Diploma of Community Services

Course Code

CHC52021

Duration

1.5 Years - 2 years

About the Qualification

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.

Note that the child, youth & family welfare specialisation must be achieved in order to meet the minimum education requirements for child protection and youth justice practice in Victoria. In addition, to meet the minimum education requirements for entry into child protection practice in Victoria, diploma qualifications must be approved by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)

To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 200 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.


Prerequisites

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

However, a pre-enrolment process to establish suitability to undertake the course and to determine support requirements will be conducted, which will include a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment.

This course is offered to clients who:

  • Candidates who are working in the industry and want to update their knowledge and skills and gain a formal qualification.
  • Candidates who are working in the industry and have the part qualification and wish to gain the full qualification.

Characteristics: A higher percentage of candidates being in the age ranges of 20 to 50-year-old. Predominately students will be fluent in the English language

Motivation: Key motivations are the desire to achieve recognized qualifications in the community services industry


Course Duration

Course Duration - 1.5 Years - 2 years

Typically this training course requires between 1.5 years to 2 year(s) to complete, determined by your own special circumstances and also the mode of study which you select. For example, if you were to do this program online and routinely allocate time and energy to complete the activities and assignments every week you may finish the course well ahead of the time.


Qualification Level

Diploma

Career Opportunities

  • Case Coordinator
  • Case Worker or Manager
  • Client Service Assessor
  • Community Services Worker
  • Community Worker
  • Coordinator
  • Coordinator Family Services
  • Family Support Worker
  • Group Facilitator/Coordinator
  • Program Coordinator or Manager
  • Social Welfare Worker
  • Welfare Worker

Study Mode

  • Work-based

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are available but not limited to the ones listed below and can be used to assess a unit of competency, these could include:

1. Questioning Checklist- Theory/Questioning Assessments are delivered in the form of short questions and answers and/or Multiple choice, these are to be completed by the Student.

2. Projects- These are issued to the student on completion of the training session. The Student may be asked to gather a Portfolio of documents or evidence from the workplace; or, research a topic or area of study prior to the Assessment visit. If the task asked the student to demonstrate to the Assessor a topic or area of study, this will be conducted during the assessment session.

3. Practical Demonstrations- These are to be conducted by the Trainer/Assessor through observing when the student completes the required tasks consistently and continuously in the various workplace relevant situations.

4. Workplace Supervisor Report- This report is to be completed by the workplace supervisor, its purpose is to verify that the Student can demonstrate a particular skill or applies relevant knowledge consistently and continuously in various situations. This is used as supplementary evidence.


Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition is available (on application) to students with prior skills, experience, knowledge or qualifications obtained from formal studies or training, in a related area. Recognition may reduce the duration of your studies.

RPL is available for each Unit of Competency-based on relevant workplace experience, formal training, or other expertise.

RPL is conducted through assessment only pathway

To apply for RPL, please contact info@auschs.edu.au to gain further information.


Simulated Work Environment

If a simulated work environment is required, it will be achieved by using suitable facilities, equipment and resources including individualised plans and equipment outlined in the plan, modelling of industry operating conditions, including presence of problem-solving activities and organisational policies, procedures and protocols.


Work Placement

To be assessed as competent in this qualification you must also complete 200 hours of supervised work placement in a relevant community service setting e.g. direct client work or community education or development. Work placement is attached to the two following units – CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management and CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services. It is your responsibility to locate placement however the College will assist where possible.

Depending on where you undertake your placement you may also need to undergo a police check including working with children check.

The successful completion of work placement hours as advised in the assessment conditions of the units is required to complete this course. A Statement of Attainment will be issued for the completed units for the units completed which don’t require a work placement. (Please refer to training.gov.au to review assessment conditions of the units or ask your Trainer)

The opportunity of work placement provides the student with the opportunity to gain real work experience in their chosen industry, to gain access to a potential future employer, and for the host employer to support the student and ‘test ‘a student as a potential employee.

Work placement job roles, tasks to be undertaken by a student are included in the relevant specialisation Vocational Placement Skills Workbook.

