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CHC42021

Certificate IV in Community Services

Progress your career in the community services sector with this intermediate-level course that will qualify you to work in a diverse range of settings in community services.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Sunshine Coast Darling Downs and South West North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online Apprenticeships and traineeships
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 15 Apr 2024 Duration: up to 12 months View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE
$0
Concession
$2,610
Subsidised
$3,300
Full Fee
$6,465
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Get a head start on your career in community services with this intermediate-level course. This qualification will give you the practical skills and knowledge to work with a diverse range of people in community, residential and health care settings. It will also equip you with the foundation skills required to undertake further study in the field.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working in community and welfare support is expected to grow strongly over the next five years. This is a large occupation with strong job prospects with around 19,000 job openings anticipated over the next five years.

This course will qualify you to work within the community services sector, plan and conduct group activities, and work with people from diverse backgrounds. Our team of highly qualified, industry experienced teachers will equip you with the tools you need to succeed in the field, while connecting you with potential future employers.

Successful completion of this course will give you the skills to seek employment in a variety of community services settings, or in social housing.

What can I do?

  • Residential Care Worker
  • Community Health Worker
  • Relationship Educator
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Migrant Community Worker
  • Tenants Advisory Worker
  • Community Development Worker
  • Family Support Worker
  • Community Services Worker

Course outcome:

CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services

Strong industry connections

As part of your course, you will gain valuable experience in community services workplaces during Placement. Our strong partnerships mean you will learn the skills you need, while also getting to know potential future employers.

Fee-Free TAFE

The career of your dreams is within reach thanks to Fee-Free TAFE. Follow your passion with over 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from.  With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE. Learn more

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 8 elective units from the list below.  You will also be required to undertake 120 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCADV001
    Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCADV001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist clients to identify their rights, voice their needs and concerns and realise their interests, rights and needs.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Facilitate the interests and rights of clients

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCOM002
    Use communication to build relationships
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCOM002
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge to apply specific communication techniques to establish, build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders based on respect and trust.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Use communication to build relationships

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDFV001
    Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDFV001
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to identify and respond to the needs of clients who may be experiencing domestic and family violence, including responding to immediate intervention and support needs.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV001
    Work with diverse people
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work with diverse people

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCLEG001
    Work legally and ethically
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCLEG001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work legally and ethically

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPRP001
    Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPRP001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify networking and collaboration needs and develop formal and informal partnerships to enhance service delivery and improve professional practice.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS002
    Follow safe work practices for direct client care
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS002
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for a worker to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others in work environments that involve caring directly for clients. It has a focus on maintaining safety of the worker, the people being supported and other community members.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Follow safe work practices for direct client care

  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Springfield
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time - 1 day on campus & 1 virtual class per week
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
demo

Springfield

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    40%
  • On Campus Time
    60%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time - 1 day on campus & 1 virtual class per week

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Mooloolaba
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
9 months
Full time 2 days per week
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
demo

Mooloolaba

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

9 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2 days per week

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Toowoomba
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time - 1 day on campus & 1 virtual class per week
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
demo

Toowoomba

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    40%
  • On Campus Time
    60%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time - 1 day on campus & 1 virtual class per week

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

Yes

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • All of your study will be done online and you can work through your studies at your own pace. You can access your learning materials 24/7 through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online self-directed
15 Apr 2024
up to 12 months
Part time 1 day per week 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Thursday
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

15 Apr 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

up to 12 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Thursday

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Online self-directed
08 Jul 2024
up to 12 months
Part time 1 day per week 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Thursday
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

up to 12 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 1 day per week 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Thursday

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Online self-directed
28 Jan 2025
12 months
Full time 1 x 2 hr Zoom session per week 9 am - 11 am
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

12 months

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 1 x 2 hr Zoom session per week 9 am - 11 am

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,610
  • Subsidised: $3,300
  • Full fee: $6,465
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Self-paced

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Springfield
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Toowoomba
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE

    Workplace

  • DROP IN DAYS

    Drop in days

  • BLOCK TRAINING

    Block training

  • DAY RELEASE

    Day release

  • MOBILE VAN

    Mobile van

  • Online

    Online

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

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. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

In order to fulfill the compulsory placement requirement of this course, students must turn 18 years of age in the first semester of study.

 

Traineeship pathway
To study a traineeship program you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide necessary human and physical resources to qualify for a trainee.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Placement

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 120 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
This course requires you to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check to be eligible to attend the vocational placement assessment component of your studies.

Prior to Placement, you will need to receive and provide evidence of the following checks:

  • You must complete your online NDIS Worker Screening Clearance application at this link - NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU), and nominate TAFE Queensland as your employer. There is no cost to students. TAFE Queensland will verify each student.
  • Students must also complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Online Modules (4 modules/approximately 90 minutes in total). Upon completion, students will need to provide their Certificate of Completion to both TAFE Queensland and their placement provider.
  • If you work with children on Placement, you will also need a Blue Card Working with Children Check. This is called Blue Card in Queensland or you will need the equivalent if you are completing your Placement outside of Queensland.
  • Please note: you can apply for both the NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and Blue Card by completing a combined application via the NDIS Worker Screening portal NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU).

If your check identifies that you have a criminal history, 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 Placement Coordinator for further information.

Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application.  For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services.

Vaccination requirements 
COVID-19 vaccination requirements across a range of high-risk settings have eased. There are no Public Health Directions in affect requiring you to be vaccinated in high risk settings. However, decisions on mandatory vaccinations will be made by the owner or operator of these settings. Some facilities may also mandate the number of vaccinations required. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

Important information

Please be aware that this program is comprised of units that cover a range of sensitive topics which may include mental health, child protection, and alcohol and other drugs.

To be eligible for the Higher Level Skills subsidised price, you must:

  • be an existing worker in the Community Services Industry and Health Industry, (which includes parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants.) Evidence must be supplied prior to enrolment.
  • 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; and
  • 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).

To learn more about Fee-Free TAFE eligibility criteria please refer to the Fee-Free TAFE Information Page.

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.

Pathways

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

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

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. 

Course 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.

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. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more