Certificate IV in Community Services

Do you have a passion for making a positive difference in your community? If so, the Certificate IV in Community Services is the perfect place to start. Whether you're looking to begin a rewarding career in the community or welfare sector or build on your existing skills, this qualification will provide you with the practical knowledge and confidence to support individuals, families and communities in need.
Successful graduates can pursue a variety of meaningful career opportunities, including roles in youth work, housing and homelessness services, emergency relief, advocacy, and community health. Throughout the course, you'll develop the skills to work independently within established guidelines, while also learning how to coordinate projects, support clients through case work and case management. If you're ready to build a career that creates lasting positive change, this qualification can open the door to a diverse and fulfilling future in community services.
Delivered on campus two days per week and one evening online (evening class will be assessment focused), this course will give you the skills to design and deliver person-centred services to individuals and/or groups, providing support, advocacy or interventions to individual clients, groups or communities across a range of services.
Entry into this course requires meeting certain minimum inherent requirements, which will be discussed during the pre-training review process.

Do you have a passion for making a positive difference in your community? If so, the Certificate IV in Community Services is the perfect place to start. Whether you're looking to begin a rewarding career in the community or welfare sector or build on your existing skills, this qualification will provide you with the practical knowledge and confidence to support individuals, families and communities in need.
Successful graduates can pursue a variety of meaningful career opportunities, including roles in
- residential care,
- youth work
- housing and homelessness services
- emergency relief
- advocacy
- community health.
Throughout the course, you will develop the skills to work independently within established guidelines, while also learning how to coordinate projects, support clients through case work and case management, and provide leadership and supervision to other workers when required. If you're ready to build a career that creates lasting positive change, this qualification can open the door to a diverse and fulfilling future in community services.

Watch below to find out more on studying with us

This is Susanne, one of our Community Services students

Did you know: The Victorian Government has now made Free TAFE courses even more accessible for new students enrolling for study in 2026. All Free TAFE courses at TAFE Gippsland are now available to people with higher-level qualifications and those who have completed a previous Free TAFE course and are looking to continue in their selected training pathway. Conditions and eligibility rules apply. Check out our Free TAFE information page for further details.

Case worker
Health education officer
Community services worker
Outreach officer
Community support worker
Support worker
Welfare support worker
Homelessness worker
Welfare worker
Family support worker

Diploma of Community Services
Diploma of Mental Health
Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Intake and assessment
Rapport building
Communication
Case note writing
Safe work practices
Group work
Referral
Team work
Self-management
Planning and organising
Working with at risk individuals and groups
Interventions
Working with diverse people
Family violence
AOD
Mental health
Life span development
Child Abuse
Homelessness
Disability
Crisis work
Legislation and compliance
Policies and procedures
Roles and responsibilities
Networking

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: Yes

Mandatory entry requirements:

Applicants must complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy test as well as a Pre-Training Review to determine whether they are suitable for this course.
Applicants then must undertake an interview and also meet the below requirements:
- Year 12 pass or be at least 18 years of age
- Clear Police check no more than 12 months old
- Working with Children Check
Possess basic computer skills, including the ability to use email, word processing software and online learning platforms.
Have effective written and verbal communication skills, as the course involves reports, case notes, presentations and group discussions.
Demonstrate an interest in supporting people from diverse backgrounds and a commitment to working ethically and respectfully within the community services sector.
Be prepared to participate in practical learning activities.
Online students must be able to attend online workshops so they can participate in simulated practical assessments

Recommended entry Requirements:

It is recommended that students have good digital literacy skills and be confident using the Microsoft Office suite.
Students are required to have access to suitable technology e.g laptop or another suitable device and the internet.

