Diploma of Community Services Work

Community Services promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and works to build stronger families and communities. Professionals in this field provide child protection services, parenting support and early intervention, foster care, adoption services and help for communities affected by disaster.

About this Qualification

The Diploma of Community Services Work is for individuals working in – or aspiring to work in – the Community Services Sector in service delivery, direct client work, community education or development projects. People at the Diploma level need to demonstrate advanced skills and may also have responsibility for the supervision of other staff and volunteers.

What you will Learn

This qualification will provide you with specialist communication skills and an understanding of intervention processes used in residential and community settings. You’ll also develop skills in Counseling, Program development, Planning and conducting group work, Providing advocacy
and representations services, Community development, OH&S Processes.

Your Career

This course provides you with the skills and knowledge to undertake job roles such as:
• Community services worker
• Case coordinator / manager
• Client service assessor
• Group facilitator / coordinator
• Community worker
• School Liaison Officer
• Coordinator family services
• Early intervention worker
• Family support worker
• Group facilitator / coordinator
• Pastoral care counsellor / manager
• Program coordinator / manager
• Senior youth officer / chaplain
• Social welfare worker

Units of Competency

The Diploma of Community Services Work requires 18 units of competency:

Core Units

CHCCD514A Implement community development strategies
CHCCM503C Develop, facilitate and monitor all aspects of case management
CHCCOM504A Develop, implement and promote effective workplace communication
CHCCS500A Conduct complex assessment and referral
CHCCSL501A Work within a structured counselling framework
CHCCW503A Work intensively with clients
CHCGROUP403D Plan and conduct group activities
CHCLD415A Confirm client developmental status
CHCLD514A Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services
CHCORG428A Reflect on and improve own professional practice
HLTOHS300A Contribute to OHS processes

Elective Units

CHCAD504A Provide advocacy and representation services
CHCCS502A Maintain legal and ethical work practices
CHCMH504D Provide a range of services to people with mental health issues
CHCDIS301A Work effectively with people with a disability
CHCPROM502B Implement health promotion and community intervention
CHCCO615A Develop and implement community development strategies
CHCCD402A Develop and provide community education projects

Duration

12 to 24 months

Cost

$375* (Training delivered across Victoria with Victorian State & Commonwealth Government funding. People with disabilities encouraged to apply for training)

Pre-requisites

To gain entry into CHC50608 Diploma of Community Services Work candidates must:
1. Be rocognised as competent against the following two units
CHCCS411A Work effectively in the community sector
HLTHIR403B Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
or
2. Have sufficient relevant experience and knowledge of community work and/ or community services to indicate likely
success at this level of qualification in a job role involving:
• The application of knowledge with depth in some areas and demonstration of a broad range of technical and other skills.
• A wide range of tasks and roles in a variety of contexts, with complexity in the range and choices of actions required and including work with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
• The exercise of discretionary judgement and decision making under general guidance

Pathways

Successful completion means you are eligible to enrol in an Advanced Diploma in Community Services Work.