CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
Get the skills you need to provide Community Services support.
If you want a rewarding career in the field of Community Services, this course is for you.
When you complete our Diploma of Community Services, you’ll have a nationally recognised qualification that is highly regarded by the industry.
Did you know that over 11,600 welfare support workers are needed to work in the industry by May 2022. That’s a 22.1% projected employment growth.
Source: Department of Employment, 2017 Occupation Projections.
ITHEA is committed to address this skills shortage and to provide the highest quality Community Services Diploma graduates to the industry.
We strive to deliver the highest quality programs focussing on the development of students’ skills within a supportive, vibrant and exciting learning environment. ITHEA trainers are chosen for their knowledge, commitment and dedication to their students.
The Diploma Of Community Services is a course that is designed to demonstrate best practice when we are dealing with some of the most vulnerable people in the community, which can include the elderly, people with disabilities, the homeless, people with drug and alcohol addictions, and people with mental health issues.
During the course you will be taught how to deliver person-centered approaches that will meet the individual needs of the clients, and how to evaluate and assess clients and the best ways to go about referring them to other organisations when needed. You will learn how to network with other organisations within the Community sector to work towards a holistic approach to bettering the lives of the clients in your care.
As a student in this course, you will be required to complete a theoretical component of the course that is taught in a supportive and conducive classroom environment, which allows for discussions among students and the classroom trainer who is able to share their experiences and knowledge from the industry.
The Diploma of Community Services will open up many doors once you have completed. The placement in this course is ACWA accredited which will give you job opportunities such as intake and assessments officer, counsellor (alcohol & drugs, family, grief etc), case worker / manager, child protection worker, community corrections worker, community development officer, crisis intervention worker, disability services officer, housing officer, juvenile, justice officer. multicultural support officer, parole officer, residential care co-coordinator, social worker and youth worker.
Our classes are conducted during the day. Study at our Melbourne city campus, with views overlooking the city skyline.
There are 16 units of competency to complete, with electives chosen to improve your employability skills in the sector. You will also need to complete at least 400 hours of practical placement during the course.
We have regular intakes so you can call the office on 03 9650 3900 to discuss the best option for you.
Entry requirements: Prospective students are required to complete a Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment and a Pre-Training Interview, administered by and to the satisfaction of ITHEA and be at least 18 years of age.
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
Delivery and assessment: This course is delivered in a classroom setting. Our aim is to provide the best learning environment to enable students to successfully complete the course within the 24-month period.
Lessons will include some homework and individual tasks, which will be carried out in the students’ own time, at home or in the classroom. Students will be able to use the Internet, in class, if they do not have access at home.
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 |
Elective Units
| 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 |
This Training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government Funding. Eligibility criteria apply. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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. You must attend a pre-training interview which includes a Language, Literacy and Numeracy test and complete the eligibility declaration form (in the case of students applying for Skills First Program Funding).
2. To complete the application process, click on the ‘Apply Now’ link. Complete the steps involved to submit your application online.
3. ITHEA will assess your application and make sure all entry requirements are met. An ITHEA representative will contact you if your application is unsuccessful.
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.