Indigenous Human Services Diploma

The Indigenous Human Service Certificate and Diploma prepares students with a career in non-profit agencies, Indigenous communities, and government. Graduates of the certificate program will be able to provide support and assistance to agencies and communities coping with economic disadvantage, mental health issues, developmental, gender and diversity issues, as well as challenges such addictions, family change and involvement with the justice system. Once graduates complete the Diploma portion of the program they will be able to extend these supports and services to individuals and families.

Students who wish to continue their education have the opportunity to ladder into the Social Work Degree Program at NVIT. The Diploma will be available at the Merritt campus or off campus in Indigenous communities.

The Indigenous Human Services Certificate and Diploma Program aims to provide graduates with:

• a basic understanding of trauma-informed practice


• human service theory and practice within a colonization and decolonization context


• excellent interpersonal communication skills


• a professional manner


• empathy and caring attitude


• an understanding of problems and issues of individuals and families in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous social environment


• social work principles and ethics


• problem solving abilities


• an ability to work effectively in groups


• a knowledge of social policy from a decolonization perspective


• a combination of academic, experiential and community-based learning that focuses on thetheory and practice of delivering basic social service from a decolonization perspective


• skills for self-care

Applicants are encouraged to meet academic requirements before program entry. All assignments required for the Certificate program will be requested in typed format, therefore, keyboarding skills/computer literacy skills prior to entry are strongly recommended.

The Indigenous Human Service Program admits 25 students who begin study in September. Applicants will need to meet the general, education and personal readiness requirements.

All qualified applicants have their program plan reviewed by a faculty advisor and/or an academic planner who are able to provide advice regarding the selection of appropriate full and part-time options.

NVIT is committed to ensuring education is accessible to all people. Students who do not meet program requirements should contact the Department Head or an NVIT Academic Planner regarding upgrading opportunities.

1. Age: applicants must be 19 years old by the start of the program or permission from program


2. Two letters of reference


3. For other general admission requirements see the following link http://www.nvit.ca/about/policies/secivadmissionfees/c33generaladmissionrequirements.htm

This diploma prepares you to provide support and assist individuals with a broad range of differing abilities.  Becoming qualified for a career as an educational assistant or community support in school districts, group homes, employment agencies and community organizations,to ladder into the Social Work Degree Program at NVIT.

The following requirements are for new applicants to Year Two of the Indigenous Human Service Diploma only. Those students who have successfully completed Year One (attain 2.00 GPA) of the NVIT Indigenous Human Service Diploma and are continuing on to complete Year Two do not need to meet the following entry requirements.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Applications will be accepted for Year Two of the Indigenous Human Service Diploma based on the availability of remaining seats in the program. Priority will be given to qualified students currently enrolled in year one of the NVIT Indigenous Human Service Diploma.

Successful completion of:

• Early Childhood Education Diploma,

• Social Service Certificate from another college or university


• Other related certificates considered on an individual basis

With a minimum of 2.67 (B-), if an equivalent program of study was taken at a university or college other than NVIT, an official transcript and copy of certificate issued must be submitted.

Other documentation required includes the following: official transcripts of previous secondary and post secondary educational record, proof of citizenship or landed immigrant status required if applicant not born in Canada, two letters of reference, and 200 hours of experience (volunteer or paid) related to the human service field.

The Indigenous Human Service Diploma is delivered in year two of the diploma and consists of five  courses per term. The delivery model will consist of classroom instruction and a 190 hour field practicums. Students who wish to continue to the BSW program can opt out of the practicums and maximize their Arts credits to meet the requirements of the BSW program.

Student’s knowledge and competencies  are evaluated by written exams, assignments, and/or classroom participation. Practicum will be evaluated by the Instructor, placement and student. Performance is assessed by instructor observations of students in work experience situations. All courses are evaluated per the NVIT Grading System (See page 10 of this guide).

Learners will receive a diploma upon successful completion of the required courses within the program. A minimum 2.00 GPA for course work in the diploma program is required to graduate.

1. Successful completion of:




• Early Childhood Education Diploma


• Community and School Support Certificate


• Social Services Certificate


• Other related certificates considered on an individual basis.




2. Minimum TRU GPA of 2.67 (B-) or equivalent from another college or university in an equivalent program of study.  


3. If an equivalent program of study was taken at a university or college other than TRU, an official transcript and a copy of certificate issued must be submitted.

LADDERING INTO THE NVIT BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

Graduates from the Indigenous Human Service Diploma can ladder into the NVIT Bachelor of Social Work Program. Interested students can contact an Academic and Financial Planner. Applicants who wish to apply at other institutions after graduating should contact the appropriate program and institution for more information on transfer credit.

Course Listing for this program

Current Course Offerings