Diploma of Community Services
Overview
The Diploma of Community Services equips you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work in community services in a range of settings. Gain the skills needed in the delivery, management, and coordination of person-centred services to individuals, groups, and communities. We’ll connect you to industry through practical placements, field visits and guest speakers. Graduate ready to address social disadvantage and transform lives.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Nationally recognised training -
TAFE Victoria
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Your industry experience
Hawthorn campus delivery of this diploma requires 400 work placement hours over its duration and is accredited with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). The Wantirna and Croydon campuses are not accredited, and require 200 work placement hours.
Skills you’ll learn
- Delivering person-centred services
- Understanding and care
- Providing direct support
- Listening skills
Your career opportunities
- Family support worker
- Group facilitator
- Case Worker
- Client service assessor
- Child protection worker
- Mental health support worker
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional recognition
The Diploma of Community Services (standard classroom-based delivery only at the Hawthorn campus) is accredited through the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). On successful completion of the qualification, students may apply for membership.
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 require a minimum of completion of Year 12 or equivalent and be at least 18 years of age.
Non school leavers without formal qualifications are welcome to apply.
Other requirements
The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:
- All applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old at the commencement of the course
- All students must hold a current Working with Children Check throughout the duration of the program
- All students must hold a current Police Check throughout the duration of the program* (* If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable issue on their Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within the community services environment).
- Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies.
- Students will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection, with adequate speed and sufficient data allowance.
Workplace or Employer
Workplace or Employer delivery requirements (for those currently employed in the community services sector):
- At least 12 months experience working in the community services sector*
- Currently employed in the community services sector for a minimum of 21 hours per week**
*Applicants need to provide evidence with their application - please submit your current Resume/CV
**Applicants need to provide evidence with their application - please submit a letter from your current employer confirming this
Please note: Documents substantiating work experience need to be provided on company letterhead and clearly detail current employment duration and number of hours per week worked.
Informed Choices statement
View the Informed Choices statement, which provides information about the inherent requirements of community services, specifically the essential physical and behavioural abilities needed to perform assessment tasks, professional placements and progress to a career in this field. This information is intended to assist you to choose whether you can successfully participate in and complete a course.
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 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.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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.
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Certificate IV in Community Services
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Certificate IV in Youth Work
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Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer 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).
Standard classroom delivery for full-time students includes on-campus classes combined with work placement.
- The course includes a mix of delivery methods, such as face-to-face class time, online work, and project work.
- Assessment requires group work, actor simulation, role play, written assignments.
- Students may be required to attend other campuses from time to time for events and other course engagements.
- Hawthorn Campus delivery is accredited with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) which requires work placement of 400 hours over the course duration.
- Wantirna and Croydon Campus delivery is not accredited with ACWA, therefore placement is a minimum of 200 hours over the course duration.
- Workplace or employer delivery is structured to suit those already employed in the community services sector. This delivery is not accredited with ACWA. Study is a mix of delivery methods, such as face-to-face class time and online work, and students will undertake practical assessments within their workplace.
*Hawthorn Campus delivery requires work placement of 400 hours over the course duration.
Your units
| 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 |
|
Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
Core unit |
CHCMGT005 |
|
Develop and implement service programs
Core unit |
CHCCCS007 |
|
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit |
CHCPRP003 |
|
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 clients in comm.
Core unit |
CHCDEV005 |
|
Facilitate and review case management
Core unit |
CHCCSM013 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Implement community development strategies
Elective unit |
CHCCDE027 |
|
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Elective unit |
CHCCSL001 |
|
Implement trauma informed care
Elective unit |
CHCMHS013 |
|
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 |
|
Provide advocacy representation services
Elective unit |
CHCADV002 |
|
Analyse information for service planning and delivery
Elective unit |
CHCDEV006 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|
Undertake advanced assessments
Elective unit |
CHCCSM016 |
|
Facilitate goal-directed planning
Elective unit |
CHCCSM009 |
|
Analyse information for service planning and delivery
Elective unit |
CHCDEV006 |
|
Coordinate complex case requirements
Elective unit |
CHCCSM012 |
|
Provide case management supervision
Elective unit |
CHCCSM006 |
2023 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$17,700
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$8,940
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 2023 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 only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Skills first government-subsidised place
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)
$16,788
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
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Study this course for free in 2023
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2023 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2023 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$326
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$326
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2023 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.