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.
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 program, through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the tuition fees (plus resource fee) capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession.
^ You will pay half price for the tuition fees on the Lower fees, local skills qualifications, however other fees may apply such as Resource fees that are specific to your course. For full details see our Half price courses page.
This course may require you to undertake a placement or live works activity in a workplace associated with the COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy. This means that you may be required to be triple dose vaccinated before commencing your course and/or placement. Please follow instructions/advice provided to you during enrolment/orientation.
- Consultation
- Community program development
- Group work
- Advocacy
- Case management
- Policy and research
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
- If you 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 that 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 about, or apply for, employer-based training please fill out the Get Help form at the end of this page.
| 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.
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 - through Australia Post
- Working with Children's Check (WWC) prior to you starting work placement
- 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 of our Diploma in Community Services course meet entry requirements and even achieve advanced standing in relevant university degrees (see information about Murdoch University below) and you should contact your preferred university for details.
Successful completion of this Diploma will give you Advanced Standing in Murdoch University's
Bachelor of Arts Community Development or
Bachelor of Arts Sustainable Development or
Bachelor of Arts International Aid and Development degree courses.
Estimated Course Fee |
Estimated Concession Fee |
Eligible for VSL |
VSL Capping |
| $1,410.00 | $610.00 | Yes | $16,077.00 |
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis in 2022. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Study options and next steps
Click on your preferred option below to get started with your application.
Continuous enrolment, 2022
Leederville - Employer based
Semester 1, 2022
Joondalup (Kendrew Crescent) - On Campus
Midland - On Campus
Semester 2, 2022
Joondalup (Kendrew Crescent) - On Campus
Leederville - On Campus
Get help
This form is only for course enquiries. If you would like to apply, please refer to the Study options and next steps section above.