Diploma of Community Services

This course will enhance your existing knowledge in direct service work and client support so that you can make a genuine difference in people’s lives.

Students will gain the skills, knowledge and understanding to work in the community services sector with a Diploma of Community Services at Victoria University Polytechnic.

This course will enhance your existing knowledge in direct service work and client support so that you can make a genuine difference in people’s lives.

You will learn to develop and deliver programs and services that meet various needs of individuals and families.

We will train you to take a holistic approach by providing you with the knowledge to work with a diverse range of people, using a case management approach.

You will also learn other skills such as advocacy, counselling and group work.

As part of your studies, you will gain valuable practical experience through undertaking a fieldwork placement.

To be awarded CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services, a student must successfully complete a total of sixteen (16) units of competency, consisting of:

• eight (8) core units, and;
• eight (8) elective units, of which:
• six (6) units must be selected from the electives listed in the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services qualification, and;
• two (2) units may be selected from the electives listed in the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services qualification or any endorsed training package or accredited course – these units must be relevant to the work outcome.

All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

Core units

• CHCCCS007 - Develop and implement service programs
• CHCCOM003 - Develop workplace communication strategies
• 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

Elective units

• CHCADV005 - Provide systems advocacy services
• CHCCCS004 - Assess co-existing needs
• CHCCDE011 - Implement community development strategies
• CHCCSL003 - Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
• CHCCSM005 - Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
• CHCDEV001 - Confirm client developmental status
• CHCGRP002 - Plan and conduct group activities

Imported Electives

• CHCDFV003 - Promote community awareness of domestic and family violence

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the training package and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs. Students are required to attend a face to face group interview and pre-training review on campus.For employment and practical placement purposes, this vocational sector typically requires a current and satisfactory Police Record Check and Working with Children Check. Failure to provide the required documents in the timeframe specified by the Course Coordinator, means you will be unable to undertake practical placement in a workplace and therefore not eligible to progress in this course.The following are suggested sites you could visit to obtain these checks:- Police Record Check - http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274 - Working with Children Check - http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

Pathways to further study

On completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry into the following degree and in some cases receive credit for your study:

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Find out more about our study pathways to VU

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.

Note: The Statutory & Forensic Child, Youth & Family Welfare specialisation, must be achieved in order to meet the minimum education requirements for child protection and youth justice practice in Victoria. In addition, to meet the minimum education requirements for entry into child protection practice in Victoria, diploma qualifications must be approved by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), who mandate students must complete 400 hours of work placement.