Diploma of Community Services
Overview
The Diploma of Community Services prepares you to work in community services in a range of settings. Through immersive learning, realistic simulations, and structured placements, you’ll gain specialised skills in case management, program coordination, and leadership—applying theory in practice to create meaningful change.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Your industry experience
Bolster your CV with real built-in industry experience and develop practical skills while studying. Students work directly within the community services sector, gaining real-world experience that supports future career pathways. Swinburne has strong industry relationships and provides support to students throughout the placement application process. Students are responsible for applying, which will include an interview, to secure their placement.
Industry experience varies between cohorts. Explore the available options below:
As part of Community Work Australia (CWA) registration requirements, you must complete two industry placements of 200 hours each, in total 400 hours. These placements provide real-world experience, allowing you to apply theory, build confidence, and develop specialised skills in client assessment, understanding individuals’ needs and case management ensuring you graduate job ready.
This qualification requires the completion of a practical placement. Swinburne has strong industry relationships and provides support to students throughout the placement application process, however, students are responsible for applying, which will include an interview, to secure their placement. Placement hours will be completed in line with industry requirements and may take place during the day, in the evening, overnight, or on weekends and may require you to travel.
You will complete a 200-hour industry placement, giving you valuable hands-on experience in real settings. This placement allows you to apply theory, build confidence, and develop specialised skills in case management and client advocacy—ensuring you graduate with practical expertise and job-ready skills.
This qualification requires the completion of a practical placement. Swinburne has strong industry relationships and provides support to students throughout the placement application process, however, students are responsible for applying, which will include an interview, to secure their placement. Placement hours will be completed in line with industry requirements and may take place during the day, in the evening, overnight, or on weekends and may require you to travel.
Designed exclusively for experienced community services professionals, this workplace-based course lets you learn while you work. You’ll complete 200 hours in your workplace, attend monthly Saturday classes, and join evening info sessions—so you can apply theory in practice, build skills, and graduate with real-world experience.
This course is exclusively for VACCA employees and requires approval from VACCA staff Managers. As part of Community Work Australia (CWA) registration requirements, assessments are work based and you must complete 140 hour placement within your workplace in a different program, providing practical, culturally responsive experience that strengthens your ability to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Victoria’s child protection system.
Skills you’ll learn
- Delivering person-centred services
- Understanding and care
- Providing direct support
- Listening skills
Your career opportunities
- Family Services Worker
- Corrections Case Manager
- Homelessness Support Worker
- Drug and Alcohol Worker
- Mental Health Worker
- Disability Support Worker
Professional recognition
The Diploma of Community Services (Case Management specialisation) and (Child, Youth and family specialisation) are professionally recognised by Community Work Australia (CWA). On successful completion of this qualification,students may apply for membership.
Why Swinburne?
Industry-aligned curriculum for real-world skills
Hands-on placements with community organisations
Actor simulations for realistic skill development
Clear pathways to further study options
Study Community Services at Swinburne
Have a passion to work in the community services industry? Put your learnings into practice with our Diploma of Community Services.
Admissions
Applicants for this course must meet the following entry criteria:
* Satisfactory completion of VCE
* Be 18 years at the time of placement
Non school leavers without formal qualifications are welcome to apply.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Course pre-requisites
Language, literacy and numeracy
Applicants are required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy skills assessment as part of the application process. This will assist in determining course suitability and identifying whether additional support may be required.
The approved online skills assessment tool used to determine language, literacy and numeracy skills within the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) is Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB).
The levels required for this course are:
- Language and literacy: 4 (Working level 3)
- Numeracy: 3 (Working level 2)
Applicants are required to demonstrate digital competencies.
Mandatory documentation
Students must have a valid Working with Children check (WWCC) prior to placement. We can accept a current Victorian volunteer or employee WWCC . Please apply now if you do not have one.
Students must have a valid National Police Check prior to placement.
Please wait to apply for your Police Check. After you have commenced your course Swinburne will supply you with a personalised link which offers a student discount.
**If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable outcome on their Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within your selected qualification.
Other requirements
The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:
Students may be required to obtain a NDIS worker screening check prior to placement. Please wait to be advised if you require the NDIS worker screening check for your placement.
Access to a computer with an internet connection, a microphone and a webcam
Workplace/Employer: Diploma of Community Services
Workplace delivery is designed for experienced professionals. You’ll need 12+ months in community services, work at least 21 hours weekly, and perform case management duties like assessment, planning, and monitoring.
Submit the following documents with your application
- CV & Job description
- Employer letter on company letterhead (must include duties, hours of work, duration in current role and support for application).
VACCA: Diploma of Community Services (Child, Youth and Family Specialisation)
To apply, VACCA staff must submit an expression of interest along with their CV and obtain approval from their line manager. Eligibility requires a minimum of 12 months’ relevant industry experience.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential tasks that define a job and must be performed for successful execution. This course involves practical and physical demands, as well as behavioural abilities, required for assessments and placements in community services.
These skills are crucial for career progression in the field. The Inherent Requirements information helps applicants assess their ability to successfully participate in and complete the course.
You must be able to manage multiple demands with focus and composure, engage respectfully with clients and colleagues, and respond appropriately to feedback. Community Services work often involves sensitive or confronting content, requiring resilience, objectivity, and professional boundaries.
Clear communication is critical for supporting clients and coordinating services. Without it, client needs cannot be accurately identified, and interventions may fail. Community service workers interact with diverse individuals, families, and professionals, requiring adaptable and respectful communication.
You must be able to:
- speak clearly and provide information promptly
- interpret and use non-verbal cues to enhance understanding
- build trust and rapport through effective communication
- adjust your style for different clients and contexts
- demonstrate empathy and respect in all interactions.
- Write clear case notes, court reports, and budget reports.
- Accurately record and interpret numerical data for budgets and service planning.
- Perform basic maths (addition, subtraction, percentages, ratios) for funding and resource management.
- Read and understand client histories, legal documents, and professional reports.
- Contribute to online client records and prepare professional documentation.
You’ll develop essential digital skills to succeed in the sector, including:
- Microsoft Word – create professional reports, case notes, and documentation.
- Microsoft Excel – manage budgets, track data, and analyse service outcomes.
- Microsoft Outlook – communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.
- Online systems – update client records and collaborate across teams.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Certificate IV in Community Services
-
Certificate IV in Mental Health
-
Diploma of Youth Work
Course structure
To gain the Diploma of Community Services qualification, students must complete and be deemed competent in 20 units (twelve core and eight elective units).
What your course could look like
Hawthorn campus: Diploma of Community Services (Case Management specialisation)
The course is delivered in three phases, each around six months long, with a specific focus and associated placement.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Manage legal and ethical compliance
Core unit |
CHCLEG003 |
|
Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Core unit |
CHCDIV002 |
|
Develop and implement service programs
Core unit |
CHCCCS007 |
|
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit |
CHCPRP003 |
|
Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
Core unit |
CHCMGT005 |
| Elective units | |
|
Implement community development strategies
Elective unit |
CHCCDE027 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
Core unit |
CHCCCS019 |
|
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
Core unit |
CHCDFV001 |
|
Assess co-existing needs
Core unit |
CHCCCS004 |
| Elective units | |
|
Implement trauma informed care
Elective unit |
CHCMHS013 |
|
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Elective unit |
CHCCSL001 |
|
Undertake advanced assessments
Elective unit |
CHCCSM016 |
|
Facilitate goal directed planning
Elective unit |
CHCCSM009 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Maintain work health and safety
Core unit |
HLTWHS003 |
|
Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
Core unit |
CHCDEV005 |
|
Facilitate and review case management
Core unit |
CHCCSM017 |
| Elective units | |
|
Analyse information for service planning and delivery
Elective unit |
CHCDEV006 |
|
Coordinate complex case requirements
Elective unit |
CHCCSM012 |
|
Implement case management practice
Elective unit |
CHCCSM010 |
Wantirna/Croydon campus: Diploma of Community Services
The course is delivered in three stages, each around six months long, with a specific focus and associated placement.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Manage legal and ethical compliance
Core unit |
CHCLEG003 |
|
Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Core unit |
CHCDIV002 |
|
Develop and implement service programs
Core unit |
CHCCCS007 |
|
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit |
CHCPRP003 |
|
Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
Core unit |
CHCMGT005 |
| Elective units | |
|
Implement community development strategies
Elective unit |
CHCCDE027 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
Core unit |
CHCCCS019 |
|
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
Core unit |
CHCDFV001 |
|
Assess co-existing needs
Core unit |
CHCCCS004 |
| Elective units | |
|
Implement trauma informed care
Elective unit |
CHCMHS013 |
|
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Elective unit |
CHCCSL001 |
|
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
Elective unit |
CHCMHS005 |
|
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Elective unit |
CHCSOH013 |
|
Facilitate responsible behaviour
Elective unit |
CHCCCS009 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Maintain work health and safety
Core unit |
HLTWHS003 |
|
Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
Core unit |
CHCDEV005 |
|
Facilitate and review case management
Core unit |
CHCCSM017 |
| Elective units | |
|
Analyse information for service planning and delivery
Elective unit |
CHCDEV006 |
|
Provide advocacy and representation services
Elective unit |
CHCADV002 |
Workplace/employer: Diploma of Community Services
This course is delivered over a 12-month period. One or more units/subjects are delivered in each month.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Manage legal and ethical compliance
Core unit |
CHCLEG003 |
|
Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Core unit |
CHCDIV002 |
|
Develop and implement service programs
Core unit |
CHCCCS007 |
|
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit |
CHCPRP003 |
|
Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
Core unit |
CHCMGT005 |
|
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
Core unit |
CHCCCS019 |
|
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
Core unit |
CHCDFV001 |
|
Assess co-existing needs
Core unit |
CHCCCS004 |
|
Maintain work health and safety
Core unit |
HLTWHS003 |
|
Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
Core unit |
CHCDEV005 |
|
Facilitate and review case management
Core unit |
CHCCSM017 |
| Elective units | |
|
Implement community development strategies
Elective unit |
CHCCDE027 |
|
Implement trauma informed care
Elective unit |
CHCMHS013 |
|
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Elective unit |
CHCCSL001 |
|
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
Elective unit |
CHCMHS005 |
|
