Intensive Case Management

for Addictions and Homelessness

Certificate Program

You're Only 5 Weeks Away From Becoming a Great Case Manager

Discover Our Intensive Case Management

for Addictions and Homelessness Certificate Program

Our Intensive Case Management for Addictions and Homelessness Certificate program prepares social service professionals for a case manager's increased duties and responsibilities. Over the course of five weeks, you will discover the step-by-step process of case management, learning everything from intake and assessment to referrals and termination.


You’ll also explore current practice trends and considerations, legal issues, common ethical issues, the importance of maintaining accurate client information, and how best to collaborate with other service providers. Upon graduation, you will be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to be a professional Case Manager!

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COURSE DETAILS

STARTING DATE

September 21, 2026

DURATION

5 weeks

Mondays & Fridays
6 pm to 9 pm

PROGRAM DELIVERY

Online

COURSE TUITION

$1080

REGISTRATION FEE

$75

Case Manager Career Opportunities

Average Salary (Canada)


  • $65,000/year*


Number of Job Openings (Canada: 2019-2028)


  • 49,000**

*Glassdoor        **Canada Job Bank

Alpha Student Experiences


"Alpha Career College is an excellent school with very professional instructors and staff members. The type of support I received there was impeccable."


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Admission Requirements

  • An Grade 12 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or
  • Equivalent: Foreign credentials must be translated into English and assessed for Grade 12 equivalency by a recognized organization, or
  • Mature Student with a score of 11 or more on the Wonderlic SLE


***This program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

Program Outline

Five weeks of comprehensive case management education

  • MODULE 1 - Foundations for the Best Practice in Case Management

    Chapter 1 - Case Management: Definitions and Responsibilities

    • Developing the transitions; the interventions

    Chapter 2 - Ethics and Other Professional Responsibilities for Human Service Workers

    • The broader ethical concept
    • Boundaries; value conflicts
    • The rights of individuals receiving services
    • Confidentiality; privacy; privileged communication

    Chapter 3 - Applying the Ecological Model: A Theoretical Foundation for Human Services

    • The Three Levels of the Ecological Model
    • The Micro Level: Looking at what the person brings
    • The Macro level interventions and advocacy
    • Context and its importance

  • MODULE 2 - Useful Clarifications and Attitudes

    Chapter 4 - Cultural Competence

    • Culture and communication
    • Ethical responsibilities
    • Anxiety and uncertainty
    • Thoughtless versus thoughtful communication
    • Dimensions of culture
    • Obstacles to understanding

    Chapter 5 - Attitudes and Boundaries

    • Understanding attitudes; basic helping attitudes
    • How clients are discouraged
    • Seeing yourself and the client as completely separate individuals
    • Erecting detrimental boundaries
    • Transference and countertransference

    Chapter 6 - Clarifying Who Owns the Problem

    • Boundaries and power
    • Client owning the problems; you owning the problem; both owning the problem

  • MODULE 3 - Effective Communication

    Chapter 7 - Identifying Good Responses and Poor Responses

    • Communication as a process
    • Twelve roadblocks to communication
    • Useful responses

    Chapter 8 - Listening and Responding

    • Defining reflective listening
    • Responding to feelings; responding to content
    • Positive reasons for reflective listening

    Chapter 9 - Asking Questions

    • When questions are important
    • Closed questions; open questions; questions that make a person feel uncomfortable
    • A formula for asking open questions

    Chapter 10 - Bringing Up Difficult Issues 

    • Confrontation
    • Exchanging views; when to initiate an exchange of views
    • Using I-messages to initiate an exchange of views
    • Asking permission to share ideas
    • Advocacy: Confronting collaterals
    • On not becoming overbearing

    Chapter 11 - Addressing and Disarming Anger

    • Common reasons for anger; why disarming anger is important
    • Avoiding the number-one mistake
    • Erroneous expectations for perfect communication
    • The four-step process
    • Safety in the workplace

