Community and Health Services Navigation (CHSN)

Navigators assist people in accessing a variety of supports across the lifespan, including, but not limited to, mental health support, legal support, health care and financial support. Support is often required during transitional points of care, such as youth transitioning to adult services or an older adult preparing to enter long-term care. Accessing services and transitioning between types of care can be complicated and frustrating. Navigators, also referred to as care coordinators or case managers, serve as a guide to help people obtain the help they need.

As a student in the program, you will build expertise in how to locate resources within your community as well as provincially. You’ll have the opportunity to network with a multitude of guest speakers across a variety of sectors to help you build connections with professionals in the field.

You will also gain the skills to be an effective and compassionate listener to help people in dealing with frustrations they may encounter throughout their journey. You’ll also learn how to provide brief interventions such as motivational interviewing to support individuals as they wait to receive the services they require.

Students with backgrounds in the helping profession may choose to complete the program to enhance their expertise. Fast-track options may be available through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and/or via Advanced Standing for students with related work experience or a related diploma/degree.

Program Highlights

• 9-month post-graduate certificate
  Students must have a minimum 2-year diploma or degree to be eligible
• 6-week unpaid placement to apply learning
  Students currently working in a helping profession may be eligible to apply to complete a capstone project within their work environment
• Flexible delivery: complete entire program online (either by joining the class virtually in real-time or viewing the class afterwards) or switch at your leisure between online and in-class delivery options. Click here for more details about HyFlex delivery 
• Students will learn how to work with people using a person-centred, strength-based approach
• Simulation and role-play exercises will provide practical, hands-on experience