Diploma of Community Services

The Diploma of Community Services is designed for individuals passionate about supporting and empowering people in need. This comprehensive program equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to work effectively in roles that involve case management, social housing, and community engagement.

The course focuses on delivering person-centred services and addressing complex community needs. Through hands-on learning and theoretical insights, you will gain expertise in case management, counselling, program planning, and workplace communication. You’ll also explore the sociological factors that impact clients and develop strategies to engage and support communities effectively.

Delivered by experienced instructors with extensive industry knowledge, the program includes simulations, case studies, and project assessments to prepare you for real-world challenges. This qualification also provides valuable networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals, helping you build a strong foundation for your career.

Upon completing this course, you’ll be ready to take on leadership roles in community services, making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

This course provides a broad range of skills and knowledge, including:

• Supervising and managing complex community services cases.
• Establishing and maintaining effective counselling relationships.
• Understanding the impact of sociological factors on clients.
• Developing and facilitating case management strategies.
• Creating and implementing workplace communication strategies.
• Designing and managing community engagement initiatives.
• Managing workplace health and safety.
• Developing community service programs.

• 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 clients 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
• CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
• CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
• BSBPEF401 Manage personal health and wellbeing
• CHCDIV003 Manage and promote diversity
• CHCCOM003 Develop workplace communication strategies
• CHCCCS009 Facilitate responsible behaviour
• CHCDEV004 Confirm development status
• CHCDIS017 Facilitate community participation and social inclusion

• Community Services Case Manager
• Social Housing Coordinator
• Welfare Worker
• Community Program Coordinator
• Support Worker

• Be at least 16 years old
• Hold a current Approved visa for study in Australia (at the time of course commencement)
• Demonstrate satisfactory completion of studies in applicant’s home country equivalent to an Australian Year 12 qualification* (Department of Home Affairs may require country-specific higher education requirement for approved visa for study in Australia application assessment).
• Provide evidence of any one of the following tests of upper intermediate proficiency in English language:

  • IELTS Test:

    • Overall band score 6.0; or;

    • Overall band score 5.5 if packaged with at least 12 weeks ELICOS; or

    • Overall band score of 5.0 if packaged with at least 24 weeks ELICOS.

  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test:

    • 169; or

    • 162, if packaged with at least 12 weeks ELICOS; or

    • 154, if packaged with at least 24 weeks ELICOS.

  • PTE:

    • 50; or

    • 42, if packaged with at least 12 weeks ELICOS; or

    • 36, if packaged with at least 24 weeks ELICOS.

  • OET:

    • A score of at least B for each test component of the OET.

Exemptions:

You do not need to provide evidence of an English test score with your visa application if one of the following applies:

• You are a citizen and hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, NZ, or Republic of Ireland
• You are an applicant who is a Foreign Affairs or, Defence sponsored student or a Secondary Exchange student (AASES)
• You are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), a course registered to be delivered in a language other than English, or a registered post-graduate research course
• You have completed at least 5 years study in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
• In the 2 years before applying for the approved visa for study in Australia, you completed, in Australia and in the English language, either the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or a substantial component of a course leading to a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while you held a approved visa for study in Australia.

Note: You may be required to provide evidence of an English test score with your visa application if you hold a British National Overseas (BNO) passport.

Download our Course Infopack for the latest fees and schedules and contact our Education Advisors for specials that may be applicable for your country.

*South Sydney College (SSC) does not offer VET student loans or other government-funded financial support.

20 hours/week (15 hours via face to face, 5 hours via e-learning portal)