CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Services
Overview
Ignite your passion for creating social change with our dynamic Diploma of Community Services. Dive deep into case management, leadership, and advocacy skills. Be equipped to drive positive transformation in diverse communities. Embrace your role as a catalyst for empowerment, inclusivity, and social justice.
This qualification reflects the role of community services workers involved in the delivery, management and coordination of person-centred services to individuals, groups, and communities. At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously within their scope of practice under broad directions from senior management. Workers support people to make change in their lives to improve personal and social wellbeing and may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers. They may also undertake case management and program coordination. To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 200 hours of work (2 x 100-hour blocks) as detailed in the assessment requirements of units of competency. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
This is a nationally recognised course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Study Experience
- Fast-Tracked Course
- Real Life Scenarios
- Placement Expectations
- Study Now, Pay Later
“What's great about studying the Diploma of Community Services with TAFE at CQU is the transparency and the support that CQU provide you the whole way through the course from start to finish and beyond.
Metesha Cox
Diploma of Community Services
Career Opportunities
Completion of the requirements for CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services may lead to further study options in Social Sciences including the Bachelor of Social Work. Career opportunities include work positions in the fields of Community Services, i.e., Mental Health, Child Protection, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Housing, Domestic Violence, Disability and Youth Services.
Structure & Availability
Standard Course Structure
Duration:This program can take up to 26 months to complete. Students may complete this course sooner if they have increased capacity to participate in their study. Students are encouraged to complete one unit per month.
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCLEG003 | Manage legal and ethical compliance |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
| CHCCCS004 | Assess co-existing needs |
| CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations |
| CHCDFV001 | Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence |
| HLTWHS003 | Maintain work health and safety |
| CHCCSM013 | Facilitate and review case management |
| CHCCCS007 | Develop and implement service programs |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
| CHCMGT005 | Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes |
| CHCDEV005 | Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships |
| CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills |
| HLTWHS006 | Manage personal stressors in the work environment |
| CHCCCS016 | Respond to client needs |
| CHCPRT029 | Work within a practice framework |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues |
| CHCMHS008 | Promote and facilitate self advocacy |
| CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care |
To learn more about the course structure for this course, please visit the handbook.
This course has no residential schools.
To complete this course, you will be required to complete an approved work placement of 2 x100 hours blocks. Students who are currently working in a relevant role may be eligible to undertake placement with their existing employer, subject to approval from the relevant Educational Team Leader and agreement from the employer. A vocational placement competency logbook must be signed off to confirm essential skills gained.
When you have completed at least 12 units, you will be required to complete a Placement Application Form. This form allows you to apply for approval to complete your placement within your workplace or alternatively, request to attend a CQUniversity-sourced placement.
CQUniversity’s Workforce Integrated Learning (WIL) team will aim to source a placement located within your community; however, circumstances may require you to relocate to complete the placement.
Mandatory placement checks are compulsory for this course and it is important that students ensure they can meet the requirements for these checks. Mandatory Check inquiries can be directed to WILCompliance@cqu.edu.au and further detailed information can be sourced by clicking on the following link: IMMUNISATIONS AND VACCINATIONS WIL DOCUMENT.
You may also be required to undertake a pre-placement interview with the host organisation and placement may be subject to you meeting the organisation's requirements.
Requirements
Students are required to complete the bksb (basic key skills builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course prior to commencing the Diploma of Community Services.
Mandatory placement checks are compulsory for this course, you will be required to get a Working with Children's Check relevant to your State and an Australian Federal Police Check. Please ensure you will meet the requirements for these checks. You may be required to undertake a pre-placement interview with host organisations and placement is subject to student meeting the requirements of the organisation.
Your vocational placement will entail 2 x 100 hours within a community services organisation and your placement will be undertaken towards the end of the course. If you are currently working within the community services industry you may be eligible to undertake your placement hours with your existing employer.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
This course is included in the Australian Government’s VET Student Loan (VSL) program, assisting eligible students pay tuition fees. Refer to the VET Student Loan webpage for more information, eligibility and census date calendar. A VET student loan gives rise to a VETSL debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
How to Apply
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Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
