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Diploma of Community Services
BACK TO COURSESDiploma of Community Service
ABOUT THE COURSE
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.
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. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
Recognised by Australian Qualifications Framework and Nationally Recognised Training
Details
Course Code
CHC52021
CRICOS Course Code
118319H
Location
Melbourne Campus
Delivery Mode
Face to Face
Intake
Work Placement
300 Hours
Fees
Please see the Fees and Charges page or contact the campus directly!
Duration
Up to 104 Weeks*
(This qualification will be delivered as full-time study over the course of 104 weeks including 24 weeks of breaks/holidays. Duration may vary based on mode of delivery and/or RPL and CT)
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Course Entry Requirements
This course is available to international students. There are no specific entry requirements listed in the qualification details or training package; however, applicants must meet Auscanus Institute of Australia’s entry requirements below:
Applicants must:
• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of course commencement.
• Have successfully completed Year 12 or equivalent secondary schooling.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following approved tests: IELTS Academic 6.0, TOEFL iBT 60, PTE Academic 50, or equivalent English language proficiency.
English language competence may also be demonstrated through documented evidence of any of the following:
• Completion of a recognised ELICOS program with an English proficiency level considered equivalent to the course entry requirements.
• Completion of at least two (2) years of study in Australia at AQF Level 4 or higher.
• Minimum five (5) years of study in English in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or the Republic of Ireland.
• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent secondary schooling in English.
• Applicants without documented evidence of English language proficiency may complete an online Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) assessment and achieve a satisfactory outcome to meet AIA’s entry requirements.
Note: English language requirements and exemptions may vary depending on visa requirements and individual circumstances. Please contact AIA for further details or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Additional Entry Requirements:
• Applicants will be required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) assessment prior to enrolment. This assists AIA in confirming the applicant’s suitability for the course and identifying any additional learning support needs.
• Applicants may be required to participate in a pre-enrolment review/interview to determine whether the course is suitable for their individual needs, career goals and capabilities.
• Students must have access to a working PC or laptop with suitable specifications to meet study requirements. Students may seek assistance from their trainer and/or assessor where required.
• Students must possess basic digital literacy skills, including the ability to communicate and access information using digital technologies, email, search engines, learning platforms and basic Microsoft Office applications, as well as access to a reliable internet connection.
• Where an applicant’s educational qualifications do not fully meet AIA’s admission requirements, other factors may be considered at the discretion of AIA. Please refer to AIA’s Admissions Policy available on the Forms & Policies page for further information.
CAREER PATHWAYS
Where will the Diploma of Community Services take me?
Potential career pathways for graduates of this qualification include roles such as Community Support Officer, Youth Worker OR
Support Worker
Child, Youth and Family Worker
Welfare Support Worker
Community Services Case Worker
STUDY PATHWAYS
The further study pathways available to students who undertake this qualification include:
CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management OR
Further Degree in Community Services OR
Tertiary Institutions offering courses in the areas of social work or Community Development
Course Structure
To achieve this qualification, students must complete 20 units: 12 core units and 8 elective units.
Students who complete individual units may receive a Statement of Attainment, provided their USI is verified. Students who complete all required units will be awarded the full qualification.
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
Maintain work health and safety
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Develop and implement service programs
Facilitate and review case management
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
Work with diverse people
Assess coexisting needs
Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
Coordinate complex case requirements
Manage and promote diversity
Develop workplace communication strategies
Support people to improve relationships
Implement community development strategies
Confirm developmental status
Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
Analyse information for service planning and delivery
Industry snapshot
The Community Services sector is one of the fastest growing and most vital industries in Australia. With the rising demand for aged care, disability services, youth support, and mental health care, there is an urgent need for skilled professionals who can provide essential support to individuals and communities. Government reforms and increased investment in social services are further accelerating job creation in this field. A Diploma of Community Services opens the door to a wide range of meaningful careers, making a real difference in people’s lives while meeting the growing needs of an evolving society.
Potential jobs
- Community Services Worker
- Case Manager
- Family Support Worker
- Youth Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Domestic Violence Support Worker
- Aged Care Coordinator
- Disability Services Officer
- Welfare Worker
- Outreach Program Coordinator
Occupation profile
94,500
Welfare Support Workers employed
70%
Full-time share
$1,844
Median weekly earnings
39
Median age
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profiles, accessed May 2026; figures use latest available ABS/JSA data.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Credit Transfer (CT)
Credit Transfer (CT)
If a certificate or statement of results is produced and verified a credit transfer process will be initiated by AIA in relation to the units as per training plan. Credit transfer is a process that provides students with agreed and consistent credit outcomes for components of a qualification based on identified equivalence in content and learning outcomes between matched qualifications (Source AQF)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL/RCC)
Upon enrollment of all learning programs, AIA code of practice states that all candidates for assessment will be offered RPL. This is reiterated in the student handbook and acknowledged in writing RPL is an assessment process that assesses an individual’s non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual has achieved the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry to and/or partial or total completion of a qualification.
“Recognition of prior learning is an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit” (Source AQF)
FEES AND CHARGES
At AIA, we are committed to providing transparent information regarding our fees and charges to ensure that students have a clear understanding of their financial commitments. Our fees are structured to cover tuition, administration, and any additional services or materials required for your chosen course.
To access the comprehensive Fees and Charges document outlining the costs associated with our courses, please click the button below;
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