Program Overview

Diploma of Community Services

Course Description

This qualification reflects the role of community services, case management, and social housing workers involved in the managing, co-ordinating and/or delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communities. 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. Workers may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers and/or case management, program coordination or the development of new business opportunities.

KEY INFORMATION

• Duration: 104 weeks including holidays and 400 hours of work placement
• AQF Level: 5
• Course Delivery: Face-to-Face

Areas of Study

• Community Services

Course Entry Requirements

International Students

• Students must be 18 years or above
• Have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent
• Complete a Pre-Enrolment Review prior to enrolment
• Complete an online language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment (on campus)
• Basic-intermediate level of computer skills
• Completed education level of year 12 or equivalent
• Proficient in English
• International Students require either an
  • IELTS level of 5.5 or above with no band under 5.0 or
  • TOEFL 46-49 (internet-based) or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) 42 or
  • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) score of 162 or
  • OET score of C for each test component

Domestic Students

• 18 years of age or older
• Satisfactorily completed Year 12 or equivalent
• Be able to read and comprehend course requirements
• Have an intermediate to advanced understanding of computers and the internet to assist with conducting research and complete assessments

Course Structure

This qualification consists of 16 units of competency that is made up of 8 core units and 8 elective units

All students enrolled in this qualification are required to undertake work placement. Work placement provides the student with the opportunity to put into practice the skills learned in the classroom. Work placement requirements will be discussed during Student Orientation.

AHSI will organise the work placement opportunities for students and where possible in organisations located close to their address. Should a student wish to change the work placement provider, they will need AHSI suitability approval and this can only take place after AHSI has assessed that organisation and signed a contract with the new provider.

Work placement requirements

• Hold a Working with Children Check
• Hold a National Criminal Police Check
• Are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy to respond appropriately to personal needs
• First Aid Course certificate
• Up to date immunisation including COVID19

Core units

• CHCCCS007 | Develop and implement service programs
• CHCCOM003 | Develop workplace communication strategies
• CHCDEV002 | Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services
• CHCDIV003 | Manage and promote diversity
• CHCLEG003 | Manage legal and ethical compliance
• CHCMGT005 | Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
• CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice
• HLTWHS004 | Manage work health and safety

Elective units

• CHCCSL001 | Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
• CHCCCS004 | Assess co-existing needs
• CHCCSM006 | Provide case management supervision
• CHCCSM005 | Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
• CHCCSM004 | Coordinate complex case requirements
• CHCDEV001 | Confirm client developmental status
• CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
• CHCCDE011 | Implement Community Development Strategies

Career opportunities

Possible career opportunities relevant to this qualification include:

• Community Development Officer
• Community Services Worker
• Case Coordinator/Worker/Manager
• Alcohol and another Drug Support Worker
• Youth Support Worker
• Program Coordinator/Manager
• Welfare Worker