Gain 20 hours of volunteering experience in the industry. Show respect for diversity through communication and collaborate well with others. Respond calmly to people in need or distress and find your area of interest to pursue further study.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Establish interpersonal relationships
Identify issues impacting clients
Assess and prioritise urgency of conflicting needs
Use verbal and non-verbal communication strategies and problem-solving skills
Respond calmly in distressing circumstances
Complete workplace reports or documentation
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited Statement of Attainment
A pathway to further study in mental health, alcohol and other drugs, or community services
Credit toward a full qualification
Real world volunteering experience in a community service organisation
Confidence to provide support to people in complex situations
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A Working with Children Check (WWCC)
A National Police Check
National Disability Insurance Scheme Worker Check (NDISWC)
Vaccination and health screenings
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
A desire to support people with complex needs
Patience and a kind, helpful nature
Computer literacy
The ability to collaborate and work well with others
Confidence in your literacy to be able to take client notes
This qualification contains content which may have challenging and confronting material such as; poverty, bereavement, aggression, abuse and neglect, substance abuse and mental illness.
Please consider if this is the right time and industry for you to be studying and working in. Consider how you will seek support if you find these topics difficult.
Contact our Counselling and Career Development Services to help you make the right course decision.
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.
Our graduates go onto roles like: community service support worker with the Certificate III in Community Services, community service worker with the Certificate IV in Community Services, youth worker with the Certificate IV in Youth Work, alcohol and other drugs worker with the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, mental health peer worker with the Diploma in Mental Health Peer work and mental health worker with the Diploma in Mental Health.
To work in the community services industry you will often be required to complete a National Police Check, Working with Children Check (WWCC) and National Disability Insurance Scheme Worker Check (NDISWC), as well as the required vaccinations and health screenings.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Statement of Attainment in Introduction to Community Services does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
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.
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.
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