to be trauma informed and the importance of applying it to practice. Students will explore conceptualizations of trauma, including various types of trauma, and will gain awareness of the prevalence of trauma among various populations. The relationship of the trauma experience to mental health and substance use issues will be reviewed, and foundational theory such as attachment theory will support students’ understanding of this complex relationship. |
| MHPS 2400 | Practicum Experience 2This course provides students with further experience in mental health and substance use in clinical practice settings. Learning opportunities will encourage students to use concepts and therapeutic communication skills they have learned throughout the program to assist individuals with mental health and substance use issues to maximize their independence. Students will identify the resources available in the community. Emphasis will be on the role of the Mental Health and Substance Use Worker as a member of the community health team. The principles of Recovery using Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) will be the focus of this workplace practice. |