Certificate IV in Community Services
CHC42015
Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42015
Course Overview
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to care for vulnerable and disadvantaged people in their community. Certificate IV in Community Services is the recognised qualification to become a Community Services Worker in a range of settings.
Students will learn to design and deliver person-centred community services to individuals and groups. Students will also learn how to provide support, advocacy, and intervention across a range of services. This course also provides students with access to industry speakers and visits, to help them become familiarised with the various community sectors in the region.
This course is currently available as part of the Free TAFE scheme but is subject to eligibility requirements and may change in the future.
Please note: the information on this page is relevant for 2023 enrolments.
Studying during COVID-19 Restrictions
During COVID‐19 lockdown periods, this course will have the majority of the training delivered using online methods of teaching and communication while students engage from home with their trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time later in the year.
Career Pathways
This course prepares students to work in the Community Services industry. Roles students may be qualified for include:
- Aboriginal Health Education Officer
- Community Support Worker
- Domestic Violence Worker
- Women's Health Educator
- Case Worker
- Early Intervention Homelessness Worker
- Community Legal Officer
- Family Support Worker
- Tenant Advice and Advocacy Worker
At this level, workers may be autonomous with limited responsibility within established parameters and may be required to supervise and lead other workers in projects or teams.
Working in this industry:
- may involve working in a range of community service, casework or case management contexts and may involve shift work and weekend work.
- requires the psychological stamina to employ the empathy and resilience needed for working with vulnerable people
It is a Community & Disability Services Industry/work requirement for staff to have the following:
- National Police Check for workers
- WWWC (Working with Children’s Check for workers)
- NDIS Credentials (NDIS Screening)
Further Study
After graduating, students might like to undertake further study in the CHC52015 Diploma in Community Services.
Course Dates & Times
Benalla - Samaria Road
Public - Blended - FT - Starts 13th Feb - 2 days (Mon-Tue) - 9.30am-4pm / 2023
Shepparton - Fryers Street
Blended - Starts on 14th July - Thur Class & Fri Virtual, 9.30am - 4.00pm / 2022
Public - Blended - FT - Starts 13th Feb - 2 days (Mon-Tue) - 9.30am-4pm / 2023
Shepparton - Nixon Street
ASHE - Blended - FT - Starts 13th Feb - 2 days (Tue-Wed) - 9.30am-4pm / 2023
Wangaratta - Docker Street
Public - Blended - FT - Starts 13th Feb - 2 days (Mon-Tue) - 9.30am-4pm / 2023
Detailed Fee Information
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2023 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
a) an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
b) an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
c) ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs - Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session, induction session, or during the pre-training review Interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Entry Requirements
Training package entry requirements
There are no training package entry requirements for this qualification
GOTAFE preferred entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants must:
- 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.
Technical requirements
Students will be required to have access to the following in order to complete this blended course:
- Laptop/computer with internet access.
Course Study Units
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Written answers
- Case studies
- Role plays
- Presentations
- Demonstrations
Students do not need to purchase any books to complete this course.
Course Co-ordinator
John Katsourakis
Attendance & Commitment
It is important that students commit to all course requirements, including study and assessments the student may need to complete outside their normal training sessions.
Students will need to commit to an average of 19 hours per week (classes, study, assessment).
For this course, students will:
- attend campus 1 day a week for a 6 hr class
- attend an online scheduled webinar 1 day a week for a 6 hr class
- be expected to engage in self-directed learning including research, learning activities and review of content via goLearn LMS. This self-directed learning supports the completion of assessment tasks, while further developing and consolidating knowledge and skills.
- work through their learning materials and on assessment tasks between classes.
- be provided with a study plan which outlines the sequencing of units and the course structure.
- supported by additional scheduled contact with trainers when required and provided with study and assessment support from the GOTAFE library and through Studiosity.
Placement:
Students undertaking Placement must ensure they have
- National Police Check for workers (not less than 6 months old at time of commencement of placement)
- WWWC (Working with Children’s Check for workers) with at least 1 year before expiry
- NDIS Credentials (NDIS Screening)
Educational Support Services
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.
Student Support
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life through 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.
Learner's Rights
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
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
Enrolment in general public entry courses will require a selection interview. Please call 1300 468 233 to enquire further.
Skills Recognition
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.
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