Diploma of Community Services

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 changes in their lives to improve personal and social wellbeing, and may also have responsibility for supervising other workers and volunteers. They may also undertake case management and program coordination.

There are a total of 20 units to complete the course. This includes 12 core units and 8 elective units. Some of the units of this course are listed below:

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

• BSBPEF401 Manage personal health and wellbeing
• BSBTWK503 Manage meetings
• CHCDIV003 Manage and promote diversity
• CHCCOM003 Develop workplace communication strategies
• CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
• CHCADV002 Provide advocacy and representation services
• CHCDIS017 Facilitate community participation and social inclusion
• CHCFAM003 Support people to improve relationship

General Entry Requirements

All applicants seeking to enrol at the Victorian International Institute of Technical Education (VIITE) must meet the following minimum entry requirements:

Age Requirement:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of course commencement.

Academic Requirements:

• For Diploma, Advanced Diploma, and Graduate Diploma courses: Completion of equivalent to Australian Year 12 qualification.

English Language Proficiency (International Students)

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:

• IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.0 (test results must be no more than 2 years old).
• Education in English: Evidence of at least 5 years of study in an English-speaking country.
• Previous Study in Australia: Completion of a Certificate III or higher qualification at an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) within the last 2 years.
• Other English Language Tests: Equivalent scores in recognised tests such as PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English. Results must also be within 2 years from the test date.

To verify equivalency to an IELTS score of 6.0, use the comparison tools provided at: Compare IELTS Scores

Numeracy Skills Requirement

Applicants must also satisfy the course-specific numeracy requirements, which may be assessed through:

• A language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) test conducted by VIITE, or
• Equivalent qualification or experience demonstrating sufficient numeracy competence.

Course-Specific Requirements

Some courses may have additional requirements, such as:

• Work placement prerequisites (e.g. police checks, vaccinations, working with children checks).
• Physical capacity to complete tasks specific to the industry (e.g. for cookery, healthcare, or construction courses).
• Portfolio submission, interview assessment, or prior program completion may be required for selected courses or specific qualifications.

• Total Number of Units = 20
• 12 Core Units
• 8 Elective Units 

• Offshore Student Tuition Fee: $AU 24,000.00 (This fee excludes the material and enrolment fees)

As a community services worker, you'll find a rewarding and satisfying career, making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
This community services course will prepare you for various roles, such as:

• Homeless support worker
• Child protection worker
• Community services worker
• Family support worker

Graduates may progress to an Advanced Diploma, the CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services, or even higher education. The course is a potential PR pathway and a stepping stone to a long-term career in community services.