National code: CHC32015

Certificate III in Community Services

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Overview About this course

Prepare to become a community services worker in the fastest-growing sector in Australia. Learn to respond to client needs by providing quality care, empowering and facilitating their interests and advocating for their needs.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Form caring and supportive relationships with people accessing services

  • Manage conflict and respond to concerning behaviours

  • Provide individualised support and respond to client needs

  • Work with a diverse range of people

  • Work within work health and safety guidelines

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate III level

  • Gain experience in our simulated organisation, the Indigo Community Services and Health Hub

  • Hear from specialist guest speakers

  • A pathway to continue your study and a good foundation for a career in community services

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • The ability to use a computer and Microsoft Word

  • Basic literacy and communication skills

  • An enjoyment of working with people

  • Empathy, patience, and the capacity to empower others

  • The ability to work with people in difficult situations and circumstances

Important information

  • This qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that may be distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when participating in this qualification and in any future employment in this field.

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like:

Welfare Support Workers

Welfare Support Workers provide support, information and advice to clients on emotional, financial, recreational, health, housing and other social welfare matters, and evaluate and coordinate the services of welfare and community service agencies.

  • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

    67%

  • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

    17,800 workers

  • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

    43 years

  • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

    $1,320

  • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

    41 hours

  • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

    High

  • Gender share

    73% female

  • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

    Strong Growth

Other jobs include: community services support worker and community services worker.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 3 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 1 Course

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Community Services qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 units of competency, including 5 core and 7 speciality units.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Follow safe work practices for direct client care HLTWHS002

  • Respond to client needs CHCCCS016

  • Communicate and work in health or community services CHCCOM005

  • Manage personal stressors in the work environment HLTWHS006

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Delivery options Find a location to enrol

On campus, online and blended study environments; at TAFE NSW your learning works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites, compare courses and discover what works for you.