    Chapter 12 - Collaborating with People for Change

    • What is change; the stages of change
    • Understanding ambivalence and resistance
    • Encouragement; communication skills that facilitate change
    • From adversarial to collaborative
    • Exercises that help people change

    Chapter 13 - Putting It All Together: Exercises

    • Combining skills and attitudes into practice

  • MODULE 4 - Meeting Clients and Assessing Their Strengths and Needs

    Chapter 14 - Documenting Initial Inquiries

    • Guidelines for filling out forms
    • Steps for filling out the new referral or inquiry form
    • Evaluating the client's motivation and mood
    • Steps for preparing the verification of appointment form

    Chapter 15 - The First Interview

    • Your role in the interview process
    • The client's understanding
    • Preparing for the first interview
    • Meeting with the client

    Chapter 16 - Social Histories and Assessment Forms

    • Social history defined; social history settings
    • Layout of social history
    • How to ask what you need to know
    • Writing brief social histories
    • Using an assessment form
    • Taking social histories on a computer; in the home

    Chapter 17 - Using the DSM

    • DMS fundamentals for the tool
    • DSM5, the current diagnostic manual
    • Making the code using DSM 5; multiple diagnoses
    • Other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention
    • When the diagnosis does not quite fit or there is no number

    Chapter 18 - The Mental Status Examination

    • Observing the client
    • Mental status examination outline

    Chapter 19 - Receiving and Releasing Information

    • Sending information; releasing information
    • Directions for using release forms; examples of release forms; when a client wants you to release information
    • When the material is received; other issues related to releasing information

  • MODULE 5 - Developing a Plan With a Client

    Chapter 20 - Developing a Service Plan at the Case Management Unit

    • Involving the client and the family
    • Using the assessment
    • Creating the treatment or service plan
    • How to identify the client's strengths
    • Individualized planning
    • Understanding the barriers
    • Goal planning

    Chapter 21 - Preparing for a Service Planning Conference or Disposition Planning Meeting

    • Goals for the meeting
    • Collaboration
    • Preparing your case
    • Making the presentation

    Chapter 22 - Making the Referral and Assembling the Record

    • Determining dates
    • Referral notification form
    • The face sheet

    Chapter 23 - Documentation and Recording

    • The importance of documentation
    • Writing contact notes; labelling the contact
    • Documenting service monitoring
    • Documentation; best practice; government requirements
    • Do not be judgemental; distinguish between facts and impressions
    • Give a balanced picture of the person
    • Provide evidence of agreement
    • Making changes to the plan

  • MODULE 6 - Monitoring Services and Following the Client

    Chapter 24 - Monitoring the Services or Treatment

    • Monitoring defined; the financial purpose of monitoring
    • Collaboration with other agencies
    • Advocating
    • Responding to a crisis

    Chapter 25 - Developing Goals and Objectives at the Provider Agency

    • Client participation/collaboration
    • Making objectives manageable
    • Expecting positive outcomes
    • Developing and combining goals and treatment options

    Chapter 26 - Terminating the Case

    • Successful termination; discharge summary

Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Intensive Case Manager

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is the program accredited?

    Alpha Career College is a registered career college in Ontario and operates under the regulatory framework of the Ministry of Colleges & Universities. 


    Under Ontario’s career college regulations, certain short-duration programs, including programs of 40 instructional hours or less, do not require individual program approval by the Ministry. 


    Our Case Management program falls within this category and is offered by Alpha Career College as a non-vocational micro-credential in accordance with the requirements applicable to registered career colleges.

  • Am I guaranteed a job after completing the program?

    Employment is not guaranteed. However, our programs are designed to provide students with relevant knowledge and practical skills to help prepare them for employment opportunities in their field. 


    Many of our graduates have successfully found employment after completing their programs. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as available opportunities, qualifications, experience, interview performance, and individual employer requirements. 

  • What will I learn in the Intensive Case Management program?

    The program provides practical knowledge and skills used in case management and community services. Students learn client assessment, case planning, documentation, goal setting, referrals, advocacy, professional boundaries, crisis response, communication, and how to connect clients with community resources. 


