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- Diploma of Community Services
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Overview
About this course
Support people experiencing hardship while building the skills for a rewarding career in community services. Develop leadership capability and prepare for roles in case work and management in this in-demand industry.
Study community services
Community services workers empower and support disadvantaged and vulnerable people to achieve their goals. They provide housing, mental health, disability, multicultural, financial, youth, and domestic and family violence support. Your experience and career goals help you choose the right pathway. Watch our video to learn more.
Complete our survey to find out if the Diploma of Community Services course is suitable for you.
Outcomes
What you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
build supportive relationships with people from all walks of life
prioritise client needs and goals
develop workplace communication strategies
lead person-centred interventions
manage services and make referrals work within a case management framework and lead others.
Course outcomes
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
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 at TAFE NSW or with one of our partner universities.
The knowledge and skills to work at management level in the community services sector.
Suitability
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
Depending on where you choose to study, there may be additional campus-specific entry requirements for this qualification. Check your specific location for details.
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
any additional evidence your work placement provider may require, such as a first aid certificate, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening clearance or vaccination and health screenings.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
experience working in the industry or previous study, such as Certificate IV Community Services or a related course
a goal to build your leadership skills in the community services sector
a passion for empowering others and providing the best possible support
emotional intelligence, empathy and the ability to support people experiencing hardship
an interest in working with people from all walks of life, including children.
Important information
This qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that may be distressing. Consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when participating in this qualification and in any future employment in this field.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
Find Your Fit
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Pathways
Future career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: case worker, case 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 study2 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study4 Courses
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
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 20 units of competency, including 12 core and 8 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units - 12
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.
Assess co-existing needsCHCCCS004
Develop and implement service programsCHCCCS007
Recognise and respond to crisis situationsCHCCCS019
Facilitate and review case managementCHCCSM017
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
Study options