CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
CRICOS Code: 093550M
General: This qualification reflects the roles 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.
At this level, 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.
Entry requirements: Prospective students are required to complete the Pre-Training Interview form, to the satisfaction of ITHEA. You will also need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. ITHEA will accept the following minimum English language test score:
| English language test providers | Minimum test score | Minimum test score where combined with at least 10 weeks ELICOS | Minimum test score where combined with at least 20 weeks ELICOS |
| International English Language Testing System | 5.5 | 5 | 4.5 |
| *Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper based | 527 | 500 | 450 |
| TOEFL internet based test | 46 | 35 | 32 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English) | 162 | 154 | 147 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic | 42 | 36 | 30 |
| Occupational English Test | Pass** | N/A | N/A |
The test must have been taken no more than two years before you apply for your student visa.**The Occupational English Test includes a mark between A and E. An A or B is considered a pass.*The TOEFL paper based test will only be accepted from limited countries
ITHEA may also consider any English Language tests taken in Australia.
Vocational outcomes: Students can go into a range of employment options. Occupations may include Child Welfare Officer, Residential Carer (Child Protection), Social Housing Coordinator, Community Services Case Manager.
Job outlook: Please refer to the Australian Government Job Outlook site for job prospects for a Welfare Support Worker. 60,900 persons were employed as Welfare Support Workers in 2015. Job openings over the next 5 years are expected to be between 25,001 and 50,000.
Source: Department of Employment. For full details on Welfare Support Workers visit Job Outlook
Assessment: Assessment methods allow for the gathering of sufficient quality evidence about the student’s performance. Methods used include question and answer, class activities, observation, role plays, case studies and projects.
Practical placement requirements: To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 400 hours of work. This is a requirement of the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Students are required to undertake supervised practical placement in relevant community service delivery setting, involving, for example, direct client work or community education or development. Evidence provided by the supervisor will contribute to assessment of the candidate’s ability to work at this level. Students are required to find their own practical placement, however ITHEA will provide assistance and support where needed. Students must have a valid National Police Check and a Working with Children Check prior to attending placement.
Core Units
| Unit Code | Unit Descriptor | Nominal Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| CHCCCS007 | Develop and implement service programs | 100 |
| CHCCOM003 | Develop workplace communication strategies | 100 |
| CHCDEV002 | Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services | 100 |
| CHCDIV003 | Manage and promote diversity | 80 |
| CHCLEG003 | Manage legal and ethical compliance | 80 |
| CHCMGT005 | Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes | 120 |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice | 120 |
| HLTWHS004 | Manage work health and safety | 40 |
Selection of Elective Units (5 of the 8 units need to be completed)
| Unit Code | Unit Descriptor | Nominal Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| CHCCSM005 | Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management | 75 |
| CHCCSL001 | Establish and confirm the counselling relationship | 100 |
| CHCCDE011 | Implement community development strategies | 70 |
| CHCADV002 | Provide advocacy and representation services | 80 |
| CHCAOD004 | Assess needs of client with alcohol and other drugs issues | 135 |
| CHCCCS004 | Assess co-existing needs | 80 |
| CHCDIS010 | Provide person-centered services to people with disability with complex needs | 90 |
| CHCDEV001 | Confirm client developmental status | 60 |
How to Apply
Please make sure you have read all the course information about units of study, duration, entry requirements, assessment information, job prospects etc.
Steps
1. Download and complete the International Student Application Form.
2. Provide a certified copy of your English Language proficiency.
3. Provide a certified copy of your passport.
4. Provide certified copies of any academic transcripts.
5. Send your International Student Application Form with all supporting documents directly to ITHEA by mail or email (apply@ithea.edu.au) or through an authorised education agent. ITHEA administration team will process applications quickly. Applicants will then receive notification informing them of the result of their application.
Receiving a Letter of Offer and Enrolment Acceptance Agreement
Upon receipt of your completed application form and required relevant documents, ITHEA will ensure that all necessary entry requirements are met before issuing a Letter of Offer and an Enrolment Acceptance Agreement outlining the nominated course(s), duration of course(s), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), deposit required and instalment plan.
Please read and understand the Enrolment Acceptance Agreement before returning the complete signed document to ITHEA. We will also require your initial payment as indicated on the Enrolment Acceptance Agreement. Please ensure all payments are in Australian Dollars. When you have completed these steps, ITHEA will then send you a copy of the Confirmation of Enrolment(s) – eCoE(s)
Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
Take the copy of the Confirmation of Enrolment(s) – eCoE(s) to the Australian Consulate, Embassy, High Commission in your home country and apply for a student visa. If you are applying for your student visa directly, you can obtain information from the Department of Home Affairs www.homeaffairs.gov.au or your local Australian Diplomatic Mission. The Department will then commence procedures for the issue of your visa. As this can take some time, it is important that your application is submitted well before your course start date.
If you are considering a career in the community services sector you will want to give yourself the best possible start by studying a course that has been approved by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Our CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services has been granted Accredited Course Status by ACWA. Please see ACWA Currently Approved Courses – VIC.