Course Overview

About This Course

This qualification reflects the role of community services workers involved in the delivery, management and coordination of person-centred services to individuals, groups, and communities. At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously within their scope of practice under broad directions from senior management. Workers support people to make change in their lives to improve personal and social wellbeing and may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers. They may also undertake case management and program coordination. To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 200 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

234 Collins St, Level 7, MELBOURNE, VIC 3000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of commencement
Demonstrate the attainment of at least ACSF level 3 by successfully completing an Australian Year 11/12 certificate, or equivalent, or a qualification at AQF Level 3, or above
English Language: IELTS Test Score of 6.0 or equivalent (test results must be no more than 2 years old); IELTS Test score less than 6.0 needs to be packaged with the required amount of English ELICOS study
English Language Exemptions: Be an applicant who is a Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored student or a Secondary Exchange student (AASES); or have completed at least 5 years study in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland; or in the 2 years before applying, completed in Australia and in the English language, either the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or a substantial component of a course leading to a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while holding a student visa
OR have evidence of having successfully passed the specific Ruby Institute English Placement Test, or have evidence of having successfully completed General English at Advanced level
Vocational Placement Pre-requisite: Students are required to obtain a valid police check prior to the commencement of placement at student own cost; immunisations may also be required
Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment to demonstrate the required level of LLN skills prior to course commencement
Have their own computer with 5G Internet connectivity (a minimum reliable speed of 5Mbps is recommended) with Google Chrome Web Browser, latest Adobe Acrobat Reader, and latest Microsoft Office Suite installed
Attain an Overseas Student Health Cover as part of their visa requirements

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Community Care Manager, Community Access Coordinator, Care Team Leader, Disability Team Leader, Housing Manager

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

VRQA / ASQA

Professional Body

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission / NDIS Quality and Safeguards

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

TRA / VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units20 units

CHCCCS004

Assess co-existing needs

CHCCCS007

Develop and implement service programs

CHCCCS019

Recognise and respond to crisis situations

CHCCSM013

Facilitate and review case management

CHCDEV005

Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services

CHCDFV001

Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

CHCDIV002

Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

CHCLEG003

Manage legal and ethical compliance

CHCMGT005

Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes

CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

HLTWHS003

Maintain work health and safety

CHCPRT025

Identify and report children and young people at risk

Elective

CHCMHS011

Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing

Elective

CHCMGT003

Lead the work team

Elective

CHCMHS001

Work with people with mental health issues

Elective

CHCMHS005

Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues

Elective

CHCADV002

Provide advocacy and representation services

Elective

CHCCSL002

Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills

Elective

CHCCDE027

Implement community development strategies

Elective

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Diploma of Community Services take to complete?

The course runs for 104 weeks, including 24 weeks of scheduled breaks.

What are the English language requirements for this course?

Applicants must achieve an IELTS Test Score of 6.0 or equivalent (test results must be no more than 2 years old). An IELTS score less than 6.0 needs to be packaged with the required amount of English ELICOS study. Alternatively, applicants may be exempt if they are Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored students, have completed at least 5 years of study in English in specified countries, have recently completed relevant Australian study on a student visa, or have passed the Ruby Institute English Placement Test or completed General English at Advanced level.

How much does the Diploma of Community Services cost?

The tuition fee is $24,000 and the non-tuition fee is $2,250, bringing the estimated total course cost to $26,250.

Are there any vocational placement requirements for this course?

Yes. Students are required to complete at least 200 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. Prior to commencing placement, students must obtain a valid police check at their own cost. Immunisations may also be required, and this will be advised by the workplace before placement commencement.

What further study pathways are available after completing this diploma?

Graduates can progress to the CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management or pursue higher qualifications in community services management.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $58,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $80,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $80,000 to $95,000 per year

Career Paths

Community Support WorkerCase Manager / Case WorkerYouth WorkerDisability Support Worker / NDIS Support CoordinatorFamily Services Worker

Key Skills

Person-centred and strengths-based case managementClient needs assessment and support planningAdvocacy and community outreachCrisis intervention and risk assessmentEthical and professional decision-making

Full Course Overview

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Diploma of Community Services

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students