Diploma of Community Services
Overview
The Diploma of Community Services equips you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work in community services in a range of settings. Gain the skills needed in the delivery, management, and coordination of person-centred services to individuals, groups, and communities. We’ll connect you to industry through practical placements, field visits and guest speakers. Graduate ready to address social disadvantage and transform lives.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Your industry experience
Hawthorn campus delivery of the Diploma of Community Services (Case Management specialisation) requires 400 work placement hours overs its duration and is accredited with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). The Wantirna and Croydon campuses are not accredited, and require 200 work placement hours.
Skills you’ll learn
- Delivering person-centred services
- Understanding and care
- Providing direct support
- Listening skills
Your career opportunities
- Family support worker
- Group facilitator
- Case Worker
- Client service assessor
- Child protection worker
- Mental health support worker
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional recognition
The Diploma of Community Services (Case Management specialisation) standard classroom delivery only at the Hawthorn campus, is accredited through the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). On successful completion of the qualification, students may apply for membership.
Study Community Services at Swinburne
Have a passion to work in the community services industry? Put your learnings into practice with our 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.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
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.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Certificate IV in Community Services
-
Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
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.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Assess co-existing needs
Core unit |
CHCCCS004 |
|
Develop and implement service programs
Core unit |
CHCCCS007 |
|
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
Core unit |
CHCCCS019 |
|
Facilitate and review case management
Core unit |
CHCCSM013 |
|
Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
Core unit |
CHCDEV005 |
|
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
Core unit |
CHCDFV001 |
|
Work with Diverse people
Core unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Core unit |
CHCDIV002 |
|
Manage legal and ethical compliance
Core unit |
CHCLEG003 |
|
Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
Core unit |
CHCMGT005 |
|
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Core unit |
CHCPRP003 |
|
Maintain work health and safety
Core unit |
HLTWHS003 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Implement community development strategies
Elective unit |
CHCCDE027 |
|
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Elective unit |
CHCCSL001 |
|
Facilitate goal directed planning
Elective unit |
CHCCSM009 |
|
Implement case management practice
Elective unit |
CHCCSM010 |
|
Coordinate complex case requirements
Elective unit |
CHCCSM012 |
|
Undertake advanced assessments
Elective unit |
CHCCSM016 |
|
Analyse information for service planning and delivery
Elective unit |
CHCDEV006 |
|
Implement trauma informed care
Elective unit |
CHCMHS013 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Provide advocacy and representation services
Elective unit |
CHCADV002 |
|
Facilitate responsible behaviour
Elective unit |
CHCCCS009 |
|
Implement community development strategies
Elective unit |
CHCCDE027 |
|
Analyse information for service planning and delivery
Elective unit |
CHCDEV006 |
|
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Elective unit |
CHCCSL001 |
|
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
Elective unit |
CHCMHS005 |
|
Implement trauma informed care
Elective unit |
CHCMHS013 |
|
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Elective unit |
CHCSOH013 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$19,530
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$10,320
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$18,838
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
-
Study this course for free in 2024
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.