Certificate III in Community Services
CHC32015
Certificate III in Community Services - CHC32015
Course Overview
Gain the ability to positively impact your local community through obtaining a Certificate III in Community Services.
This program equips students with practical entry-level skills to support and promote the social, psychological, welfare, and protection needs of the community.
As students progress through the curriculum, they will develop their communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills. Additionally, they will learn how to effectively advocate for their client's needs, interests, and rights, which will enable them to form caring and supportive relationships with individuals accessing services.
Students will gain an understanding of the specific support requirements of clients from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as those with mental health concerns.
This course is only delivered as part of GOTAFE’s VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS) program. Students interested in undertaking this course need to enrol through their school.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
This qualification prepares graduates for a variety of entry-level roles in the community services sector, such as:
- Community Services Worker
- Personal Care Assistant
- Domestic Assistant
- Home Helper
- Support Worker
Further study
After graduating, students might like to undertake further study including:
- CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services
- CHC43121 Certificate IV Disability
- CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
- CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
Course details
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 12 units: 5 core and 7 elective.
Core units
1 unit(s)
- CHCCCS016 Respond to client needs
Elective units
6 unit(s)
- CHCCCS009 Facilitate responsible behaviour
- CHCCDE003 Work within a community development framework
- CHCCDE004 Implement participation and engagement strategies
- CHCGRP001 Support group activities
- CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
Attendance & commitment
VDSS face-to-face delivery | 1-year course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend on campus one day per week (Wednesday 9am - 4pm).
- Spend approximately 8 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Short-answer questions
- Written assessments
- Projects
- Community engagement plans
- Reflective written pieces
- Portfolios
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Prospective VETDSS students are required to apply through your School's VET coordinator or Careers advisor.
GOTAFE only offers this qualification to VDSS students who have already completed the Certificate II of Community Services and have attained the following units of competency:
- CHCCOM001 - Provide first contact, CHCCOM005 - Communicate and work in health or community services.
- CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people.
- HLTWHS002 - Follow safe work practices for direct client care.
- HLTWHS006 - Manage personal stressors in the work environment.
Inherent requirements
- Students need psychological stamina to employ the empathy and resilience required for working with vulnerable people.
Technical requirements
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access.
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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