Diploma of Community Services
CHC52021
Length
2 Years (full time)
Study Mode
On Campus & Online
Diploma of Community Services - CHC52021
Course Overview
This course embodies the responsibilities of community services professionals engaged in providing, overseeing, and harmonising personalised services for individuals, groups, and communities. At this level, students cultivate specialised proficiencies in the realm of community services, functioning independently within the bounds of their expertise while adhering to overarching directives from senior leadership.
Participants in this program learn to empower individuals in effecting positive transformations in their lives, enhancing both personal and societal welfare. Additionally, they gain insights into supervising fellow workers and volunteers, along with acquiring competencies in tasks such as case management and program coordination.
GOTAFE offers students the choice of TWO Elective Streams:
- Diploma of Community Services - Case Management (Stream A) OR
- Diploma of Community Services - Child Youth & Family Welfare (Stream C)
This qualification is accredited by the Australian Community Services Association (ACWA), which requires work placement of 400 hours over the course duration.
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Roles graduates may be eligible for include:
Case Management stream
- Family Support Worker
- Community Services/Welfare Worker
- Case Manager
- Service Coordinator
- Program Manager
- Disability Team Leader
- Early Intervention Worker.
Child Youth & Family Welfare stream
- Child Protection
- Family Services Coordinator
- Youth Housing Support
- Community Program Coordinator
Further study
Students wishing to continue with their studies in community services at the university level, such as the Bachelor of Community Services or a Masters in Social Work.
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Shepparton - Fryers Street
(10 commencing soon)
Stream C - Child, Youth & Family Welfare - Starts On: 18-Apr-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 18-Apr-2024
Stream A - Case Management - Starts On: 18-Apr-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 18-Apr-2024
Stream C - Child, Youth & Family Welfare - Starts On: 15-Jul-2024 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 01-Jul-2024
Stream A - Case Management - Starts On: 15-Jul-2024 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 01-Jul-2024
Stream C - Child, Youth & Family Welfare - Starts On: 18-Jul-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 04-Jul-2024
Stream A - Case Management - Starts On: 18-Jul-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 04-Jul-2024
Stream A - Case Management - Starts On: 10-Oct-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 26-Sep-2024
Stream C - Child, Youth & Family Welfare - Starts On: 10-Oct-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 26-Sep-2024
Stream A - Case Management - Starts On: 07-Oct-2024 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 23-Sep-2024
Stream C - Child, Youth & Family Welfare - Starts On: 07-Oct-2024 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 23-Sep-2024
Wangaratta - Tone Road
(10 commencing soon)
Stream C - Child, Youth & Family Welfare - Starts On: 18-Apr-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 18-Apr-2024
Stream A - Case Management - Starts On: 18-Apr-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 18-Apr-2024
Stream A - Case Management - Starts On: 18-Jul-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 04-Jul-2024
Stream C - Child, Youth & Family Welfare - Starts On: 18-Jul-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 04-Jul-2024
Stream A - Case Management - Starts On: 15-Jul-2024 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 01-Jul-2024
Stream C - Child, Youth & Family Welfare - Starts On: 15-Jul-2024 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 01-Jul-2024
Stream C - Child, Youth & Family Welfare - Starts On: 07-Oct-2024 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 26-Sep-2024
Stream A - Case Management - Starts On: 07-Oct-2024 - Full time - Monday & Tuesday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 26-Sep-2024
Stream C - Child, Youth & Family Welfare - Starts On: 10-Oct-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 26-Sep-2024
Stream A - Case Management - Starts On: 10-Oct-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.30am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 26-Sep-2024
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 20 units: 12 core and 8 elective.
Core units
12 unit(s)
- CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
- CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs
- CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management
- CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
- CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
- CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
- CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
- CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
- HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
Elective units
12 unit(s)
- CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
- CHCCSM009 Facilitate goal directed planning
- CHCCSM010 Implement case management practice
- CHCCSM012 Coordinate complex case requirements
- CHCCSM015 Undertake case management in a child protection framework
- CHCCSM016 Undertake advanced assessments
- CHCDEV006 Analyse information for service planning and delivery
- CHCMHS013 Implement trauma informed care
- CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk
- CHCPRT026 Support the rights and safety of children and young people
- CHCPRT027 Work collaboratively to maintain an environment safe for children and young people
- CHCSOH013 Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Attendance & commitment
General public Stream A online delivery | 2 years course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend virtual classes two evenings per week (Tuesday and Thursday 6-9pm).
- Spend approximately 12 hours per week working through their course materials research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Complete 400 hours of placement, as outlined in the placement details below.
General public Stream C blended delivery | 2 years course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend classes on campus one day and virtual class one day a week (2x 3 hours per day).
- Spend approximately 12 hours per week working through their course materials research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Complete 400 hours of placement, as outlined in the placement details below.
General public Stream A blended delivery | 2 years course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend classes on campus one day and virtual class one day a week (2 x 3 hours per day).
- Spend approximately 12 hours per week working through their course materials research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- Complete 400 hours of placement, as outlined in the placement details below.
Placement (for both Streams A and C)
- The placement consists of 400 hours, which aligns with the ACWA accreditation requirements.
- Placement occurs in two blocks, block one is 160 hours (over 5 weeks) and block 2 is 240 hours (over 7 weeks). Each placement may involve shift work and hours will vary, depending on the placement host's requirements.
- Additional placement hours are made up during the Christmas holidays or at the end of the course if required.
- Placement is organised by GOTAFE, and students may need to travel throughout Victoria.
- There is an opportunity for students to obtain recognition of prior learning (RPL) for up to 160 hours, based on previous work experience. Please discuss this with one of our friendly course advisors.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Case studies
- Simulated demonstration
- Written case scenarios
- Program development project
- Pre-placement tasks
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB)an online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training review interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Students must be able to produce a clear voluntary Working with Children Check and recent National Police Check, with no disclosable outcomes before commencing placement. If a student is unable to meet these placement requirements students will not be able to undertake placement or successfully complete the course.
Inherent requirements
Individuals will need psychological stamina to carry out:
- Work shifts
- Empathy and resilience required for working with vulnerable clients
Placement
Students must be aged 18 years old prior to commencing placement.
Before being accepted into placement the students must have:
- National Police Check with no disclosable outcomes (check not less than 6 months old at the time of commencement of placement).
- Working with Children Check - Volunteer (with at least 1 year before expiry).
- National Disability Insurance Scheme Credentials (NDIS Screening check).
If a student is unable to meet these placement requirements students will not be able to undertake placement or successfully complete the course.
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
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
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 2024 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
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.
Browse other courses
Certificate IV in Disability Support (CHC43121)
Learn the skills to provide training and support that empowers people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation, and wellbeing.
Disability Work - Behaviour Support (CHCSS00124)
This short course reflects the skill requirements for workers wanting to develop the ability to assist people with disability who display behaviours of concern.
Certificate IV in Community Services (CHC42021)
Embark on a fulfilling journey of caring, empowerment, and social change.