It’s the student’s responsibility to find a suitable work placement for the course.

The successful completion of work placement hours as advised in the assessment conditions of the units is required to complete this course. A Statement of Attainment will be issued for the completed units for the units completed which don’t require a work placement. (Please refer to training.gov.au to review assessment conditions of the units or ask your Trainer)

As part of this course, there is a minimum of 200 hours of mandatory work placement required to achieve this course. Students will be supervised and guided by experienced professionals who work at the facility. Trainers / Assessors will visit the workplace.

Where a student fails to attend the arranged practical placement, they will be required to organise their own placement. Students will have 6 months duration to achieve the location and completion of their practical placement.

Students may be required to travel up to one hour from their home address to attend practical placement.

We expect the employed students to be able to use their own workplace for workplace evidence;

Satisfactory completion of at least 200 hours of work placement is mandatory for the successful completion of the course. AUSCHS is equipped with the necessary resources to complete the required training and/or assessment.

Work placements involve the appropriate supervision and guidance from individuals in the workplace and Trainers and Assessors from AUSCHS. Insourcing an appropriate workplace, attention is paid to the availability of opportunities for the learner to observe, develop and practice required skills; and the availability of appropriately qualified workplace supervisors.

Evidence of work placement is collected as part of the performance evidence in the units in which the requirement appears. Evidence may include timesheets, log books, meeting minutes or other forms of workplace documentation.

The Vocational (work) Placement Skills workbook relevant to the specialisation has to be completed thoroughly in order to successfully complete the course.

The Vocational (work) Placement Skills workbook has a checklist at the back to ensure you have successfully completed all the required tasks

Details for a Candidates work placement are specified in the Work Placement Agreement.

The students will be given Pre-Vocational placement induction informing them of the complete process including giving them Student Vocational Placement Information, Agreement between all parties, Supervisor Vocational Placement Information, Vocational Placement pack etc. This will complete the process of providing key information to the students and all concerned parties.

Work Placement Requirements

1.National Criminal Record Check

Before you undertake a Vocational work placement in you will be required to undertake a Criminal Record Check (CRC) to obtain a National Police Certificate, either through a state or territory police service or through the Australian Federal Police.

2. Working with children check -Volunteer/Student Declaration

Before commencing work placement, it is advisable that you gain a Working with Children Check. You will be required to sign and provide a NSW Commission for Children and Young People Volunteer/Student Declaration. This form declares that you are not prohibited from working with children and young people.

For more information visit the  NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian 

https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/working-children-check.

To work in the disability sector, particularly within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you’ll need an NDIS Worker Screening Check (NDISWC) in NSW, which is a national requirement for certain roles. How to apply: You can apply for an NDISWC through Service NSW.

3. Student responsibilities in the work placement

To help you understand your responsibilities in the workplace, you will be given a Student Vocational Placement Information Pack which indicates expected standards of behaviour. Your trainer will explain to you and your workplace supervisor the range of duties for which you have the skills and knowledge. You must not carry out duties other than those indicated by your trainer. Students who have committed a breach of discipline or who are assessed as presenting a significant risk to themselves or others during work placement may be prevented from undertaking or continuing work placement. This may mean they will not complete the course. If you require any further information talk to your trainer.

You need to take particular care if workplace clients are people who may be in vulnerable circumstances – for example, people who are frail, children, young people, people with a disability or people who are receiving a type of service which may put them in vulnerable circumstances.

4. Student readiness for work placement

Generally, work placements will only occur after there has been a reasonable amount of student/trainer contact. Wherever possible, an assessment event will be undertaken by students to determine work placement readiness. Based on the evidence provided, the trainer will form a judgement as to the student’s readiness to benefit from workplace learning and perform workplace duties with:

· the required level of expertise
· due regard to ethical conduct
· avoidance of behaviour posing an unacceptable level of risk to themselves, workplace employer/employees or clients/customers, including those in vulnerable circumstances.

