Start Your Rewarding Career in Counselling Skills and Social Human Services Now
A career in counselling skills and social human services focuses on supporting people through addiction, trauma, mental health concerns, family challenges and other difficult life situations.
The Counselling Skills / Social-Human Services Diploma at The Maritime College combines counselling theory with practical skills, simulations, and supervised workplace training. Students study psychology, addictions counselling, ethics, trauma support and client-centred counselling skills.
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Key Takeaways
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What Is a Career in Counselling Skills and Social Human Services?
A career in counselling skills and social human services involves helping individuals, families and communities deal with challenging circumstances and access appropriate support.
The field includes different roles and work environments. Graduates pursue careers in addictions services, community organizations, residential programs, youth services or crisis support.
Daily responsibilities depend on the position. Work might involve listening to clients, helping them identify their needs, providing emotional support, documenting interactions and connecting people with community services.
These roles require more than empathy. Workers also need communication skills, professional boundaries, ethical judgement and the ability to respond appropriately when clients face difficult or stressful situations.
What Does the Counselling Skills / Social-Human Services Diploma Include?
The Maritime College's Counselling Skills / Social-Human Services Diploma is structured as approximately 55 weeks of training, including coursework and a supervised field placement.
The program details are as follows:
| Program Detail | Information |
| Program length | Approximately 55 weeks |
| Intakes | March and September |
| Credential | Diploma in Counselling Skills / Social Human Services |
| Class schedule | Monday to Thursday, with Friday as needed |
How Do Students Learn?
The Counselling Skills / Social-Human Services Diploma uses applied learning alongside classroom instruction.
Students participate in role-playing exercises designed around client interactions, group discussions and collaborative activities. Multimedia instruction and guest speakers are also included in the learning approach.
Practical exercises give students opportunities to apply counselling concepts before entering supervised workplace training.
What Do You Study in the Counselling Skills / Social-Human Services Diploma?
The curriculum covers counselling methods, psychology, addictions, trauma, ethics and practical client-support skills.
Core areas taught in the program include:
- Addictions Counselling: Addiction theory, treatment approaches and core functions associated with addictions counselling.
- Introduction to Psychology: Psychological concepts, brain development, trauma and DSM-5-TR criteria.
- Counselling Ethics: Professional ethics and structured approaches to ethical decision-making.
- Trauma and Abuse: Trauma, cycles of violence, grief and approaches to supporting survivors.
- Counselling Approaches and Theory: Counselling theories, techniques and case-based learning.
- Counselling Skills Levels I and II: Active listening, rapport building, session planning and responding to resistance.
- Special Populations: Approaches to providing culturally responsive support to people from different communities and backgrounds.
- Human and Social Services: Community partnerships and legislation relevant to social and human services.
- Medical and Emergency Practices: Training related to First Aid/CPR, crisis intervention and suicide intervention.
- Individual Counselling Practicum: Simulated intake, counselling, crisis response and discharge situations.
What Jobs Are Available After a Counselling and Human Services Diploma?
The diploma provides training relevant to several entry-level support roles, although individual employers set their own education, certification and experience requirements.
Career pathways associated with this type of training include:
| Career Path | Typical Focus |
| Addictions worker | Supporting people dealing with substance use and recovery |
| Community support worker | Supporting people accessing community-based services |
| Crisis intervention worker | Providing support during crises |
| Youth support worker | Working with young people in community or support programs |
| Mental health support role | Supporting clients as part of a broader service team |
With further education, professional credentials or work experience, graduates can also explore roles involving case management, addictions counselling or coordination of social services.
How Much Do Counselling and Social Human Services Workers Earn?
Social and community service workers in Canada earn a median wage of $26.00 per hour, according to the Government of Canada Job Bank. In Nova Scotia, the median is $23.32 per hour, while the reported wage range is $18.29 to $33.27 per hour.
The figures were updated in November 2025 and use 2023 to 2024 Labour Force Survey data from Statistics Canada.
Salary Range for NOC 42201 Social and Community Service Workers
| Location | Relevant NOC 42201 Occupations | Starting Range* | Median Salary* | High Range* |
| Canada | Addictions worker, Crisis intervention worker, Mental health worker, Social services worker, Community service worker | $39,520 | $54,080 | $75,005 |
| Nova Scotia | Addictions worker, Crisis intervention worker, Mental health worker, Social services worker, Community service worker | $38,043 | $48,506 | $69,202 |
*Annual figures are calculated from Government of Canada Job Bank hourly wages using 2,080 working hours per year. They are estimates for comparison rather than guaranteed annual salaries. Job Bank reports the official figures as hourly low, median and high wages.
Where Could the Diploma Lead After Graduation?
