Diploma of Community Services
Course Overview
This qualification reflects the role of community services workers involved in the delivery, management and coordination of person-centered services to individuals, groups, and communities.
At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously within their scope of practice under broad directions from senior management.
Workers support people to make change in their lives to improve personal and social wellbeing and may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers. They may also undertake case management and program coordination.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 200 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice
Course Structure
The Diploma of Community Services consists of 20 units of competency; 12 Core Units and 8 Elective Units.
Unit of Competency
Core Units - 12
- 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
- CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
- CHCDIS015 Develop and provide person-centered service responses
- CHCDIV003 Manage and promote diversity
- CHCCDE012 Work within organization and government structures to enable community development outcomes
- CHCCSM010 Implement case management practice
- CHCCSM012 Coordinate complex case requirements
- CHCCSM014 Provide case management supervision
- CHCDFV006 Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence
Entry Requirement
| Admission Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age to Apply | Students must be 18 years of age or older. |
| Academic Entry Requirements | Year 12 or equivalent of Australian HSC. |
| Language Requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS Score (Minimum) | IELTS score 5.5 overall (with no band less than 5.0) or equivalent Pearson Test of English (PTE) |
Career Opportunities
Graduates at this level will have broad knowledge and skills for paraprofessional/highly skilled work and/or further learning.
- Case Coordinator
- Case Management Supervisor
- Community Services Worker
- Program Coordinator
After successfully achieving the Diploma of Community Services candidates may undertake a relevant bachelor degree (or Post-graduate certificate in business with a university or higher education provider).