Developmental Services Worker (DSW)

What is a Developmental Services Worker?
How do I decide if a career as a Developmental Services Worker is "right" for me?
Ontario colleges offering Developmental Services Worker diploma programs
Applying to a Developmental Service Worker Program

A Developmental Services Worker supports people who have an intellectual disability to participate as full citizens in their community. This may include supporting people to: develop and maintain family and friendship relationships, identify and work towards realizing goals, live full and meaningful lives in the way of their choosing.

Employment opportunities can include:

• Support worker in daytime and residential settings
• Life-skills counselor
• Elementary or high school educational assistant
• Vocational support worker or job coach Recreational program coordinator
• Adult protective services worker

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Personal qualities:
You may want to consider a career as a Developmental Services Worker if:

• You value all people
• You are creative, resourceful and passionate
• You like working with others
• You are cooperative
• You enjoy helping people
• You are able to sit for long periods of time
• You enjoy developing and implementing plans
• You are able to use computers and other technologies
• You have strong communication skills
• You have an interest in social justice or social change

• Volunteer at a local developmental services agency
• Work independently as a respite worker for people and/or families
• Work with children, youth, adults or seniors in a respite service offered by a developmental services agency (e.g. seasonal March Break, summer or other school break camp; daytime, evening or weekend support service)

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Ontario colleges offering Developmental Services Worker diploma programs:

• Algonquin College, Ottawa
• Cambrian College, Sudbury
• Centennial College, Toronto
• Confederation College, Thunder Bay
• Fanshawe College, London
• Georgian College, Orillia
• Humber College, Toronto
• La Cité Collegiale, Ottawa
• Loyalist College, Belleville
• Northern College, Timmins
• St. Clair College, Chatham
• St. Lawrence College, Kingston

The Developmental Services Worker diploma can be credited to further studies at the following institutions.

Athabasca University: Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services (distance learning)
Lakehead University: Social Work and Bachelor of Arts
Laurentian University: Gerontology Program
Ryerson University: Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies
University of Windsor: Bachelor of Social Work
York University: Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts

Check the specific colleges for their articulation agreements. See the Ontario College Univeristy Transfer Guide for detailed information.

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Applying to a Developmental Services Worker Program

Submit a completed application to Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) either online or by email. See ontariocolleges.ca for more information.

• Ontario Association for Developmental Disabilities: Kay Sansom Scholarship of $1000 specific to people studying in the developmental services field (see OADD website Awards Page).
• The Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada: Various scholarships available to all programs.

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