To determine work readiness, you will be required to read the Business Council of Australia, being work ready guide -A guide to what employers want and watch the complimentary videos

http://www.bca.com.au/publications/being-work-ready-a-guide-to-what-empl…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMEvtv4sgHQ

In addition to this you will need to read the AUSCHS work place code of conduct in which you will be required to sign a form stating that you have read and understood it

5. NSW Health Code of Conduct

If you undertake work placement in a NSW Health facility, you will be given the NSW Health Code of Conduct and be required to sign a form stating that you have read and understood it.
For more information visit the NSW Health website at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au

AUSCHS has a responsibility to protect members of the public (and the students themselves) from being harmed by students taking part in a workplace or simulated workplace learning. If there is evidence that your skills or behaviour could present a risk to yourself or other people in the workplace, you may not be allowed to participate in a work placement, at least for a period of time.


Education and Support Services

In accordance with the requirements of Standards for RTOs 2015, the following support is available to learners:

Language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) advice. The ACSF informs the identification and description of underpinning English language, literacy and numeracy features and requirements within competency standards. LLN requirements of participants will be assessed using LLN assessment form completed upon enrolment. LLN needs of Learners will be taken into consideration in the delivery and assessment of this qualification.

The following processes will be applied for students

  • Learning and assessment materials are written in plain English.
  • Delivery modes are negotiated to meet the needs of a diverse range of learners.
  • Entry to courses is in accordance with equal opportunity legislation, anti-discrimination legislation.

Support strategies include:

  • Identifying requirements (such as literacy, numeracy, English language or physical capabilities) learners would need to complete each course and if necessary, referring them to specialist services prior to enrolling in the course.
  • Developing strategies to make support available where gaps are identified.
  • Assistive technology
  • Additional tutorials

Reasonable Adjustment

Reasonable adjustment is the process of adjusting our intended methods of learning and assessment to accommodate the unique requirements of our clients yet remaining within the constraints of the training package whilst still applying the principles of assessment.

The following processes will be applied for students

  • Learning and assessment materials are written in plain English.
  • Delivery methods are negotiated to meet the needs of a diverse range of learners.
  • Entry to courses is in accordance with equal opportunity legislation, anti-discrimination legislation.

Reasonable Adjustment is a key strategy in achieving this outcome. Adjustments are made to the learning environment to ensure equal opportunity without imposing unjustifiable hardship on the Australian College of Higher Studies or compromising the integrity of the Qualification Standards.

Reasonable Adjustment should be catered for without compromising assessment conditions. For example, the Trainer/Assessor should withdraw from assessment to protect privacy, confidentiality and potentially company security concerns. In this instance, Reasonable Adjustment needs to be applied i.e. using a different form of Assessment or a simulated environment.

We are committed to assisting all of our clients where within our capacity to complete the course. To ensure we understand where we can assist we ask our students to self-identify any areas that we can assist them in. Our options and approach to English language literacy have been raised earlier.

Obviously, the trainer/assessor can make their own observations as to how they can modify our assessment process to meet the needs of our students. In the case of this course, possible areas of Reasonable Adjustment include: Shorter more frequent sessions for people with attention issues, the use of colour paper or tinted transparencies to assist those with dyslexia. In general, the student will know what form of reasonable adjustment suits their needs address these options with the student but ensure the needs of the Training Package are met, any requests for Reasonable Adjustment that cannot immediately be accommodated should be discussed with the CEO, and where we cannot accommodate the request, we will refer the Student onto a suitable organisation.

The RTO has incorporated a separate comment section for Reasonable Adjustments into each form of Assessment and in all of its assessment tools, or reasonable adjustments can be made as notes in the general comment sections.


Articulation

Graduates of this course may apply for entry into:
• Bachelor of Arts (Welfare Studies)
• Bachelor of Social Science
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Arts (Criminology)
• Bachelor of Arts (Family Studies)
• Bachelor of Arts (Community Development)
• Bachelor of Social Work


Course Units

Total number of units = 20

  • 12 core units
  • 8 elective units, consisting of:
  • at least 6 units from the electives listed in Group A,B,C,D or E
  • up to 2 units from the electives listed, any endorsed Training Packages or accredited courses – these units must be relevant to the work outcome

All electives must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

Elective units are subject to change.

