National code: CHC52015

Diploma of Community Services

Ask a question

Overview About this course

Support your community, help people during the difficult times in their lives, and develop the complex knowledge needed for a rewarding career in the community services industry. Build your leadership capabilities and prepare for roles in case work and management in this in-demand sector.

This course is superseded. You can still enrol in this course, and you will be contacted if you need to transition into the next version when it is available.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Develop workplace communication strategies

  • Manage and lead person-centred approaches

  • Manage programs in the community services sector

  • Reflect and lead professional practice

Course outcomes

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

  • A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level

  • A minimum of 100 hours work placement with a suitable industry employer

  • A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

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

  • Depending on where you choose to study, there may be additional campus specific entry requirements for this qualification.

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • A Working with Children Check (WWCC)

  • A National Police Check

  • Vaccination and health screenings

  • Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires

Entry recommendations

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

  • Basic computer skills

  • The ability to work independently and as a team

  • Patience and can relate easily to people

  • A desire to increase your leadership skills

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: case worker/manager, community services worker, domestic and family violence worker, youth worker, family support worker, family services coordinator and program coordinator.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 2 Courses

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

Further study 1 Course

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 Diploma of Community Services qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 16 units of competency , including 8 core and 8 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.

  • Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services CHCDEV002-UNGRADED

  • Manage work health and safety HLTWHS004

  • Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes CHCMGT005

  • Reflect on and improve own professional practice CHCPRP003

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

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • 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

Info sessions Want to know more?

There are a total of 1 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.

You can select a delivery option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Community and Youth Services

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.