New Standards for Care Workers Introduced

New training standards for workers will improve the quality of services to disabled Nova Scotians in residential settings.

By November 2001, new staff will need to complete either a Community Residential Worker or Rehabilitation Worker program. The standards apply to facilities licensed and funded by the Department of Community Services.

"The government of Nova Scotia is committed to improving the quality of service to clients in the continuing care sector," said Peter Christie, Minister of Community Services. "In this case, the improvement in the quality of services can be directly linked to the excellent co-operation that exists with all partners in this sector."

A provincial advisory committee, including representatives from the continuing care sector, has been instrumental in developing these new standards. The Nova Scotia Community College has been integral by developing the training programs which meet the new standards.

The 40-week Community Residential Worker program is an entry-level program. It will provide students with the skills necessary to work as a direct-care provider for persons living in a residential care facility or in a community-based alternative providing a similar level of service.

The 40-week Rehabilitation Worker Program is a diploma program open to second-year students. It teaches advanced skills for people wanting to work with those with special needs. Graduates will be able to work in regional rehabilitation centres, adult residential centres, group home/developmental residences, adult service centres, and in the community-based options program providing similar programs.

Both programs are currently available at the college's Marconi Campus in Sydney and Burridge Campus in Yarmouth. The college is also offering program courses via the Virtual Campus, an online distance education option.

"The college is responding to what industry has told us," said Robbie Shaw, vice-president partnerships, Nova Scotia Community College. "There are more than 4,500 persons who work in Nova Scotia in care-giving roles. With the change in provincial standards, the college could offer these programs to everyone, wherever they are located in the province. If they live in a region not serviced by a physical campus, our Virtual Campus is as close as a computer and modem."