Diploma of Community Services
CHC52015
Diploma of Community Services CHC52015
Course Overview
The Diploma of Community Services is the recognised qualification to work in a number of roles in the Community Services industry.
Make a real difference in the community, working to improve people's lives. Learn from industry-qualified, experienced trainers, and undertake a work placement through our partnerships with local community services.
Students will gain skills in coordinating and delivering services to individuals, groups, and communities.
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme as well as the JobTrainer initiative, for eligible students.
Please note: the information on this page is relevant for 2022 enrolments.
Studying during COVID-19 Restrictions
We've had to make adjustments to how our courses are delivered due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19. This means that we're currently offering a combination of delivery modes including online and flexible learning and, where we can, on-campus classes with strict social distancing in place.
Career Pathways
This course prepares you to work in the Community Services industry. Roles students may be eligible for include:
- Community Development Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Case Worker or Manager
- Pastoral Care Counsellor
- Community Services Worker
- Youth Worker
- Early Intervention Worker
At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously under broad directions from senior management. Workers are usually providing direct support to individuals or groups of individuals.
Working in this industry:
- may involve supervision of other workers and volunteers and/or case management, program coordination or the development of new business opportunities and may involve shift and weekend work.
- usually requires a Working With Childrens Check and Police check.
Further Study
After graduating, you might like to undertake further study in Community Services at the university level, such as the Bachelor of Community Services or a Masters in Social Work at LaTrobe University.
Course Dates & Times
Shepparton - Fryers Street
Blended - Starts on 03/02/2022 - Thu & Fri - 9am to 4pm / 2022
Wangaratta - Docker Street
Blended - Starts on 03/02/2022 - Thu & Fri - 9am to 4pm / 2022
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 2022 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 3 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:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- 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 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.
- Hold a current and successful Police Check and Working with Children check
- As a pathway into this qualification GOTAFE requires applicants to have successful completion of CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services, or have relevant experience in the community services sector within the last 3 years.
Course Study Units
Assessment Methods
There are no tests or exams in this course, there are between 32-36 assessment tasks which may include:
- Role plays
- Portfolios
- Essays
- Oral Presentations
- Workplace observation/demonstration
- Written tasks
Assessments are due 2 weeks after unit/cluster concludes.
There are no books required to be purchased to complete this course.
Additional Information
This course is currently registered with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).
The Training Package states the following:
- The Statutory & forensic child, youth & family welfare specialisation must be achieved in order to meet the minimum education requirements for child protection and youth justice practice in Victoria. In addition, to meet the minimum education requirements for entry into child protection practice in Victoria, diploma qualifications must be approved by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)
Course Co-ordinator
Simon Cochaud
Attendance & Commitment
This course is delivered full time over an 18 month period. Students attend classes 2 days a week, with an additional support day with Trainer access provided.
There are remote/flexible study options available.
Placement:
Students undertake a practical component that requires 400 practical placement hours within the workplace. Completed over two blocks of 5 – 6 weeks full time (Mon – Fri), where the hours will vary according to the needs of the placement host and may involve shift work.
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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