Certificate IV in Community Services

Program Overview

This 15-unit program prepares students for careers in community services, such as community services worker, family support worker, and welfare worker. The program includes core units on client rights, communication, domestic violence, and ethics, as well as elective units on topics such as alcohol and drug use, crisis situations, and mental health. Students will learn through a mix of classroom delivery, online work, and project work.

Program Outline

Outline:

Course Structure:

• 15 units (7 core and 8 elective units)
• Standard classroom delivery for full-time students includes on-campus classes.
• Mix of delivery methods including face-to-face class time, online work, and project work.
• Assessment requires group work, actor simulation, role play, and written assignments.
• Students may be required to attend other campuses for events and other course engagements.

Core Units:

• Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
• Use communication to build relationships
• Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
• Work with diverse people
• Work legally and ethically
• Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
• Follow safe work practices for direct client care

Elective Units:

• Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
• Assess co-existing needs
• Recognise and respond to crisis situations
• Identify and report abuse
• Work within a community development framework
• Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
• Work with people with mental health issues
• Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

• Community services worker
• Family support worker
• Outreach officer
• Welfare worker
• Family violence worker

Further Education:

• Diploma of Community Services