Diploma of Community Services
CHC52021
Length
1.5 Years (full time)
1.5 Years (part time)
Study Mode
On Campus & Online
Diploma of Community Services - CHC52021
Course Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
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 following stream:
- Diploma of Community Services - Case Management
This course is currently available as part of the Free TAFE scheme but is subject to eligibility requirements and may change in the future.
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
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study at university level, with qualifications such as a 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
(2 commencing soon)
Open From: 21-Jul-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Various - On Campus, Online and Workplace
Case Management - Starts On: 24-Jul-2025 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 3.30pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 10-Jul-2025
Wangaratta - Tone Road
(1 commencing soon)
Case Management - Starts On: 24-Jul-2025 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 3.30pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 10-Jul-2025
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
8 unit(s)
- CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
- CHCCSM009 Facilitate goal directed planning
- CHCCSM010 Implement case management practice
- CHCCSM012 Coordinate complex case requirements
- CHCCSM016 Undertake advanced assessments
- CHCDEV006 Analyse information for service planning and delivery
- CHCMHS013 Implement trauma informed care
- CHCSOH013 Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Attendance & commitment
Workplace online delivery | 1.5 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend a 1 hour weekly webinar (zoom) class.
- Utilise 1 hour weekly drop in sessions as required.
- Attend monthly workshops on campus (approximately 12 in total).
- Spend approximately 5 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 4 times per year.
- Be employed in a for a minimum of 2 days per week for the duration of their enrolment.
- Complete 26 hours placement requirements in their workplace. This is included in normal employment hours.
- Complete 140 hours of practical placement as per placement detail below.
Placement details
- 260 hours of Placement is organised by the student, at their place of work. A work placement agreement is arranged between GOTAFE, student and the employer and signed upon enrolment. This outlines the requirements of the student’s placement requirements, which are conducted during normal working hours.
- 140 hours off additional hours is required outside of students employment to meet the ACWA accreditation requirements. Placement is organised by GOTAFE. A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student and the host provider and signed prior to the commencement of placement. Placement may involve shift work and hours will vary, depending on the placement host requirements. Students may need to travel throughout Victoria.
General public 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 6 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 per placement details below.
Placement details
- Placement is organised by GOTAFE.
- A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student and the host provider and signed prior to the commencement of placement.
- Practical placement consists of 400 hours, which meets the ACWA accreditation requirements.
- Placement occurs in two blocks of 200 hours full time.
- Placement may involve shift work and hours will vary, depending on the placement host requirements.
- Students may need to travel throughout Victoria.
- Additional placement hours are made up during the Christmas holidays or at the end of the course, if required.
- There is an opportunity for students to obtain recognition of prior learning (RPL) for up to 200 hours, based on previous work experience. Please discuss this with one of our friendly course advisors.
General public online delivery | 2 years course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend virtual class 2 evening per week (2 x 3 hours) attend a workshop on campus monthly.
- 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 details
- Placement is organised by GOTAFE.
- A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student and the host provider and signed prior to the commencement of placement.
- Practical placement consists of 400 hours, which meets the ACWA accreditation requirements.
- Placement occurs in two blocks of 200 hours full time.
- Placement may involve shift work and hours will vary, depending on the placement host requirements.
- Students may need to travel throughout Victoria.
- Additional placement hours are made up during the Christmas holidays or at the end of the course, if required.
- There is an opportunity for students to obtain recognition of prior learning (RPL) for up to 200 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 demonstrations
- Placement tasks
- Roleplays
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this 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.
Placement requirements
Students must be aged 18 years old before commencing placement.
Before being accepted into placement 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).
Inherent requirements
Students must have:
- Psychological stamina to do shift work
- Empathy and resilience for working with vulnerable clients
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access.
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationery (pens, pencils, rulers).
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 2025 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 - covers 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, 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
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.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
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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