• On campus
  • Online

Course Overview

Code:
CHC52021
Course Type:
Accredited course
Mode of Delivery:
On campus
Enquiry Apply

Apply Online

Provide your details below and we'll get your application started.

Enquire Online

Provide your details below and we'll be in contact soon!

Intakes

Course Duration:
2 years
Commencing in:
  • 2025

2025 Intake

Intake Date Campus Attendance Days
12/02/2025 Traralgon Wednesday 9:00am-3:00pm, Friday 9:30am-12:30pm
13/02/2025 Warragul Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm, Friday 9:30am-12:30pm

About this course

If you have a passion for working with your community, then our Diploma of Community Services is for you.
You’ll learn specialist skills that will allow you to work in various roles across the community and social services sector with a focus on supporting, children, young people and families in a range of government funded, not-for-profit and charitable organisations.

Get the specialised skills you need to manage, coordinate and deliver person centred, strengths-based services to individuals, groups and communities. You will also develop skills to enable you to supervise other workers and volunteers.
At this level, you’ll provide direct support to individuals or groups of individuals and 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.
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).

Did you know: The Victorian Government has now made Free TAFE courses even more accessible for new students enrolling for study in 2023. 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.

Career Opportunities

Community Care Manager, Coordinator of Volunteer Work, Team Leader, Care Team Leader, Family Services Coordinator, Support Facilitator (Community Services), Community Housing Resources Worker, Community Development Worker for Social Housing, Community Recreation Coordinator, Housing Manager, Housing Assistant, Assistant Community Worker, Community Worker, Aboriginal Housing Worker, Community Services Coordinator, Case Coordinator (Disability), Youth Housing Support Worker, Family Support Worker, Community Access Coordinator, Pastoral Care Counsellor, Aboriginal Neighbourhood House Coordinator, Case Coordinator (Community Services), Welfare Support Worker, Senior Youth Worker, Disability Team Leader, Support Facilitator (Disability), Community Housing Worker, Community Work Coordinator, Early Intervention Worker, Community Program Coordinator, Pastoral Care Worker, Assistant Community Services Worker, Support Advisor

Opportunities for Further Study

120 credit points in the Bachelor Community and Human Services with Federation University. Guaranteed entry.
Students can apply for credit with other universities.

Skills or Knowledge gained

This course will develop your skills to manage, coordinate and deliver person centred, strengths based services to individuals, groups and communities. You will also develop skills to enable you to supervise other workers and volunteers.

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:
All Diploma Community Services Applicants
Mature aged- over 18 years of age
Must have clear Police Check and Working With Children Check.
Driving licence (P's minimum)
If required by the fieldwork placement host/school, students may need to provide evidence of NDIS Worker Screening Check and/or COVID-19 vaccination.
The course in Case Management can be offered as a traineeship please enquire to check eligibility requirements.

Recommended entry Requirements:

Reliable internet connectivity
Suitable technology e.g computer, video capabilities to participate in Online classes and simulated practical assessments
Suitable levels of digital literacy

Limitations to course Entry:

Current service user.

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: true

For the Statutory & Forensic Child, Youth & Family Welfare Specialisation Stream :
This qualification is ACWA (Australian Community Workers Association) accredited which means students receiving this qualification are eligible for membership into that organisation. It also allows for students who have completed to apply for positions in Child Protection under DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services)
For Case Management Stream :
Certified Practicing Case Manager with the Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand if the student has also practised for at least 12 months (1824 hours) in the last 3 years.

Qualifications and Recognition - 2025

Upon successful completion of this course students will be eligible to receive the Diploma of Community Services (Child, Youth and Family Welfare )

Work Placement - 2025

Does this course require placement?: Yes

Students are required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of placement over the duration of the course. Usually students complete 140-180 hours in their first year and 220-260 hours in the second year. Placements must be in approved locations. Both placements must be completed to graduate from the qualification.
Placement for students is organised by the placement coordinator and approved by the teaching team and or Program Manager.
Students can receive RPL for up to 180 hours of placement (current work/past work) but must still complete 220 hours of placement in another location for placement 2.
Second year placement must be undertaken in a child protective service such as:
Child Protection
Kinship or Home Based Care
Family Violence
Family Services
Student Welfare
This also ensures that the unit CHCPRT027 can successfully be assessed in the workplace.
Placement is arranged by: Institute
Placement sequence
Days of the week:
Dependent on student and organisation.
Time of the year (estimate):
Must not be in first semester.
Other requirements:
Placement 2 must be in a setting working with children, youth or families.

Placement to be arranged by: Institute

Course Overview

Code:
CHC52021
Course Type:
Accredited course
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Enquiry Apply

Apply Online

Provide your details below and we'll get your application started.

Enquire Online

Provide your details below and we'll be in contact soon!

Intakes

Course Duration:
2 years
Commencing in:
  • 2025

2025 Intake

Intake Date Campus Attendance Days
10/02/2025 Off campus Monday, Tuesday 9:00am-12:00pm, Wednesday 5:30pm-7:30pm

About this course

If it’s your passion to support children, young people and families in your community, then our Diploma of Community Services (Child, Youth and Family Welfare) is for you.
Designed for those currently working in community services or related work, this online course will give you real-world experience through a minimum of 400 hours of work placement, which must be completed to achieve the qualification.

Get the specialised skills you need to manage, coordinate and deliver person centred, strengths-based services to individuals, groups and communities. You will also develop skills to enable you to supervise other workers and volunteers.
At this level, you’ll provide direct support to individuals or groups of individuals and 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.
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).

Did you know: The Victorian Government has now made Free TAFE courses even more accessible for new students enrolling for study in 2023. 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.