    The goal is to help you understand how to support clients with complex needs while working effectively within a community or social service setting. 

  • Do I need previous social service experience?

    No. You do not need previous social service experience to take the program. 


    The program suits both newcomers to the field and individuals with experience in social or community services who want to strengthen their case management skills. 

  • Where can I work with this certificate?

    Graduates may pursue opportunities in a variety of social and community service settings, including: 

    • Homeless and emergency shelters 
    • Supportive and transitional housing 
    • Community agencies 
    • Mental health and addiction services 
    • Residential programs 
    • Youth and family services 
    • Newcomer and settlement services 
    • Community outreach programs 
    • Non-profit organizations 

  • Is there a placement or practical component?

    The Intensive Case Management program focuses on developing practical, job-relevant case management skills. 


    Students have opportunities to apply what they learn through case scenarios, documentation exercises, problem-solving, case planning, and other practical learning activities. 


    In addition, students may choose to participate in an optional 40-hour job placement, providing valuable exposure to real-world workplace settings and the opportunity to apply their skills in a professional environment. 


    This optional placement is designed to enhance hands-on experience and support career readiness. 

  • Can this program help someone who already works in social services move into a case management role?

    Yes. The program can be valuable for individuals already working in shelters, supportive housing, community services, residential programs, mental health services, or other frontline roles who want to strengthen their case management knowledge and prepare for greater responsibilities. 


    Completing the program does not guarantee a promotion or a Case Manager position, but it can help you build additional skills and strengthen your qualifications when opportunities become available. 

  • Is this program suitable for someone looking to change careers?

    Yes. The program can be a good starting point for someone interested in transitioning into the social and community services sector. 


    You will learn foundational and practical case management skills that can help you better understand the field and prepare for entry-level opportunities. Your previous work and life experience may also provide transferable skills that are valuable in this sector. 

  • What is the difference between a Case Manager, Case Worker and Support Worker?

    Although job titles and responsibilities can vary by organization, there are some general differences: 


    Case Manager: Oversees and coordinates client care and support services while managing case files and related administrative responsibilities. Conducts comprehensive assessments, develops individualized care plans, monitors client progress, provides education and advocacy, ensures compliance with care plans, coordinates with healthcare and community service providers, and promotes effective, high-quality interventions to support positive client outcomes. 


    Case Worker: Typically works directly with clients to help address specific needs, access services, complete applications, develop goals, and connect with community resources. In some organizations, Case Workers perform many of the same duties as Case Managers. 


    Support Worker: Usually provides more direct day-to-day assistance to clients. This may include emotional support, life-skills assistance, crisis support, helping clients follow their service plans, and connecting them with appropriate resources. 


    The Intensive Case Management program helps students understand how these roles work together to support clients and how strong case management skills can support career growth within the sector. 

  • What jobs can I get with an Intensive Case Management Program certificate?

    The Intensive Case Management Program can help prepare you for a variety of roles in the social and community services sector. Depending on your previous education, experience, and the employer’s requirements, opportunities may include: 


    • Case Manager 
    • Case Management Support Worker 
    • Housing Support Worker
    • Shelter Support Worker 
    • Community Support Worker 
    • Outreach Worker 
    • Mental Health Support Worker 
    • Residential Support Worker 
    • Client Support Worker 

    Graduates may find opportunities in community agencies, shelters, supportive housing programs, mental health organizations, residential programs, and other social service settings. 


    Some positions may require additional education, experience, certifications, or other qualifications as determined by the employer. 

  • Do you accept OSAP or offer other funding options?

    Alpha Career College is not currently an OSAP-designated school. However, students may be eligible for other government-funded programs, such as Better Jobs Ontario. 


    We also believe education should be accessible and affordable. That is why we offer flexible payment plans to help students manage the cost of their education over time. 


    Our Admissions team can work with you to explore available funding and payment options and help you find what works for you.