Limitations to course Entry:

Inherent requirements for Community services work:
- be able to manage physical and emotional demands of the role
- be able to participate safely in classroom activities, simulations and vocational demands, including working with people experiencing trauma, crisis, disability, mental health concerns or other complex circumstances
- maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
- be resilient and willing to work with people experiencing complex life challenges

• Working with children check
• Police check

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: No

Do you have a passion for making a positive difference in your community? If so, the Certificate IV in Community Services is the perfect place to start. Whether you're looking to begin a rewarding career in the community or welfare sector or build on your existing skills, this qualification will provide you with the practical knowledge and confidence to support individuals, families and communities in need.
Successful graduates can pursue a variety of meaningful career opportunities, including roles in youth work, housing and homelessness services, emergency relief, advocacy, and community health. Throughout the course, you'll develop the skills to work independently within established guidelines, while also learning how to coordinate projects, support clients through case work and case management. If you're ready to build a career that creates lasting positive change, this qualification can open the door to a diverse and fulfilling future in community services.
Delivered completely online, this course will give you the skills to design and deliver person-centred services to individuals and/or groups, providing support, advocacy or interventions to individual clients, groups or communities across a range of services.
Entry into this course requires meeting certain minimum inherent requirements, which will be discussed during the pre-training review process.

Do you have a passion for making a positive difference in your community? If so, the Certificate IV in Community Services is the perfect place to start. Whether you're looking to begin a rewarding career in the community or welfare sector or build on your existing skills, this qualification will provide you with the practical knowledge and confidence to support individuals, families and communities in need.
Successful graduates can pursue a variety of meaningful career opportunities, including roles in
- residential care,
- youth work
- housing and homelessness services
- emergency relief
- advocacy
- community health.
Throughout the course, you will develop the skills to work independently within established guidelines, while also learning how to coordinate projects, support clients through case work and case management, and provide leadership and supervision to other workers when required. If you're ready to build a career that creates lasting positive change, this qualification can open the door to a diverse and fulfilling future in community services.

Watch below to find out more on studying with us

This is Susanne, one of our Community Services students

Did you know: The Victorian Government has now made Free TAFE courses even more accessible for new students enrolling for study in 2026. All Free TAFE courses at TAFE Gippsland are now available to people with higher-level qualifications and those who have completed a previous Free TAFE course and are looking to continue in their selected training pathway. Conditions and eligibility rules apply. Check out our Free TAFE information page for further details.

Case worker
Health education officer
Community services worker
Outreach officer
Community support worker
Support worker
Welfare support worker
Homelessness worker
Welfare worker
Family support worker

Diploma of Community Services
Diploma of Mental Health
Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Intake and assessment
Rapport building
Communication
Case note writing
Safe work practices
Group work
Referral
Team work
Self-management
Planning and organising
Working with at risk individuals and groups
Interventions
Working with diverse people
Family violence
AOD
Mental health
Life span development
Child Abuse
Homelessness
Disability
Crisis work
Legislation and compliance
Policies and procedures
Roles and responsibilities
Networking

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: Yes

Mandatory entry requirements:

Applicants must complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy test as well as a Pre-Training Review to determine whether they are suitable for this course.
Applicants then must undertake an interview and also meet the below requirements:
- Year 12 pass or be at least 18 years of age
- Clear Police check no more than 12 months old
- Working with Children Check
Possess basic computer skills, including the ability to use email, word processing software and online learning platforms.
Have effective written and verbal communication skills, as the course involves reports, case notes, presentations and group discussions.
Demonstrate an interest in supporting people from diverse backgrounds and a commitment to working ethically and respectfully within the community services sector.
Be prepared to participate in practical learning activities.
Online students must be able to attend online workshops so they can participate in simulated practical assessments

Recommended entry Requirements:

It is recommended that students have good digital literacy skills and be confident using the Microsoft Office suite.
Students are required to have access to suitable technology e.g laptop or another suitable device and the internet.

Limitations to course Entry:

Inherent requirements for Community services work:
- be able to manage physical and emotional demands of the role
- be able to participate safely in classroom activities, simulations and vocational demands, including working with people experiencing trauma, crisis, disability, mental health concerns or other complex circumstances
- maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
- be resilient and willing to work with people experiencing complex life challenges

• Working with children check
• Police check

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: No

Do you have a passion for making a positive difference in your community? If so, the Certificate IV in Community Services is the perfect place to start. Whether you're looking to begin a rewarding career in the community or welfare sector or build on your existing skills, this qualification will provide you with the practical knowledge and confidence to support individuals, families and communities in need.
Successful graduates can pursue a variety of meaningful career opportunities, including roles in youth work, housing and homelessness services, emergency relief, advocacy, and community health. Throughout the course, you'll develop the skills to work independently within established guidelines, while also learning how to coordinate projects, support clients through case work and case management. If you're ready to build a career that creates lasting positive change, this qualification can open the door to a diverse and fulfilling future in community services.
Delivered on campus two days per week and one evening online (evening class will be assessment focused), this course will give you the skills to design and deliver person-centred services to individuals and/or groups, providing support, advocacy or interventions to individual clients, groups or communities across a range of services.
Entry into this course requires meeting certain minimum inherent requirements, which will be discussed during the pre-training review process.

Do you have a passion for making a positive difference in your community? If so, the Certificate IV in Community Services is the perfect place to start. Whether you're looking to begin a rewarding career in the community or welfare sector or build on your existing skills, this qualification will provide you with the practical knowledge and confidence to support individuals, families and communities in need.
Successful graduates can pursue a variety of meaningful career opportunities, including roles in
- residential care,
- youth work
- housing and homelessness services
- emergency relief
- advocacy
- community health.
Throughout the course, you will develop the skills to work independently within established guidelines, while also learning how to coordinate projects, support clients through case work and case management, and provide leadership and supervision to other workers when required. If you're ready to build a career that creates lasting positive change, this qualification can open the door to a diverse and fulfilling future in community services.

Watch below to find out more on studying with us

This is Susanne, one of our Community Services students

Did you know: The Victorian Government has now made Free TAFE courses even more accessible for new students enrolling for study in 2026. All Free TAFE courses at TAFE Gippsland are now available to people with higher-level qualifications and those who have completed a previous Free TAFE course and are looking to continue in their selected training pathway. Conditions and eligibility rules apply. Check out our Free TAFE information page for further details.

Case worker
Health education officer
Community services worker
Outreach officer
Community support worker
Support worker
Welfare support worker
Homelessness worker
Welfare worker
Family support worker

Diploma of Community Services
Diploma of Mental Health
Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Intake and assessment
Rapport building
Communication
Case note writing
Safe work practices
Group work
Referral
Team work
Self-management
Planning and organising
Working with at risk individuals and groups
Interventions
Working with diverse people
Family violence
AOD
Mental health
Life span development
Child Abuse
Homelessness
Disability
Crisis work
Legislation and compliance
Policies and procedures
Roles and responsibilities
Networking

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: Yes

Mandatory entry requirements:

Applicants must complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy test as well as a Pre-Training Review to determine whether they are suitable for this course.
Applicants then must undertake an interview and also meet the below requirements:
- Year 12 pass or be at least 18 years of age
- Clear Police check no more than 12 months old
- Working with Children Check
Possess basic computer skills, including the ability to use email, word processing software and online learning platforms.
Have effective written and verbal communication skills, as the course involves reports, case notes, presentations and group discussions.
Demonstrate an interest in supporting people from diverse backgrounds and a commitment to working ethically and respectfully within the community services sector.
Be prepared to participate in practical learning activities.
Online students must be able to attend online workshops so they can participate in simulated practical assessments

Recommended entry Requirements:

It is recommended that students have good digital literacy skills and be confident using the Microsoft Office suite.
Students are required to have access to suitable technology e.g laptop or another suitable device and the internet.

Limitations to course Entry:

Inherent requirements for Community services work:
- be able to manage physical and emotional demands of the role
- be able to participate safely in classroom activities, simulations and vocational demands, including working with people experiencing trauma, crisis, disability, mental health concerns or other complex circumstances
- maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
- be resilient and willing to work with people experiencing complex life challenges

• Working with children check
• Police check

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: No