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Elective unit |
CHCSOH013 |
|
Facilitate responsible behaviour
Elective unit |
CHCCCS009 |
|
Analyse information for service planning and delivery
Elective unit |
CHCDEV006 |
|
Provide advocacy and representation services
Elective unit |
CHCADV002 |
VACCA: Diploma of Community Services (Child, Youth and Family specialisation)
The course is delivered as 6 Themes over a 14-month period.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Manage legal and ethical compliance
Core unit |
CHCLEG003 |
|
Work with diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Develop and implement service programs
Core unit |
CHCCCS007 |
|
Maintain work health and safety
Core unit |
HLTWHS003 |
|
Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
Core unit |
CHCMGT005 |
|
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit |
CHCPRP003 |
|
Facilitate and review case management
Core unit |
CHCCSM017 |
|
Assess co-existing needs
Core unit |
CHCCCS004 |
|
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
Core unit |
CHCDFV001 |
|
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
Core unit |
CHCCCS019 |
|
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Core unit |
CHCCSL001 |
| Elective units | |
|
Implement community development strategies
Elective unit |
CHCCDE027 |
|
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
Elective unit |
CHCMHS011 |
|
Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
Elective unit |
CHCDEV005 |
|
Implement trauma informed care
Elective unit |
CHCMHS013 |
|
Identify and report children and young people at risk
Elective unit |
CHCPRT025 |
|
Work collaboratively to maintain an environment safe for children and young people
Elective unit |
CHCPRT027 |
|
Confirm developmental status
Elective unit |
CHCDEV004 |
|
Provide case management supervision
Elective unit |
CHCCSM014 |
Study requirements
Hawthorn campus: Diploma of Community Services (Case Management specialisation)
Wantirna/Croydon campus: Diploma of Community Services
Timetable
- Classes run Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 3:30pm, with weekly attendance generally ranging between 1.5 and 3 days (approximately 9–21 hours).
- Scheduled days depend on group allocation, and may vary according to the stage, with semester and terms breaks included in the timetable.
- Students must access online resources and attend on-campus classes to consolidate learning.
- Practical skills are taught and assessed in a simulated environment and on placement, where applicable.
- Students are expected to engage in approximately 10 hours of self-managed study outside of scheduled classes.
- Students may be required to attend other campuses from time to time for events and other course engagements
Assessment
- Assessments occur throughout the course and include various methods such as quizzes, case studies, practical observations, group work, actor simulations, role plays and written assessments.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course.
Workplace/Employer: Diploma of Community Services
Timetable
- There are compulsory monthly Saturday workshops at Hawthorn campus for this course and an information session in the evening once a month at the start of each unit.
- Teaching approach for the workplace diploma group is different from the classroom-based diploma group.
- Self-study is crucial for success in the workplace diploma group and an applicant’s knowledge and experience in the industry is a requirement.
- This course is competency-based, hence many of the assessments are workplace experience-based.
- You are required to do a 200-hours in your workplace to meet the training package requirement.
Assessment
- Assessments occur throughout the course and include various methods such as quizzes, case studies, practical observations, group work, actor simulations, role plays and written assessments.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course and within their workplace.
VACCA: Diploma of Community Services (Child, Youth and Family specialisation)
Timetable
- Classes are held two days a month and with themes running over 4-5 sessions. Optional study groups are offered by a VACCA representative during weeks without sessions.
Assessment
- Assessments are designed to follow Aboriginal learning principles. They are a combination of role plays, presentation/storytelling, knowledge questions/yarning and are scaffolded.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course and within their workplace.
2026 fees
Free TAFE eligible students
Full fee* ($AUD)
$20,320
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$10,740
2026 fees
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$19,290
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
-
Study this course for free in 2025
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2025 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE initiative.
Free TAFE is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
GEORGIA HERDE: My name's Georgia, and I studied a Diploma of Community Services, and I did my placement at Berwick Secondary College. My placement definitely helped me decide which career I wanted to pursue as it gave me an idea on what it was actually like in that work environment and kind of solidified the idea for me that I did want to work with young people.
So, a typical day in my life is I'd arrive at a placement, and I'd spend the morning communicating with the team and seeing what was on for the day. Every day looked a little different. Some days, I'd be in the classroom helping students or being in the wellbeing centre just playing games with students.
The biggest challenge to my placement was those initial few days where I was going into it and I was a bit nervous on what to expect. If I was going to have anyone to talk to there or guidance, if I was going to do a good job. That was all alleviated really quick. The guidance that I got whilst on placement helped me overcome that.
The support and guidance I received from Swinburne was great. We had meetings prior to the placement where we discussed a bit about what to expect and what was expected of us, as well as check-ins throughout the placement, where we were able to discuss with a Swinburne supervisor and have a meeting with people we were in placement with.
My placement has helped me develop professionally by enhancing the skills we learned in class such as trauma informed care, working with young people, client confidentiality, as well as skills with engaging in the workplace with colleagues.
The best part of my placement was the relationships I got to build whilst on placement with the students and with the team that I was working with.
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