Elective units must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

Core Units

CHCCCS004

Assess co-existing needs

CHCCCS007

Develop and implement service programs

CHCCCS019

Recognise and respond to crisis situations

CHCCSM013

Facilitate and review case management

CHCDEV005

Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services

CHCDFV001

Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

CHCDIV002

Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

CHCLEG003

Manage legal and ethical compliance

CHCMGT005

Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes

CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

HLTWHS003

Maintain work health and safety

Elective Units

CHCDEV004

Confirm developmental status

CHCPRP005

Engage with health professionals and the health system

CHCPRP001

Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships

CHCDIS017

Facilitate community participation and social inclusion

CHCGRP002

Plan and conduct group activities

CHCCCS009

Facilitate responsible behaviour

CHCMHS001

Work with people with mental health issues

CHCMGT006

Coordinate client directed services


Course Fees

Fee for Service

$---

Smart & Skilled Student Fees

Fee-FREE Qualifications – Skilling for Recovery – NSW

Eligibility

To be eligible for fee-free full qualification training under Skilling for Recovery You Must be in one of the following four categories:

1. Youth 17-24 (regardless of employment status)
2. Commonwealth Benefit Recipient (including unemployed Jobseeker)
3. Unemployed (Not a Commonwealth Benefit Recipient)
4. People expected to become unemployed (one of the following four categories):

• Stood down/Jobkeeper/furloughed employee: Employee that has been stood down or employee for whom employer has JobKeeper arrangement in place and at risk of becoming unemployed. Requires upskilling or reskilling for new role and employment elsewhere
• Person returning to work (employed for 6 months or less): employed on condition of receiving training to build capacity and capability for the job role. This would be within the first 6 months of employment
• Low skilled/unskilled employee: Existing employee, with or without relevant skills or previous qualification up to Certificate III, that requires training to upskill to secure ongoing employment or future employment
• Workers in declining industries: Workers at any company in an agreed declining industry (e.g. international travel industry) who require upskilling/reskilling for redeployment.

Smart and Skilled Student Fees (Only for NSW residents)

The cost of this course will vary based on your eligibility for a Smart and Skilled Student Fee. Eligibility criteria can be found on the Smart and Skilled website or you can call us on 1300 600 888 for further information and advice.

First qualification- $4420

Second qualification- $4970

Exemption- $0

FEE-FREE TRAINEESHIPS 

There’s never been a better time to start a traineeship in NSW. The NSW Government will pay the student fee on behalf of students who fit the eligibility requirements – meaning students undertaking a Government Funded traineeship course no longer face a student fee of up to $1000.

Fee-free traineeships are available to NSW students – including school-based trainees whose training:

  • is funded under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled Program
  • Traineeships commenced on or after 1 January 2020

Traineeships are a great career pathway. They combine on-the-job training with formal study to give you the skills and experience employers are looking for. Traineeships generally take around 1-2 years to complete, and trainees earn a salary while they learn. 

For more information: https://vet.nsw.gov.au/choosing-vet/fee-free-traineeships

The fees indicated above are based on students being approved for training subsidized by the NSW Government. Students can pay their fee upfront or undertake an AUSCHS’s Instalment Plan which will commence at the time of enrolment.

Payment Plans Available**
**Conditions Apply
*** Please refer to the course handbook and the pre-enrolment student handbook, Smart and Skilled information handbook for enrolment policy, RPL, refund policies, fees arrangements and for more information feel free to contact us by emailing info@auschs.edu.au or calling 1300600888

Please contact us to obtain the Fee For Service quotes.


Enrolment Documents

Pre Enrolment Information Pack

Pre Enrolment Information Pack -

Diploma LLN Skills Assessment

Diploma LLN Skills Assessment - PDF 293.31 KB

Fee for Service Enrolment Form

Fee for Service Enrolment Form - PDF 768.51 KB

Student Handbook

Student Handbook - PDF 1,008.62 KB

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