Diploma of Community Services

This community-services course will build your knowledge in service work and client support - so that you can make a genuine difference in people's lives.

You will learn to develop and deliver programs and services that meet various needs of individuals and families.

Using a holistic, case-management approach, we will teach you to work effectively and compassionately with a diverse range of people.

You will also learn other skills such as advocacy, counselling and group work.

As part of your community-services diploma, you will gain valuable practical experience through undertaking a fieldwork placement.

The community services sector is one of Australia's fastest growing sectors, and is expected to continue growing. The Diploma of Community Services CHC52015 from Victoria University Polytechnic can help you get your foot in the door, with an emphasis on the skills required to be an effective Community Services worker.

Working in community services is demanding but rewarding, and offers diverse opportunities. You could work in welfare organisations, government departments or not-for-profit organisations across a range of areas including:

• homelessness
• family and domestic violence
• child protection
• employment support
• advocacy
• group facilitator
• community corrections
• case worker
• client service assessor, and
• community services worker.

To be awarded CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services, a student must successfully complete a total of sixteen (16) units of competency, consisting of:

• eight (8) core units, and;

• eight (8) elective units, of which:

• six (6) units must be selected from the electives listed in the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services qualification, and;

• two (2) units may be selected from the electives listed in the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services qualification or any endorsed training package or accredited course - these units must be relevant to the work outcome.

All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.