Community services is a sector that is continually growing. Work is available in the not-for-profit, private and government sectors, in areas as broad as youth programs, alcohol and drug centres, non-clinical mental health settings, financial counselling, multicultural services, and disability and aged care programs.
Community services is a rewarding career path that will see you helping people in various ways. You will promote community cohesion and equality, helping people access services that will improve their quality of life. You will be able to better inform, advocate for and empower individuals or groups in a range of community settings.
During your training you will develop new skills in communication, case management, client work and advocacy, learning from real stories and examples which are delivered through a combination of lectures, guest speakers and a supervised field placement in a community services organisation.
Maxine - Joint Vocational Student of the Year 2021
Course list
Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Make a difference to the lives of others
Assist with supporting clients with alcohol and drug issues
Make a difference to the lives of others
This qualification focuses on providing assessment and support to clients with alcohol and drug issues. You will learn about interviewing in the initial client assessment, responding to crisis, working with people with mental health concerns, and providing alcohol and other drugs (AOD) interventions.
COVID-19 Direct Care Skill Set (Fee Free)
This skill set is free for everyone
This skill set was developed in consultation with WA employers in the aged care and disability services sectors and the Community Services, Health and Education Training Council to get you job ready for entry-level employment.
This COVID-19 Direct Care skill set was developed in consultation with WA employers in the aged care and disability services sectors and the Community Services, Health and Education Training Council. It contains three units of competency chosen to get you job ready for entry-level employment.
- HLTINF001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and proceduresÂ
- HLTWHS005 Conduct manual tasks safelyÂ
- CHCCCS011 Meet personal support needsÂ
Community Development Essentials Skill Set
Gain the skills to design, deliver and evaluate a community development program
This course touched on how sociological theory and contemporary community development approaches can be harnessed to build community capacity for strong social outcomes. Participants are encouraged to reflect on own practice and invites them to stretch their capabilities through the introduction of best practice approaches from around the world
Enhance your skills to be able to design, deliver and evaluate a community development program
You'll gain the foundation theories and practices to develop, deliver and evaluate community development programs and projects.
This online skill set touches on how sociological theory and contemporary community development approaches can be harnessed to build community capacity for strong social outcomes. Strongly influenced by current industry practice, this skill set encourages participants to reflect on own practice and invites them to stretch their capabilities through the introduction of best practice approaches from around the world.
This online course has been developed by those in industry, for industry. The course structure and content has been designed to suit those working full-time or part-time in a community development role or in a role that collaborates with community on social change projects.
Participants may work across a range of social, environmental, health, recreation, arts and culture sectors; within or for government, not-for-profit or private organisations.
Successfully completing this skill set gives you the opportunity to further your studies by enrolling in the Certificate IV in Community Development or the Diploma of Community Development, you can discuss this with your lecturers.
Certificate II in Community Services
Open the door to a career in community services
Gain an introduction to the community services industry and practical skills to get started in the community services industry.
Open the door to a career in community services
This course will introduce you to the community services industry. You'll gain the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work with people in a community or health setting by completing this qualification.
Start on your path to a career in Community Services, Aged Care, Children's Services or Disability Services.
General Education Dual Qualification for Adults
North Metropolitan TAFE is excited to be offering this course as part of a dual qualification designed specifically for adults (18 years and over) who want to improve their reading, writing and employability skills. On successful completion of the program, you'll gain a Certificate II in Community Services and a Certificate II in General Education for Adults. The Maths and English covered in the Certificate II in General Education for Adults is approximately equivalent to Year 10 level and when successfully completed this course will meet the entry requirements for most Certificate III TAFE courses or employment.
It will advance your opportunity to further your studies and open the door to a career in community and health services.
See the Certificate II in General Education for Adults for more information.
Please note that all General Education students are required to participate in an interview and assessment as part of the application process. This will help determine if the course you have chosen is a good fit for you and at an appropriate level. Please note we have limited places for our courses and attending the interview does not guarantee you a place.
Certificate III in Community Services
There is an ongoing skill shortage in Community Services
Gain an insight into the community services sector including mental health, alcohol and other drug services and domestic violence services. This course is ideal for support workers, case workers and client contact officers.
There is an ongoing skill shortage in Community Services
This entry level course is ideal for support workers, case workers and client contact officers; generally, positions with direct contact with clients, providing  day-to-day support.
All of our Community Service qualifications have flexible training delivery modes and the option to study on the job. This means you get the most relevant skills and the opportunity to form industry contacts.
You'll also be mentored by attentive and caring lecturers who have extensive experience in the industry.
Certificate IV in Community Services
Further your skills in developing services and programs for the community
There is an ongoing skill shortage in the community services industry and as part of this qualification you will get to apply your learning through a work placement*.
Do you want to make a difference for communities?
Be there for people that need it the most. When you complete the Certificate IV in Community Services Work you'll have the skills needed to support all people in the community, as an outreach officer, welfare support worker, or case worker.
As part of this qualification, you'll be given the opportunity to undertake a work placement where you will be able to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned.
If you are interested in finding work in fields such as Youth Work, Mental Health or Alcohol and Other Drugs, after completing this Certificate IV in Community Services you can achieve an additional Certificate IV in one of these specialist areas by studying the required additional units. Talk to us about this option.
Diploma of Community Services
There is an ongoing skill shortage in Community Services.
Gain specialised skills in community services to work autonomously under broad directions from senior management, providing direct support to individuals or groups.
There is an ongoing skill shortage in Community Services
Complete this qualification and you could be working in community services, case management or social housing, involved in the managing, co-ordinating and/or delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communities.
You will have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously under broad directions from senior management, providing direct support to individuals or groups. You may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers and/or case management, program coordination or the development of new business opportunities.
All our community service qualifications have flexible training delivery modes and the option to study on the job. This means you get the most relevant skills and the opportunity to form industry contacts.
Graduates of our Diploma in Community Services course meet entry requirements for and can even achieve advanced standing in relevant university degrees, see information about Murdoch University in the Further Study section below. As this qualification is one of the Lower fees, local skills half price courses, training at North Metropolitan TAFE will reduce the time and money you spend completing a relevant university degree and you'll be equipped to work in the industry while you study.
Community Services Crisis Support Skill Set
Gain the skills and training to respond to the immediate needs of clients in crisis
This skills set will give you the skills and training to respond to the immediate needs of clients in crisis.
Gain the skills and training to respond to the immediate needs of clients in crisis
This skill set will prepare you to respond to crises in any community services setting and is suitable for anyone working in the community through paid employment or volunteering. You will learn in a safe environment through scenario-based simulations that uses actors to replicate critical situations.
Successful completion of this course may open up opportunities to work directly with clients or help with career progression. It will give you two units towards a variety of Community Services qualifications.
Entry into Care Roles Skill Set
This skill set is free for everyone
This skill set will give you the skills and knowledge required to provide entry level support and basic client care for a range of roles and purposes within the aged care and disability support sectors.
The CHCSS00114 Entry Into Care Roles skill set addresses the skills and knowledge required to provide entry level support and basic client care for a range of roles and purposes within the aged care and disability support sectors.
The skill set is comprised of the following units.
- HLTINF001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
- CHCCCS015 Provide individualised support
- HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
These units can then be used as credit towards a number of Certificate III courses and is an ideal starting point for anyone considering gaining a qualification in Aged Care, Home and Community Care, Disability or as a Health Service Assistant.
Please note this skill set will be run subject to enrolment numbers.
Integrating Mental Health Practice Skill Set
Provide support services to people with mental health issues
Gain the skills to assist and support clients who are experiencing mental health concerns, and respond to the increasing need for mental health awareness.
This skill set is free for everyone*
The Integrating Mental Health Practice Skill Set will give you the skills to assist and support clients who are experiencing mental health concerns, and respond to the increasing need for mental health awareness.
This training is ideal for people currently working with — or experienced in — a person-centred care model within the community services, healthcare or people services sectors who would like to integrate mental health support skills and knowledge into their work practice; or considering a move into a mental health specialisation role.
You'll gain skills in providing support services to people with mental health issues, including those at risk of suicide or with alcohol and other drug issues; recognising and responding to crisis situations; managing personal stress in the workplace; and working with diverse people.
*Please note, it is highly recommended that you should be working in or have experience in the field.
Introduction to Direct Support Skill Set
Ageing and Disability Job Ready Program
A career in the ageing or disability sector can be very rewarding. This is an exciting opportunity to start a career that makes a difference and supports a person to reach their goals, engage with the community and meet their support needs.
Ageing and Disability Job Ready Program
A career in the ageing or disability sector can be very rewarding. You can get started in one of the fastest growing workforces in Western Australia and make a positive difference to the lives of others.
This is an exciting opportunity to start a career that makes a difference and supports a person to reach their goals, engage with the community and meet their support needs.
As part of this course you will attend a work placement with an employer where you will gain real, hands on industry experience and secure a ‘foot in the door’.
By completing the Ageing and Disability Job Ready Program, you may:
- Be offered a job with your work placement employer
- Be offered an aged care or disability work traineeship
- Use your skills to transition into an allied health occupation
- Gain employer references
- Be connected with other employment opportunities within these sectors or
- Complete further studies
For more information visit jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/pathways or call 08 6551 5049 or email SWAD@dtwd.wa.gov.au
Please note this skill set will be run subject to enrolment numbers.
Certificate IV in Mental Health
Focus on the support and needs of people experiencing mental health issues.
Learn about the value and principles of mental health sector and how to apply them in a recovery oriented way.
Develop skills to work with clients experiencing a mental health illness
This qualification focuses on the support and needs of people experiencing mental health issues. You'll learn about the value and principles of the mental health sector and how to apply them in a recovery oriented way.
You will undertake a supervised or simulated work placement* where you will be able to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned.
You could find work in a variety of community contexts such as community based non-government organisations; outreach; centre-based programs; respite care; residential services; rehabilitation programs; clinical settings; or supporting people in employment.
This course will be delivered through a combination of online and on campus training.
The online delivery will be done via Collaborate sessions (on Blackboard), which are live classes facilitated by a lecturer. The majority of the training will be delivered via on campus sessions. Class attendance is required for successful completion of the course.
Â
Diploma of Mental Health
Develop the skills to work with clients experiencing a mental health illness
Learn about current approaches to mental health that focus on the person not the illness.
Develop the skills to work with clients experiencing a mental health illness
You will learn about current approaches to mental health that focus on the person not the illness. The Diploma of Mental Health will enable you to undertake community service work that includes mental health.
Working in the community services industry you will provide services to clients in relation to mental health issues that may include case management, referral, advocacy, individual support, and education/health promotion services.
This course will be delivered through a combination of online and on campus training.
The online delivery will be done via Collaborate sessions (on Blackboard), which are live classes run online with a lecturer taking you through the training.
Â
Recognise and Respond Appropriately to Domestic and Family Violence Skill Set
Be better informed about Domestic and Family Violence and help raise awareness of the issues involved
Expand your knowledge and skills and help recognise situations where people are experiencing domestic and family violence, and develop core skills and knowledge in offering support.
Be better informed about Domestic and Family Violence and help raise awareness of the issues involved
Expand your knowledge and skills and help recognise situations where people are experiencing domestic and family violence, and develop core skills and knowledge in offering support.
If you are working or volunteering in a community service context and wish to learn more about domestic and family violence and how to provide immediate intervention and support this skill set will give you the knowledge you need.
Safety and Protection of Children and Young People for Sports, Recreation and Community organisations Skill Set
Gain the skills required to protect children and young people engaged in community based activities
If you are in contact with children and young people through work or volunteering in a community based group or you are working with vulnerable people this course will teach you compliance with the child safety industry, regulatory and organisational requirements.
Gain the skills required to protect children and young people engaged in community based activities
If you are in contact with children and young people through work or volunteering in a community based group such as a sporting club, dance or martial arts studio, training organisation, or you are working with vulnerable people this course will teach you compliance with the child safety industry, regulatory and organisational requirements. This includes identifying and controlling three child safety risks over an assessment period of one month in a community or simulated community based setting.
Certificate IV in Youth Work
Create brighter futures for young people
Learn how to create programs designed to address the needs of young people and put your skills into practice with a supervised or simulated work placement.
Create brighter futures for young people
Complete this qualification and you'll have what it takes to help young people in need. You may find employment in community, government and welfare agencies.
You 'll learn how to create programs designed to address the social, behavioural, health, welfare, developmental and protection needs of young people while working to legal and ethical requirements.
During this course you will undertake a supervised or simulated work placement where you will be able to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned.
Diploma of Youth Work
Make a positive impact in young people's lives
Gain a range of skills enabling you to respond to critical situations as well as manage finances, work safety and the work environment. This course includes a supervised work placement.
Make a positive impact in young people's lives
Youth Workers coordinate and manage the development and delivery of services and programs designed to address the social, behavioural, health, welfare, developmental and protection needs of young people.
During this course you will learn skills that enable you to respond to young people in crisis and the ability to respond to critical situations as well as the management of finances, work safety and the work environment.
As part of this qualification you will undertake a supervised work placement where you will be able to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned.