Many professionals in the social services sector step into leadership roles with little — or no — formal training in management. This certificate is designed to bridge that gap by equipping current and aspiring leaders with the essential knowledge and skills needed to be an effective, strategic leader in any organization.
Through two required Professional Development courses and a selection of focused electives, participants will build competencies in leadership, team development and strategic planning. The program emphasizes continuous learning, adaptability and creative problem-solving—key strengths for leaders navigating today's complex social service environments.
Required Courses
- Fundamentals of Management
- Human Resource (HR) Management
Electives (choose five of the following)
- Change Management: What it Is and How to Use it In Your Projects and Operations
- Community Consultation and Needs Assessment
- Introduction to Clinical Supervision
- Leadership Coaching: Guiding Conversations Towards Transformation
- Managing Conflict with Confidence and Compassion
- Program Evaluation
- Project Management
- Resource Development
- Team Development: Awareness and Tactics
- Trauma-Informed Leadership: Transforming Your Agency into a Trauma-Informed Sanctuary of Care
You do not have to be working toward the Management and Leadership certificate to take any of these courses. You can complete this certificate in as little as one year or take up to seven years.
Participation and Attendance
Full attendance and participation are required to complete these courses. Participants are requested, as much as possible, to have their cameras on. We know there are situations where this is not possible, so please send a message to your instructor or the Professional Development host to let them know that you are unable to turn on your camera. Our courses are interactive and include breakout rooms, role play, group discussions and other activities. Participation is required.
Four + Discount
Register for four or more courses at once to apply a 10% discount in your cart on the cost of each course. You must register and pay for all courses at the same time; discount is not cumulative or retroactive. If discount is not being applied at time of registration, contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca for assistance. Discount cannot be applied after registration is complete.
Delivery Options
The Management and Leadership certificate courses are available remotely through Zoom.
Registration
No application is required. To register, select a course from the menu of the right, then a course section to view the dates and cost or to add the course to your cart. Complete your registration with payment.
Contact Information
For more information about this certificate contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-5128
See our website and Frequently Asked Questions for more information.