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. The sector is currently experiencing growth, with the government projecting up to 50,000 new job openings in 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.
TAFE Queensland's partnerships with Australia's top universities means you will be credited for your time with us if you decide to upgrade your qualification. Successful completion of your diploma means you will also be able to work while you study.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 8 elective units from the list below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| CHCCOM003 |
Develop workplace communication strategies | |
| CHCCCS007 |
Develop and implement service programs | |
| 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 | |
| North and Far North Queensland | ||
| VPC100 |
Vocational placement | |
| Greater Brisbane | ||
| VPC200 |
Vocational placement | |
| Sunshine Coast | ||
| VPC200 |
Vocational placement | |
| Gold Coast | ||
| VPC200 |
Vocational placement | |
| Darling Downs and South West | ||
| VPC200 |
Vocational placement | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| North and Far North Queensland | ||
| CHCCCS004 |
Assess co-existing needs | |
| CHCCCS009 |
Facilitate responsible behaviour | |
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCCSM004 |
Coordinate complex case requirements | |
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCPRP001 |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
| CHCCSM005 |
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management | |
| Greater Brisbane | ||
| CHCPOL002 |
Develop and implement policy | |
| CHCPOL003 |
Research and apply evidence to practice | |
| CHCPRT001 |
Identify and respond to children and young people at risk | |
| CHCDEV001 |
Confirm client developmental status | |
| CHCCSL001 |
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship | |
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCCSL002 |
Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills | |
| CHCCSM005 |
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management | |
| CHCDFV006 |
Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence | |
| CHCMHS007 |
Work effectively in trauma informed care | |
| CHCCDE011 |
Implement community development strategies | |
| CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
| CHCADV002 |
Provide advocacy and representation services | |
| Sunshine Coast | ||
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCDIV002 |
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCPRP001 |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
| CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
| CHCCCS009 |
Facilitate responsible behaviour | |
| CHCCCS016 |
Respond to client needs | |
| CHCCSM005 |
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management | |
| Gold Coast | ||
| CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCSOH001 |
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness | |
| CHCCSM005 |
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management | |
| CHCDEV001 |
Confirm client developmental status | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCCCS016 |
Respond to client needs | |
| CHCYTH001 |
Engage respectfully with young people | |
| Darling Downs and South West | ||
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCYTH001 |
Engage respectfully with young people | |
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCPRP001 |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
| CHCDIV002 |
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | |
| CHCSOH001 |
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness | |
| CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
| Other | ||
| CHCCCS003 |
Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide | |
| CHCDIS010 |
Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs | |
| CHCAOD004 |
Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues | |
| CHCDIS005 |
Develop and provide person-centred service responses | |
| CHCCCS024 |
Support individuals with autism spectrum disorder | |
| CHCDIS008 |
Facilitate community participation and social inclusion | |
| CHCCSM006 |
Provide case management supervision | |
| CHCSOH002 |
Manage and maintain tenancy agreements and services | |
| CHCSOH009 |
Develop quality systems in line with registration standards | |
| CPPDSM5022A |
Implement asset management plan | |
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.
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students studying full time should allow up to 16 hours per week of personal study time 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, and interact with your teacher using online video or web conferencing tools. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes.
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.
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
Applying for a course does not guarantee you a place in that course. Your place is only guaranteed once you enrol into units. Enrolling means that you are committing yourself to study, and to paying the associated fees. The tuition fees and applicable charges are required to be paid at enrolment or by scheduled instalment dates either by yourself, a nominated third party (e.g. your employer), or as identified within a contract for delivery of TAFE Queensland training.
Vet Student Loan - $10,150 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.
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.
Vocational placement
If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.
Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 200 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.
Please note: prior to placement you will need to complete a Criminal History Check (yellow card), apply for a Blue Card (working with children check) and a Personal History Screening Check (LCS Form – 2).
If your police check identifies that you have a criminal history or you are unable to apply for a blue card, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Vocational Placement Coordinator for further information.
You will be responsible for any costs associated with meeting these placement requirements.
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. 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.
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.
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