Policies & Expectations
Program standards, professional conduct, and evaluation policies
Professional Conduct & Ethics
Professional Standards
As a community learning student, you're held to professional standards aligned with the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics and YTC program expectations. At YTC these standards are held alongside NIAB's wisdom-based responsibilities, the Declaration of the Elders and the Seven Sacred Teachings.
Core Standards Include:
- • Relational accountability to community, Elders and one another
- • Respect and dignity for all people
- • Confidentiality and privacy protection
- • Professional boundaries
- • Integrity and honesty
- • Competence and professional development
- • Non-discrimination and cultural respect
Expected Behaviors:
- • Reliable attendance and punctuality
- • Professional communication
- • Appropriate dress and demeanor
- • Adherence to agency policies
- • Collaboration with Community Learning Facilitators
- • Openness to feedback and learning
Suitability for Social Work
YTC assesses student suitability for social work practice at program entry and prior to Community Learning placement. This ensures students are prepared for the emotional, ethical, and professional demands of social work.
What We Assess
- • Emotional stability and resilience
- • Ability to work with diverse populations
- • Professional judgment and ethical reasoning
- • Interpersonal skills and self-awareness
- • Commitment to social work values
- • Any concerns that may affect practice
Confidentiality & Record Keeping
Client Confidentiality
All client information is strictly confidential. You must protect client privacy in all Community Learning settings.
- • Never discuss clients by name outside work
- • Secure all client records and documentation
- • Follow agency data protection policies
- • Seek Community Learning Facilitator approval before sharing information
Personal Reflection & Journals
Weekly reflection journals are a learning tool, not client records. Keep these secure and confidential.
- • Use anonymized client examples
- • Store journals securely
- • Share only with Community Learning Facilitator as needed
- • Destroy after Community Learning completion if appropriate
Evaluation & Feedback
Your Community Learning performance will be evaluated through ongoing feedback and formal assessments to support your learning and professional growth.
Ongoing Feedback
Regular guidance and feedback from your Community Learning Facilitator throughout the placement
Mid-Term Review
Formal assessment halfway through to discuss progress and adjust learning goals
Final Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment at completion covering all learning objectives and competencies
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
If you have relevant prior social work or field experience, you may be eligible for recognition that reduces required Community Learning hours.
Eligibility:
Prior Community Learning or field education experience in social work or related helping professions
Recognition Cap:
Up to 25% of required Community Learning hours may be eligible (up to 175 hours of 700 total)
Process:
Send a PLAR application through Student Forms
Questions About Policies?
Review the full policy documents or contact the Community Learning Coordinator for clarification
Contact Coordinator