Career Opportunities

Community Care Manager, Coordinator of Volunteer Work, Team Leader, Care Team Leader, Family Services Coordinator, Support Facilitator (Community Services), Community Housing Resources Worker, Community Development Worker for Social Housing, Community Recreation Coordinator, Housing Manager, Housing Assistant, Assistant Community Worker, Community Worker, Aboriginal Housing Worker, Community Services Coordinator, Case Coordinator (Disability), Youth Housing Support Worker, Family Support Worker, Community Access Coordinator, Pastoral Care Counsellor, Aboriginal Neighbourhood House Coordinator, Case Coordinator (Community Services), Welfare Support Worker, Senior Youth Worker, Disability Team Leader, Support Facilitator (Disability), Community Housing Worker, Community Work Coordinator, Early Intervention Worker, Community Program Coordinator, Pastoral Care Worker, Assistant Community Services Worker, Support Advisor

Opportunities for Further Study

120 credit points in the Bachelor Community and Human Services with Federation University. Guaranteed entry.
Students can apply for credit with other universities.

Skills or Knowledge gained

This course will develop your skills to manage, coordinate and deliver person centred, strengths based services to individuals, groups and communities. You will also develop skills to enable you to supervise other workers and volunteers.

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:
All Diploma Community Services Applicants
Mature aged- over 18 years of age
Must have clear Police Check and Working With Children Check.
Driving licence (P's minimum)
If required by the fieldwork placement host/school, students may need to provide evidence of NDIS Worker Screening Check and/or COVID-19 vaccination.
The course in Case Management can be offered as a traineeship please enquire to check eligibility requirements.

Recommended entry Requirements:

Reliable internet connectivity
Suitable technology e.g computer, video capabilities to participate in Online classes and simulated practical assessments
Suitable levels of digital literacy

Limitations to course Entry:

Current service user.

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: true

For the Statutory & Forensic Child, Youth & Family Welfare Specialisation Stream :
This qualification is ACWA (Australian Community Workers Association) accredited which means students receiving this qualification are eligible for membership into that organisation. It also allows for students who have completed to apply for positions in Child Protection under DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services)
For Case Management Stream :
Certified Practicing Case Manager with the Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand if the student has also practised for at least 12 months (1824 hours) in the last 3 years.

Qualifications and Recognition - 2025

Upon successful completion of this course students will be eligible to receive the Diploma of Community Services (Child, Youth and Family Welfare )

Work Placement - 2025

Does this course require placement?: Yes

Students are required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of placement over the duration of the course.
Usually students complete 140-180 hours in their first year and 220-260 hours in the second year.
Placements must be in approved locations.
Both placements must be completed to graduate from the qualification.
Placement for students is organised by the placement coordinator and approved by the teaching team and or Program Manager.
Students can receive RPL for up to 180 hours of placement (current work/past work) but must still complete 220 hours of placement in another location, program or service area for placement 2.
Second year placement must be undertaken in a child protective service such as:
Child Protection
Kinship or Home Based Care
Family Violence
Integrated Family Services
Student Welfare
This also ensures that the unit CHCPRT027 can successfully be assessed in the workplace.
Placement is arranged by: Institute
Placement sequence
Days of the week: Dependent on student and organisation availability.
Time of the year (estimate): Must not be in first semester.
Other requirements: Both placements require a commitment of 2 plus working days.
Placement 2 must be in a setting working with children, youth or families.

Placement to be arranged by: Institute

Further Information - 2025

Fees

Fees and charges Government subsidised concession Government subsidised Full-fee paying student
Maximum full course tuition fee* (GST exempt) $11,205.50 $21,183.00
Materials fee* (GST exempt) $0.00 $0.00
Total $11,205.50 $21,183.00
VET Student Loans

VET Student Loans are available to assist eligible students studying higher level vocational education and training (VET) qualifications to pay their tuition fees. Higher level VET qualifications are at those at a Diploma level and above. VET Student loans are capped at a maximum for each approved course of study and the amount of the loan cannot be greater than your remaining FEE-HELP balance. If eligible for a student loan, you can access up to $18,097.00 to help cover the tuition fees for this course. For more information about VET Student Loans and eligibility requirements, please click here.

Help with fees

Sample course units

CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management
CHCDEV004 Confirm developmental status
CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
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
CHCFAM010 Provide intervention support to families
CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
CHCMHS013 Implement trauma informed care
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk
CHCPRT027 Work collaboratively to maintain an environment safe for children and young people
CHCSOH013 Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
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.

Further Information - 2025

Fees

Fees and charges Government subsidised concession Government subsidised Full-fee paying student
Maximum full course tuition fee* (GST exempt) $11,205.50 $21,183.00
Materials fee* (GST exempt) $0.00 $0.00
Total $11,205.50 $21,183.00
VET Student Loans

VET Student Loans are available to assist eligible students studying higher level vocational education and training (VET) qualifications to pay their tuition fees. Higher level VET qualifications are at those at a Diploma level and above. VET Student loans are capped at a maximum for each approved course of study and the amount of the loan cannot be greater than your remaining FEE-HELP balance. If eligible for a student loan, you can access up to $18,097.00 to help cover the tuition fees for this course. For more information about VET Student Loans and eligibility requirements, please click here.

Help with fees

Sample course units

CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management
CHCDEV004 Confirm developmental status
CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
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
CHCFAM010 Provide intervention support to families
CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
CHCMHS013 Implement trauma informed care
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk
CHCPRT027 Work collaboratively to maintain an environment safe for children and young people
CHCSOH013 Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
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.