The Counselling Skills / Social-Human Services Diploma develops practical skills for entry-level roles in community services, mental health support, addictions services, crisis intervention and residential support. Career options depend on the employer's requirements, the work setting and any additional credentials required for the position.
Career Options After Graduation
| Occupation | Potential Responsibilities |
| Addictions Worker | Support people affected by substance use, assist with recovery plans, provide referrals and connect clients with treatment and community resources. |
| Community Service Worker | Help individuals and families identify their needs, access community programs and connect with social, housing, health and other support services. |
| Mental Health Worker | Provide day-to-day support to people experiencing mental health challenges, assist with established support plans and document client progress. |
| Crisis Intervention Worker | Support people experiencing crisis, assess immediate needs, follow established crisis-response procedures and connect clients with appropriate services. |
| Social Services Worker | Assist clients with personal and social challenges, provide information about available services and support access to community resources. |
| Child and Youth Worker | Support children and young people with behavioural, social or personal challenges through structured programs, activities and individual support. |
| Group Home Worker | Support residents with daily routines, independent living skills, appointments, activities and established individual support plans. |
| Family Service Worker | Support individuals and families facing social or personal difficulties and connect them with relevant community programs and services. |
| Life Skills Instructor | Help clients develop practical skills for independent living, including communication, budgeting, household routines and problem-solving. |
| Residential Counsellor, Group Home | Provide structured support in residential settings, assist residents with daily activities, respond to behavioural or emotional needs and maintain client records. |
These occupations are listed under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) 42201, Social and community service workers. The exact education and experience required varies by employer and position. Graduates planning to work outside Nova Scotia should check the requirements in the province or territory where they intend to work.
Why Study Counselling Skills and Social Human Services at The Maritime College?
The Counselling Skills / Social-Human Services Diploma at The Maritime College combines career-focused education with practical learning designed to prepare students for client-support and community service environments.
- Taught by professionals with years of experience in the field
- Practical, career-focused learning
- Supervised workplace experience
- Broad counselling and social human services curriculum
- Training in counselling, addictions, mental health and trauma support
- Preparation for a range of community and social service careers
- Small and supportive learning environment
- Development of communication, active listening and client-support skills
- Focus on professional ethics and responsible practice
What Are the Admission Requirements?
Admission requirements for Counselling Skills/Social Human Services are listed below:
- High school transcript or equivalent, or an approved assessment
- Resume
- Two letters of reference
- Letter of intent
- Clear criminal record check
Additional admission requirements might apply depending on your circumstances, including proof of English language proficiency. International students must also meet Canadian immigration requirements, which typically include obtaining the appropriate study permit and, where required, a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization before travelling to Canada for their studies.
Please contact our admission team for complete guidance and counselling for your unique needs.
What Financial Support Is Available?
Students can access financial aid, including Canada Student Loans, provincial student loans, payment arrangements and student lines of credit, to support their diploma program at The Maritime College.
Our financial aid advisors help you understand your eligibility for each of the aids available, how to choose the right one, and apply for them on your behalf.
Eligibility for government loans or other financing depends on the student's circumstances and the requirements of the relevant funding provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Counselling Skills / Social-Human Services Diploma take?
The Counselling Skills / Social-Human Services Diploma at The Maritime College takes approximately 14 months to complete. The program combines academic learning with practical training and supervised workplace experience.
What careers could I pursue after completing the diploma?
Graduates could pursue entry-level roles such as addictions worker, community service worker, mental health worker, crisis intervention worker, group home worker and social services worker. Specific education, certification and experience requirements vary by employer and position.
What will I learn in the Counselling Skills / Social-Human Services Diploma?
Students develop skills in counselling, active listening, addictions support, psychology, trauma support, crisis intervention and professional ethics. The program also focuses on applying these skills through practical exercises and workplace experience.
Do I need previous counselling or social services experience to apply?
No previous work experience is required to apply and enrol in the Counselling Skills / Social Human Services diploma program; anyone can apply, including recent high school graduates and career changers. You may still need a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check.
Can international students apply for the program?
International students who meet The Maritime College's admission requirements can apply. They must also satisfy applicable English language requirements and Canadian immigration requirements for studying in Canada.
Build Practical Skills for a Career Supporting Others
Counselling and social human services work centres on helping people through addiction, trauma, crisis, and other challenging circumstances. The Maritime College diploma combines counselling theory, psychology, ethics and practical skill development with supervised workplace training.
If this career direction matches your goals, explore the Counselling Skills / Social Human Services Diploma program for current program details, admission requirements and upcoming intakes.
Contact The Maritime College to discuss the program and determine the next steps for your application.
