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Diploma of Community Services

Course Code CHC52025

Online

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Local Students International Students
Duration
  • Part Time
  • 2 years
Delivery
  • Online
Intakes
Campus
  • Moorabbin
  • Off Campus

This course is not available for International Students

Free TAFE Course

You may be eligible to study this course for FREE.

Find out more

Overview

The Diploma of Community Services prepares you for meaningful work supporting individuals and communities across mental health, family violence, migrant support and employment services. Holmesglen’s Block Model lets you focus on one unit at a time, building strong knowledge and confidence. A 100-hour placement arranged by our placement team provides real-world experience and industry connections. You’ll also participate in immersive simulations with trained actors, giving you a safe environment to practise key skills. This practical, supportive course helps you become job-ready for Australia’s growing community services sector.

Career Opportunities

  • Family services worker
  • Youth and case management worker
  • Juvenile justice
  • Disability support worker
  • Family violence support worker
  • Homelessness outreach worker
  • Community worker
  • Outreach worker
  • Intake worker
  • Client assessor

Pathway to further studies

  • Diploma of Mental Health CHC53315
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, Social Science, Community Welfare, Community Development.

Studying the Diploma of Community Services at Holmesglen

Studying this course at Holmesglen gives you a supportive, engaging learning experience designed to build your confidence and capability in community services. You’ll explore key topics such as working with diverse groups, understanding community needs, supporting wellbeing, and developing strong communication and referral skills. Our Block Model allows you to focus on one unit at a time, helping you build knowledge step by step without feeling overwhelmed. Experienced educators guide you through each topic, offering tailored feedback and real-world insights from the community services sector. With access to engaging online resources and a collaborative learning environment, you’ll feel supported throughout your studies.

Entry Requirements

This is an accelerated program with a significant self-directed learning component. Students can expect to spend a minimum of 12 hours per week engaged with learning outside of their class hours. To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants need to provide evidence of one of the following<p>• Successful completion of a scored VCE (or equivalent)<br>• Successful completion of a Certificate IV level or higher qualification<br>• Two years of relevant work experience<p>Following your phone interview for this program, it may be recommended that you study an on-campus version of the program or undertake a foundation program to prepare for the rigours of online study.<p>Applicants must be at least 18 years old when the course starts, and they need to commit to completing 100 hours of mandatory fieldwork placement during their course. These hours can be completed part-time or in a block, but they will take place during business hours.<p>Before starting their practical placement, applicants must provide a clear National Criminal History (Police) Check and a Working with Children Check.
Prior to enrolment or commencement of training you will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment and a pre-training interview. These will assist with determining your suitability to the course, verify your training plan, and identify any learning support needs.

Recognition of prior learning

You may be able to reduce the number of units to be studied in your chosen course by measuring skills acquired through work, life experiences or qualifications obtained from formal studies or training. AQF qualifications and statements of attainment issued by another registered training organisation will be recognised by Holmesglen. Read more about Recognition of Prior Learning, Credits and Advanced Standing.

Course Structure

Timetable

Students enrolling into the online program will be required to attend campus:<br>• One day at the beginning of Semester 1 (9.30am–3.30pm) for an orientation<br>• Two days at the end of each semester (9.30am–5.00pm) for intensive simulation workshops<p><strong>Evening delivery</strong><br>• Two nights per week (via Webex), 5.30pm–7.30pm<br>As this is an online delivery mode, classes are delivered remotely via Webex, and attendance is required for role plays at designated times. This delivery mode is recommended for students who are currently working in justice or community services, or are familiar with higher study.<p>To receive this qualification, you must complete 20 units in total, comprising:<br>• 12 core units<br>• 8 elective units<br>Elective units have been chosen by Holmesglen based on industry feedback, staff expertise and current policy directions in the community services field.<p>If you have already completed other eligible elective units, these may be counted towards completion of this program.<br>You must also complete 100 hours of work placement as part of the qualification requirements.<p>Upon completion of your Diploma of Community Services, you may be eligible to receive up to 1 year of credit towards the Swinburne Bachelor of Psychological Science degree.
Unit code Unit name
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
CHCCSM017 Facilitate and review case management
CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs
Unit code Unit name
CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
BSBWRT411 Write complex documents
CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care
CHCSOH013 Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
CHCCCS009 Facilitate responsible behaviour
CHCGRP002 Plan and conduct group activities
BSBPEF401 Manage personal health and wellbeing

Assessment

Assessments are designed to provide learners with opportunities to demonstrate they have attained the required skills and knowledge using a range of practically based activities and tasks, as required by recognised standards.

How to apply

Direct

Click the ‘apply’ button below to start your application. Our Holmesglen team will reach out to discuss your study options and pre-training requirements.

No ‘apply’ button? Click ‘enquire online’ to register your interest for our next available intake. 

Visit How to Apply for more information on the application process.

Recruitment

Holmesglen may engage third parties to recruit students on behalf of the institute. Third party recruiters receive a commission and this will not impact on your fees.

Find out more about your rights and obligations as a student and the services we provide at Holmesglen.

Outcomes

Qualification and Recognition

On completion, you will receive the CHC52025 Diploma Community Services

Industry Connections

Fees

Tuition fees GST exempt Cost
Full Fee $20,190
Government subsidised $9,756
Free TAFE eligible student FREE
Mandatory Non-Tuition Fees Cost
General Services Fee $80 Per Semester

The General Services Fee (GSF) at Holmesglen is a mandatory annual fee applicable to all students enrolled in Certificate I through Advanced Diploma courses. This fee supports various student services such as counselling, welfare support, and learning assistance provided by our dedicated student support and wellbeing teams. For more details on the GSF and its specific allocations, please visit the <a title=" General Services Fee page" href="/current-students/course-resources/fees-and-payments/General-Services-Fee.html">General Services Fee (GSF) page</a>.

Additional Course Cost

Students will be required to obtain a National Police Records Check and Working with Children Check. The approximate cost of these items is $140. <br>General service fee $70 per semester.

All fees are indicative only. Your fees will be calculated on your individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. Training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding. <a href="/study-with-us/tafe-study/tafe-fees-and-funding">Find out now if you are eligible for Government-subsidised fees or Concession. </a>

 

VET Student Loans are available to eligible student to pay for tuition fees for this course. <a href="/study-with-us/scholarships-and-financial-aid/vet-student-loans">Read more about VET Student Loans</a>.

Overview
Entry Requirements
Course Structure
How to Apply
Outcomes
Fees
FAQs
Apply now
Enquire online
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In the spirit of reconciliation, Holmesglen recognises and celebrates the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Victoria and beyond on which we educate and train. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge our emerging leaders.

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