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 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.
You'll gain skills in coordinating and delivering services to individuals, groups, and communities.
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
Career Pathways
This course prepares you to work in the Community Services industry. Roles you may be eligible for include:
- Family Support Worker
- Case Worker or Manager
- Pastoral Care Counsellor
- Community Services Worker
- Senior Youth Officer/Chaplain
- Early Intervention Worker
- Welfare Worker
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.
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.
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
3 days per week - 18 months - 1 x drop in day - Semester 1/2020
3 days per week - 18 months - 1 x drop in day - Semester 2/2020
Wangaratta - Docker Street
3 days per week - 18 months - 1 x drop in day - Semester 1/2020
3 days per week - 18 months - 1 x drop in day - Semester 2/2020
Fee Information
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Please note all fees and charges are correct at time of publication for 2020 and may change without notice.
Students will be invoiced for the components of the course that they are enrolled into for each year or semester.
Material fees cover costs associated with the following where applicable, and not limited to:
- Classroom activity consumables, handouts and booklets
- E-Learning resources and associated license access fees
- Excursions
Additionally some courses require students to purchase or supply text books, 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.
All students are required to pay an annual Student Services Fee (SSF) of $70.00. The Student Services Fee contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF does not apply to short course participants.
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:
- Attend an interview
- Undertake a Pre-training Review to document previous work experience and qualifications and assess suitability for the course
- Complete a Core Skills Profile for Adults (CSPA) test to ensure the required language, literacy and numeracy levels are met for the course
- Hold a current and successful Police Check
- Hold a current and successful 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
Assessment methods may include:
- Oral Presentations
- Workplace observation/demonstration
- Written tasks
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)
- To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 100 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.
Course Co-ordinator
Mary Katsoutas
Campus: Shepparton
Damien Stevens-Todd
Campus: Shepparton
Di Connors
Campus: Shepparton
Julie Rawson
Campus: Benalla/Wangaratta
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.
Students undertake a practical component which requires 400 practical placement hours within the workplace. This is completed over two blocks of 5 – 6 weeks full time (Mon – Fri). The hours are varied according to the needs of the placement host and may involve shift work.
Where to From Here
If you need any further clarification of the information provided please contact one of our client service officers on 1300 468 233 who can assist you or submit an enquiry through our website now and one of the team will be in touch.
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.
Student Support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you will be welcome to access a variety of non-academic support services from the Student Welfare Unit. These services are designed to best support you to successfully complete your course.
Services include on campus supports and remote supports
- Counselling
- employment information
- careers
- activities etc.
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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