CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Services
Duration | There are multiple durations. Please refer to Course Structure below. |
Location | Online |
Next intake | October, 2023 |
Study mode | Online, RPL/RCC/Credit |
Total units | 20 |

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 course is included in the Australian and Queensland Government’s Fee Free TAFE program.
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 accredited 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people, is the initial unit for students to enrol in. Students are advised to not enroll into any further units at this point in time.
If you have previously completed this unit, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
Credit transfer is when you have previously completed equivalent competencies or learning outcomes (via formal learning) in the same or similar field in which they are currently studying.
Core
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
HLTWHS003 | Maintain work health and safety |
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 |
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 |
---|---|
HLTWHS006 | Manage personal stressors in the work environment |
CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships |
CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills |
CHCCCS016 | Respond to client needs |
CHCPRT029 | Work within a practice framework |
CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues |
CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care |
CHCMHS008 | Promote and facilitate self advocacy |
Recognised Prior Leaning
Duration:RPL Only
Core
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
HLTWHS003 | Maintain work health and safety |
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 |
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 |
---|---|
CHCMHS008 | Promote and facilitate self advocacy |
HLTWHS006 | Manage personal stressors in the work environment |
CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships |
CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills |
CHCCCS016 | Respond to client needs |
CHCPRT029 | Work within a practice framework |
CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues |
CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care |
This course has no residential schools.
Vocational placement consists of 2 x 100 hours of vocational placement organised by CQUniversity. A vocational placement competency logbook must be signed off to confirm essential skills gained. If the student is employed in the community services sector, they may be eligible to complete the placement in their workplace.
To determine the students’ eligibility to complete the vocational component in their workplace or a placement arranged by the CQU Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team, a placement application form will be required to be completed by all students undertaking this course.
For vocational placement, students must undergo compulsory Mandatory Checks Requirements. This information will be provided to students after connecting with their teacher.
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
2023 Indicative Fees
Fee Type | Fees |
---|---|
Fee for service | $11,880 |
Fee for service per unit | $594 |
TAFE Priority Skills Fund/Training Program fee per unit | $5 |
Fee-Free TAFE | $0 |
Co-Contribution Fee | $8,320 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee | $7,260 |
Co-Contribution Fee per unit | $416 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee per unit | $363 |
2024 Indicative Fees
Fee Type | Fees |
---|---|
Fee for service | $11,880 |
Fee for service per unit | $594 |
TAFE Priority Skills Fund/Training Program fee per unit | $5 |
Fee-Free TAFE | $0 |
Co-Contribution Fee | $8,320 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee | $7,240 |
Co-Contribution Fee per unit | $416 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee per unit | $362 |
Please refer to the VET student fees price lists, eligibility criteria applies for subsidised funding. If you are unsure please call us on 13 27 86.
This is a Fee Free TAFE course thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments. Eligibility and conditions apply. Student must be an Existing Worker in the Community Services and Health industry, which includes parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants.
A VET Student Loan is currently not available for this course. Students can apply for a payment plan with CQUniversity, conditions apply.
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 a wide range of 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
Step 1: Get a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Visit usi.gov.au to create a USI or find an existing one.
Step 2: Prepare your eligibility documentation
So that we can assess your application and eligibility for Government funding options, you’ll need to upload documentation as part of your application. You will need to provide confirmation of identity with the following documentation:
- Queensland Residency and Date of Birth. (e.g. Queensland Driver’s License photo must be of the back and front of the license)
- Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency (e.g. Medicare Card or Birth Certificate)
For further information on eligible documentation, visit Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
To fast-track your application, make sure you provide a clear photo showing all the information and upload it with your application.
Step 3: Apply Online
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, call us on 13 27 86.
Click on the Apply button below to start your application.