Certificate IV in Community Services
The Certificate IV in Community Services provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the community services sector in residential and community settings. Students will learn how to provide a holistic approach to client needs, including social, emotional, psychological and practical support.
Delivery methods include face-to-face class time, online work and project work.
Delivery methods include face-to-face class time, online work and project work.
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Duration
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (March, July)
Wantirna (March, July) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
VTAC course codes
- 3401010544
Wantirna (fee type determined by provider) - 3400210544
Hawthorn (fee type determined by provider)
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Certificate IV in Community Services is ideal for those who wish to work in a range of community services to implement education or intervention at either the client or community level.
The course provides students with the skills and knowledge to work independently in a range of community services positions, in particular as case or support workers. Students learn how to design and deliver programs as well as appropriate intervention processes to apply to residential and community settings. They also gain knowledge of specific client groups.
Work may take place in a range of contexts such as community based organisations, residential rehabilitation services and outreach services.
Course structure
To be awarded this qualification, students will need to complete 15 units (seven core and eight elective units).
The course includes a mix of delivery methods including face-to-face class time, online work and project work.
Units of study
Core units
Assess co-existing needs (CHCCS004)
Use communication to build relationships (CHCCOM002)
Work with diverse people (CHCDIV001)
Work legally and ethically (CHCLEG001)
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships (CHCPRP001)
Maintain work health and safety (HLTWHS003)
Students are required to complete the following units:
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients (CHCADV001)Assess co-existing needs (CHCCS004)
Use communication to build relationships (CHCCOM002)
Work with diverse people (CHCDIV001)
Work legally and ethically (CHCLEG001)
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships (CHCPRP001)
Maintain work health and safety (HLTWHS003)
Elective units
Students are required to complete the following units:Work in an alcohol and other drug context (CHCAOD001)
Recognise and respond to crisis situations (CHCCS019)
Work within a community development framework (CHCCDE003)
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence (CHCDFV001)
Work with people with mental health issues (CHCMHS001)
Identify and respond to children and young people at risk (CHCPRT001)
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness (CHCSOH001)
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety (CHCDIV002)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Possible occupational roles may be found in a range of community services and welfare organisations including: community services worker, case worker, alcohol and other drug worker, family support worker, outreach officer, welfare worker, group facilitator, pastoral care worker, or client services assessor.
Aims and objectives
The course aims to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and values to perform competently in the role of community services worker.
Graduate skills
On completion of this qualification, students will be expected to be able to design and deliver programs that aim to enhance the well-being of individuals and groups. Students will be prepared for further studies in the field and may apply for the Diploma of Community Services.
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
This course is 'fee free' in 2019 for eligible students as part of the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. Find out if you're eligible.
This course is not eligible for a VET Student Loan.
Certificate IV in Community ServicesEstimated course fees for 2018* |
||
|---|---|---|
| For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | |
| You will need to pay this amount | $8,450 | $2,010 |
Skills First
If you’re deemed eligible, you could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
If you’re deemed eligible, you could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
Alternative study methods
| 2018 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year (for full-time students) |
|---|---|---|
| Concession | $402 | $402 |
Indicative nominal course hours: 920.
Please note: 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 2018 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted for this course, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Concession
Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Vocational Graduate Certificate/Diploma students are eligible for a concession or exemption of 20% of government subsidised fees if you meet the following criteria:
- Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander students
- Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.
It is preferable for applicants to have a minimum of Year 12 or be at least 17 years of age.
It is preferable for applicants to have a minimum of Year 12 or be at least 17 years of age.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 1 for courses listed on the VTAC Guide are generally made through VTAC. Under certain circumstances, some students (e.g. Non-Year 12) may apply directly to Swinburne. Find out more about how to apply.
Applications for all other intakes should be made directly to Swinburne.
Applications for all other intakes should be made directly to Swinburne.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059