Diploma of Community Services

Admissions

Applicants require a minimum of completion of Year 12 or equivalent and be at least 18 years of age.

Non school leavers without formal qualifications are welcome to apply.

Other requirements

The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:

• All applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old at the commencement of the course
• All students must hold a current Working with Children Check throughout the duration of the program
• All students must hold a current Police Check throughout the duration of the program* (* If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable issue on their Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within the community services environment).
• Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies.
• Students will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection, with adequate speed and sufficient data allowance.

Workplace or Employer

Workplace or Employer delivery requirements (for those currently employed in the community services sector):

• At least 12 months experience working in the community services sector*
• Currently employed in the community services sector for a minimum of 21 hours per week**
• Current job role includes case management duties such as assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, transitioning and evaluation.   

*Applicants need to provide evidence with their application - please submit your current Resume/CV

**Applicants need to provide evidence with their application - please submit a letter from your current employer confirming this

Please note: Documents substantiating work experience need to be provided on company letterhead and clearly detail current employment duration and number of hours per week worked.

Informed Choices statement

View the Informed Choices statement, which provides information about the inherent requirements of community services, specifically the essential physical and behavioural abilities needed to perform assessment tasks, professional placements and progress to a career in this field. This information is intended to assist you to choose whether you can successfully participate in and complete a course.

Credit transfer

Recognition of prior learning

Course structure

To gain the Diploma of Community Services qualification, students must complete and be deemed competent in 20 units (twelve core and eight elective units).

Standard classroom delivery for full-time students includes on-campus classes combined with work placement.

• The course includes a mix of delivery methods, such as face-to-face class time, online work, and project work.
• Assessment requires group work, actor simulation, role play, written assignments.
• Students may be required to attend other campuses from time to time for events and other course engagements.
• Hawthorn campus (Case Management specialisation) delivery is accredited with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) which requires work placement of 400 hours over the course duration.
• Wantirna and Croydon campus delivery is not accredited with ACWA, therefore placement is a minimum of 200 hours over the course duration.
• Workplace or employer delivery is structured to suit those already employed in the community services sector. This delivery is not accredited with ACWA. Study is a mix of delivery methods, such as face-to-face class time and online work, and students will undertake practical assessments within their workplace.

*Hawthorn Campus delivery requires work placement of 400 hours over the course duration.