At a glance
Take the next step in your career in community services with this advanced qualification. This course is perfect for people who want to work in the community sector.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Social Housing Coordinator
- Community Services Worker
- Welfare Worker
- Case Manager
- Family Support Worker
COURSE OUTCOME
CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
Course overview
Take the next step in your career in the community services sector with this advanced qualification. This course will give you the high-level skills needed for a role with a community organisation.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working in community and welfare support is expected to grow strongly in the coming years. This large occupation has strong job prospects with around 30,000 job openings anticipated over the next five years.
This course gives you high-level communication skills, and the ability to develop strategies to work with at-risk groups within the community. You will also gain valuable research skills and be taught how to work within legal and ethical frameworks. Our highly-experienced teaching staff will give you one-on-one guidance and the industry knowledge you need to succeed in the community sector.
Successful completion of this course will give you the confidence and skills to seek employment as a case manager or community services worker. It will also give you the knowledge required to pursue further study.
As part of your course, you get valuable experience in real workplaces. Our strong partnerships mean you will learn the skills you need, while also getting to know potential future employers.
Online students who select the virtual classroom delivery mode will have access to Sunkirsten town — a virtual campus designed specifically for community services students to participate in a range of simulated activities. The online platform provides a rich, holistic learning experience that complements your real-life vocational placement. Learn more
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 8 elective units from the list below.
North and Far North Queensland
You will also be required to undertake 100 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.
Greater Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Darling Downs and South West
You will also be required to undertake 200 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| North and Far North Queensland | ||
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCCCS004 |
Assess co-existing needs | |
| CHCCCS009 |
Facilitate responsible behaviour | |
| CHCCSM004 |
Coordinate complex case requirements | |
| CHCCSM005 |
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management | |
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCPRP001 |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
| Greater Brisbane (excluding Springfield) | ||
| CHCADV001 |
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | |
| CHCDEV001 |
Confirm client developmental status | |
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCDIV002 |
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | |
| CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCPRP001 |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
| CHCSOH001 |
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness | |
| Sunshine Coast | ||
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | Mixed Mode Only |
| CHCCCS004 |
Assess co-existing needs | |
| CHCCCS009 |
Facilitate responsible behaviour | |
| CHCCCS016 |
Respond to client needs | Classroom Only |
| CHCCSM005 |
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management | |
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCDIV002 |
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | |
| CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | Mixed Mode Only |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCYTH001 |
Engage respectfully with young people | Classroom Only |
| Gold Coast | ||
| CHCCCS016 |
Respond to client needs | |
| CHCCSM005 |
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management | |
| CHCDEV001 |
Confirm client developmental status | |
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCSOH001 |
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness | |
| CHCYTH001 |
Engage respectfully with young people | |
| Darling Downs and South West (including Springfield) | ||
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCDIV002 |
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | |
| CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCPRP001 |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
| CHCSOH001 |
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness | |
| CHCYTH001 |
Engage respectfully with young people | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes. Learn more
What you need to know about studying online
Intake
For most online courses study is structured into fixed intakes that have set durations of 12 weeks from the study commencement date. You will be able to access your learning materials from the first day of the study period. You must be enrolled to be able to access your learning materials. To ensure you can manage your study load, we recommend limiting your workload to no more than 2 units of competency per intake. In some circumstances, you may be required/able to complete 3 units per intake.
Other online courses such as nursing have different intakes, durations, and workload structures.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
The diversity of our campus locations means you can choose the study location that suits you. Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.
In addition to your scheduled class hours you will be expected to complete additional study in your own time.
The course cost indicated is for students on an international student visa. If you’re visiting Australia on a non-student visa (e.g. partner visa, working holiday, employer sponsor etc.) please contact us directly for the price applicable to you.
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways
Payment options
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Upfront payment
This is the total amount you need to pay when you enrol. This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Vet Student Loan - $15,793 cap
This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
International Student Payment
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Western Union Global Pay for Students. Western Union allows you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more
Important Information
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Selection criteria
Domestic Students
It is highly recommended that students are aged 18 or older by the course commencement date. A drivers licence and private vehicle are highly desirable, and will increase the likelihood of finding a range of placements.
International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International Students:
- English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International
- Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12.
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
Placement
Prior to placement you will need to receive and provide evidence of the following checks:
- Working with Children Check (Blue Card in Queensland)
- Australian Federal Police Check – carried out no longer than three (3) months prior to commencement of your course
Depending on where your placement is conducted, further checks may be required and your Vocational Placement Coordinator or Teacher can discuss this with you on an individual basis.
Need to know
To be eligible for the Higher Level Skills subsidised price, you must:
- be an existing worker in the Community Services and Health Industry, (which includes parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants.) Existing workers must provide a letter from their employer stating that they are an employee of the organisation or a current payslip that displays the ABN and Trading name.
- be aged 15 years or over, and no longer at school
- permanently reside in Queensland
- be an Australian citizen, permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen
- not hold or be currently enrolled in a Certificate IV or higher-level qualification (does not include qualifications completed at school or foundation skills training).
Previous experience and/or studies in the community services sector would be an advantage. It is essential to have sound computer skills in Microsoft Office (eg Word, PowerPoint) as assessments and reading materials are delivered electronically. Due to the sensitivity of course content (eg mental health, addictions, crisis help), it is highly recommended that students are aged 18 or older as well as having a mature outlook.
TAFE at Schools
Darling Downs and South West:
Students complete 6 units from CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services during one year. Successful completion will allow direct entry into CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services mainstream program in the year immediately following completion of year 12.
Content is delivered face-to-face, 1 day per week.
Assessment Methods
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
How to apply
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.
International students can either apply directly through our application portal Studylink, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways 