This qualification is part of the Lower fees, local skills program where you'll pay only half of the standard course fees.
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.
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from January 1 2021 through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the course fees (plus resource fee) capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more
^ You will pay half price for the course fees on the Lower fees, local skills qualifications, however other fees may apply such as for resources that are specifically needed for your course.
- Consultation
- Community program development
- Group work
- Advocacy
- Case management
- Policy and research
I have the following attributes:
- 18+ years of age
- Able to undertake research and self directed activities
- Self motivated, pro-active and energetic
- Creative thinker with strong problem solving skills
- Strong decision making skills based on sound judgment and empathy
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills
Employer-based training offers a flexible, self-paced study program which combines workplace recognition of prior learning and individualised ‘gap’ training to attain your qualification.
This means every time you go to work you are learning and demonstrating competence whilst working towards your qualification. The flexibility of Employer-based training allows you to structure and perform learning and assessment in a way that fits into your professional and personal life.
Learning and assessment plans are created on an individual level in consultation with you and/or your employer. Assessment is conducted using numerous methods including practical demonstration and observation, question and answer interviews, written tasks, supervisor reports and workshops.
To enquire or enrol please fill out the Course Enquiry Form.
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Entrance requirements
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Course requirements
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Work placement
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Important information
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Job opportunities
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Further Study
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Fees
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of WACE General or ATAR (Minimum C Grades) or equivalent | Completion of WACE General or ATAR or equivalent (minimum C Grades) | Certificate III |
We recommend that you are over the age of 18 before enrolling in this course as the fieldwork placement and employment outcomes are very limited for students under the age of 18.
Prior to enrolment into this qualification, please consider:
- If you are under 18 years of age
- Any criminal conviction as it will appear on your National Police Certificate (compulsory to obtain)
- Any difficulty in communicating with either workers or clients. (I.e. difficulty with written or spoken English
- Difficulty with the manual tasks involved in personal care work, including lifting (e.g. 'bad back')
- Ability to set aside between four and five days/week for attendance at classes, work placement and study
- Likelihood of finding it difficult or distressing to provide personal care such as toileting and bathing for clients of any gender and varying ages
- Ability to attend your work placement regularly and reliable
A Work Placement is compulsory for students undertaking a Certificate IV or Diploma as some units in these qualifications require you to demonstrate your skills in a work place setting. These units will be highlighted on your study plan. You will need to be enrolled in the appropriate units to be offered a work placement - it is not a standard for all enrolments.
You will complete 2 x 120 hours of supervised field placements with one of 170 government and community service agencies in the areas of mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, housing, adolescent development, parenting and family support. Eligibility for supervised work placement is subject to obtaining a satisfactory Police Clearance. You will also need a Working with Children Check if your placement involves contact with children.
Other costs for consideration:
- Text Books
- Stationery
- National Police Clearance prior to you starting work placement - $65 through Australia Post
- Working with Children's Check (WWC) prior to you starting work placement - $11
- Community Worker | Disabilities Services Officer | Family Support Worker | Youth Liaison Officer
- Welfare Worker | Welfare Case Worker
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
Graduates may be eligible for university entry into Social Science courses.
This qualification is part of the Lower fees, local skills program where you'll pay only half of the standard course fees until 31 December 2021. The “annual fees cap” means that full-fee paying students will only pay a maximum of $1,200 (plus resource fee) and concession-fee paying students or those aged 15-24 years will only pay up to $400 (plus resource fee). Please see below an approximate estimate of what you will pay on enrolment.
Estimated Course Fee |
Estimated Concession Fee |
Eligible for VSL |
VSL Capping |
| $1,410.00 | $610.00 | Yes | $16,077.00 |
These fees are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis.
- Fees might differ between courses delivered at different campuses due to the elective units included in the course study plan or adapting courses to meet local industry needs.
- Fees may also differ for each individual student depending on the units of study selected, prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning.
- Fees are payable at enrolment each semester for the units enrolled for that period. Some year-long courses might have a bigger fee load in the first semester.
- Proof of concession must be presented to access concession rates if eligible.
- For secondary school aged persons (in 2021, students born on or after 1 July 2003 who are at least 15 years old) undertaking training that is not part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program, the maximum course fee chargeable in 2021 is $420 plus the resource fees and discretionary fees.
- Concessions and Secondary School Age cap do not apply to commercial courses (such as short courses), or Foundation Programs (ESL, General Education, etc.).
- Prices quoted include resource fees, but do not include material fees such as the cost of books, uniforms and students personal equipment.
- The course fee cap applicable to Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas only applies during the current calendar year, so fees might differ for students enrolling in semester 2.
- VET Student Loans Eligible Courses and Caps may be subject to changes implemented by the Australian Government.
- Course information and fees are subject to change without notice.
Study options and next steps
Click on your preferred option below to get started with your application.