Certificate IV in Community Services

Code: CHC42021
Mode of Delivery: On Campus
Course Type: Accredited course
Course Duration: 15 months
Intake Date Campus Attendance Days
04/02/2025 Warragul Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm
06/02/2025 Traralgon Thursday, Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
21/07/2025 Traralgon Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-3:00pm

About this course

Do you have a passion for working within your community? If the answer is yes then the Certificate IV in Community Services is for you. This course is the ideal qualification for anyone looking to start a career in the community/welfare sector. It allows you to work in areas such as:
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to apply for roles in:
- Residential care
- Youth work
- Housing and homelessness
- Emergency relief
- Advocacy
- Community health.
At this level, workers may be autonomous with limited responsibility within established parameters and may be required to supervise and lead other workers in projects or teams. Work may take place in a range of community service, case work or case management contexts.

Career Opportunities

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

Opportunities for Further Study

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

Skills or Knowledge gained

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

Entry Requirements

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 mature age
Clear Police and Working with Children Check
Full Drivers licence
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 lap top and internet.

Limitations to course Entry:

Suitability for the sector.

Minimum Industry Requirement

  • Working with children check
  • Police check

Licensing/Regulatory Requirements

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

Qualifications and Recognition - 2025

Upon successful completion of this course students will be eligible to receive the Certificate IV in Community Services.

Work Placement - 2025

Does this course require placement?: No

Placement to be arranged by: Institute

Fees

Fees and charges Government subsidised concession Government subsidised Full-fee paying student
Maximum full course tuition fee* (GST exempt) $1,339.20 $6,696.00 $13,671.00
Materials fee* (GST exempt) $150.00 $150.00 $150.00
Total $1,489.20 $6,846.00 $13,821.00

VET Student Loans

Not Applicable for this course

Sample course units

CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCDE019 Work within a community development framework
CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships
CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk
CHCSOH013 Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care

Assessment

The assessment for each course varies. It may include knowledge questions, practical skills tasks, projects, research work, on the job assessment, etc. Your assessor or educator will provide specific information on the requirements for your course.

You can expect that:

  • assessment methods are clear
  • assessment tasks are relevant and meet the requirements of your course
  • assessor or educator demonstrate fairness and lack of bias when assessing your work
  • educators will provide open and honest feedback about assessment tasks.