Diploma of Community Services

In the Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021), you will acquire essential skills and knowledge to effectively support individuals and communities.

Through core units, you'll learn to assess and address co-existing needs, develop and implement service programs, and manage crisis situations. You'll gain expertise in case management, understand the sociological impacts on community work, and learn to recognise and respond to domestic and family violence.

The course emphasises cultural competence, particularly in working with diverse populations and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety. You'll also delve into legal and ethical compliance, facilitate workplace debriefing, and maintain work health and safety.

Elective units will further enhance your abilities in advocacy, project management, mental health support, and addressing alcohol and drug issues. Overall, the course provides a comprehensive foundation for a rewarding career in community services.

In the Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021), you will gain knowledge and skills from the following core and elective units:

Core Units:

1. CHCCCS004 - Assess co-existing needs: Learn to assess clients with multiple needs and coordinate services.
2. CHCCCS007 - Develop and implement service programs: Create and manage programs that address community needs.
3. CHCCCS019 - Recognise and respond to crisis situations: Handle emergencies and provide immediate support.
4. CHCCSM013 - Facilitate and review case management: Oversee and evaluate case management processes.
5. CHCDEV005 - Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services: Understand how societal factors affect individuals and communities.
6. CHCDFV001 - Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence: Identify and address domestic and family violence issues.
7. CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people: Promote inclusivity and understand diverse cultures.
8. CHCDIV002 - Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety: Ensure culturally safe practices for Indigenous communities.
9. CHCLEG003 - Manage legal and ethical compliance: Understand legal requirements and ethical practices.
10. CHCMGT005 - Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes: Support colleagues through debriefing and emotional support.
11. CHCPRP003 - Reflect on and improve own professional practice: Focus on self-improvement and professional development.
12. HLTWHS003 - Maintain work health and safety: Ensure a safe working environment.

Elective Units:

1. CHCADV002 - Provide advocacy and representation services: Advocate for clients’ rights and interests.
2. CHCCOM003 - Develop workplace communication strategies: Enhance workplace communication.
3. BSBPMG430 - Undertake project work: Manage and complete projects effectively.
4. CHCDIS017 - Facilitate community participation and social inclusion: Promote community involvement and inclusion.
5. BSBTWK503 - Manage meetings: Organize and lead productive meetings.
6. CHCMHS001 - Work with people with mental health issues: Support clients with mental health needs.
7. CHCAOD004 - Assess needs of client with alcohol and other drugs issues: Address substance abuse issues.
8. CHCCCS003 - Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide: Implement strategies to prevent suicide.

Completing the Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021) opens up various rewarding career pathways, in a variety of settings, including non-profit organisations, government agencies, healthcare facilities, and community centres, offering diverse opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the community.

• Case Manager: Oversee and coordinate services for clients, ensuring their needs are met through tailored support plans.
• Community Development Officer: Work with communities to develop programs and initiatives that promote social cohesion and address local issues.
• Family Support Worker: Provide support and guidance to families, helping them navigate challenges and access necessary resources.
• Youth Worker: Assist young people in overcoming personal, social, and educational challenges, fostering their development and well-being.
• Domestic Violence Support Worker: Support individuals experiencing domestic violence, providing crisis intervention, advocacy, and long-term support.
• Mental Health Support Worker: Assist individuals with mental health issues, offering support, resources, and advocacy to improve their quality of life.
• Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Worker: Help clients address substance abuse issues through counselling, support programs, and harm reduction strategies.
• Community Services Coordinator: Manage and oversee community service programs, ensuring they meet the needs of the community and comply with regulations.
• Advocacy and Representation Worker: Represent and support clients' rights and interests, working to improve access to services and resources.
• Project Officer: Manage and implement community service projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

Age 

Minimum Age 18 Years old

Education & Experience

One of the following:

• Year 12 or equivalent
• Mature aged student with 2 years’ work experience
• Completion of a Certificate III or higher qualification

​​English

An upper-intermediate level of English is required.

Student Evidence 

Evidence of any of the below:

• Australian citizenship;
• Permanent Australian residency; or
• Temporary Australian residency with a valid visa, other than the student visa, to study and work in Australia.

Students will be required to provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) which is a reference number that creates an online record of a student’s training and qualifications attained in Australia.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test is required prior to enrolment where;

• the highest AQF qualification achieved is Certificate IV;
• student is mature aged  with no prior formal learning;
• student is new to workforce  (recent high school graduate)
• student is an International student (new enrolment)

LLN Test is not required where student provides evidence of completion of an AQF Diploma or higher qualification.

• CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management (100 hours)
• CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services (100 hours)
• HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety (duration of work placement)