QUALIFICATION

Diploma of Community Services


National Code: CHC52021
TAFE SA Code: TP01398


Description

This course is for those with a Certificate IV or higher in a community service or health related field.
Build on existing professional skills and be positioned with the expertise and knowledge to take on leadership and case management roles.
Learn how to deliver person-centred services to individuals, groups, and communities, across multiple areas of the community services.
The course will use current techniques, to further develop technical skills via work-based through 200 hours of placement in a variety of community service agencies.
Students must be eligible for, and obtain a valid, South Australian working with children’s check for entry to this course.

Duration
Example Career Profile
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18 months 

Full Time

Counsellor and Community Worker

Locations & Applications

Campus / Location
Code
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled


Course Admission Requirements

If there are more applications for this course than places available, applicants will be ranked by date of application to this course.

Please Read Before Applying

Entry Recommendations
We recommend that applicants with no or limited knowledge or skills in community services study a Certificate IV in Community Services or related field before this course.

Attendance Requirements (subject to change)
This course is delivered through online study, independent learning one day a week, and two – three compulsory on-campus workshops a week. Workshops are usually from 9.30 to 4.00pm, and occasionally from 9.00 to 5.00pm.

Industry Conditions and Skills
You are encouraged to consider your personal wellness and capacity to interact with and be assessed on traumatic course content. You will need sound computer skills, ability to navigate online systems and high level written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Uniforms, Equipment and Costs
Working with Children check and a National Police check.

Vocational Placements
You will do a vocational placement of 200 hours in a local industry specific setting. You will need to have current vaccination and screening checks before starting your vocational placement.

Mandatory Requirements
You will need to have a current Working with Children Check. Some industry partners may also require a current National Police Check, COVID-19 and flu vaccinations that you may need to meet or show evidence of.

Average cost per semester
Total Fees for the 18 month course
Subsidised
$1,887
$5,662
Concession
$1,142
$3,427
You may be eligible for government subsidised training.
Subsidised training may require applicants to complete a Core Skills Profile Assessment (CSPA).

This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education is a joint initiative of the Australian and South Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retrain or upskill. The eligibility check below is an indication only and does not confirm your eligibility status. Eligibility verification will take place before the enrolment process and may include participation in a Language, Literacy and Numeracy pre-assessment. The number of Fee Free TAFE places that are funded is limited by the terms of the skills agreement signed by the Australian and South Australian Governments. Should all available Fee Free TAFE places be taken, subsequent applicants will be offered a subsidised place.

Fee Free Training Eligibility
Full Fee
$2,781
$8,344
  • Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

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    VET Student Loan

    This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.

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    Payment Plan

    If you have difficulty paying your fees upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

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  • Employment Outcomes

    Case coordinator, case manager, client service assessor, coordinator family support services, welfare worker, social welfare worker, early intervention coordinator, community worker.

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021)
    This qualification covers workplace communication strategies, service programs, impacts of sociological factors, diversity, legal and ethical requirements, debriefing and support processes, professional practice and workplace safety. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 12 core units and 8 elective units. To achieve this qualification, students must have completed at least 100 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings
  • Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services 100
    Assess co-existing needs 80
    Develop and implement service programs 100
    Facilitate and review case management 75
    Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes 120
    Maintain work health and safety 40
    Manage legal and ethical compliance 80
    Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety 25
    Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence 50
    Recognise and respond to crisis situations 45
    Reflect on and improve own professional practice 120
    Work with diverse people 40

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Coordinate complex case requirements 75
    Facilitate goal directed planning 90
    Identify and report children and young people at risk 40
    Implement case management practice 90
    Implement trauma informed care 80
    Provide case management supervision 120
    Work effectively in trauma informed care 40
    Work with people with mental health issues 80
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