16 – 24 Months
(Part-Time)
16 – 24 Months
(Part-Time)
Classroom, Blended, Online (Distance), Traineeship
All learning resources and assessments are assessable via our eLearning portal
This nationally recognised qualification is designed for people who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through community-based support work. You will develop practical skills and knowledge to provide person-centred support to individuals and groups across a range of community services settings. This may include working in areas such as youth work, juvenile justice, mental health, domestic and family violence, disability, and alcohol and other drugs. You’ll learn to support clients with diverse needs, advocate on their behalf, and implement effective interventions.
Make a real impact in your community and build a career you can be proud of. Enrol today and take the first step towards a rewarding future in community services or support roles that change lives.
This course is ideal for people who are:
To make an informed decision about whether this course is right for you, it’s important to consider the essential skills, attributes, and knowledge required to work effectively in the community services sector. Successful community services workers are:
This qualification can lead to a range of career opportunities in the community services sector. Possible job roles include:
Community Services Worker
Case Support Worker
Domestic Violence Support Worker
Family Support Worker
Intake and Referral Officer
Outreach Officer
Youth Worker
Outreach officer
Welfare Support Worker
These roles exist across a range of community and care settings and typically involve providing both practical and emotional support, advocating for individuals’ rights, connecting people with relevant services, and helping them build the skills and confidence to improve their wellbeing. Depending on the setting, the role may involve working autonomously within established parameters or providing support under the supervision of a qualified professional.
Please note this list is intended as a general guide, as job titles and qualification requirements may differ across organisations and service settings.
To enrol in this course, you must meet ALL entry and study requirements, including having suitable technology access and digital skills to engage in online learning and complete assessments.
This course is designed specifically for those already currently working in the community services sector.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This qualification includes topics and scenarios related to trauma, abuse, family and domestic violence, mental health, substance use, homelessness, and other sensitive community issues. Please be aware that these topics may be emotionally sensitive and distressing for some learners. We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing and speak with your Trainer or our Student Support Team if you feel distressed or need support at any time during your course.
There are no formal entry requirements for CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services.
The course is delivered in the following modes;
Attend fortnightly, daytime interactive trainer-led workshops in person at our Warabrook NSW Training Campus, onsite at your workplace, or at another location arranged with your employer.
Attend fortnightly, interactive trainer led workshops, delivered as a combination of in-person classroom workshops and online virtual workshops. All learning and assessment resources will be available online in your Student Portal.
PLEASE NOTE: Your camera and microphone must be turned on during virtual classroom workshops.
Complete your course online via distance, with the flexibility to start anytime. You’ll receive personalised support from your trainer through a variety of options, including email, phone, and virtual support sessions via Microsoft Teams throughout your learning journey. Minimum monthly contact with your trainer is required to ensure progress and support. All learning resources and assessments are available through your online Student Portal. Students studying Online (Distance) may be asked to submit videos as evidence of the application of practical skills.
This course is available as a traineeship. A traineeship allows you to earn while you learn, combining paid employment with structured training. It’s a great way to build real-world experience in the community services sector while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Eligibility criteria and government funding may apply. Click here for more information on Traineeships.
Student Portal
On enrolment you will receive access to your Student Portal. This is where you will find all course information, links to virtual classroom workshops (if applicable), learning and assessment materials, and where you will access your assessment results.
Assessment Strategies
Each unit will comprise of a number of assessment tasks which may include short knowledge tests, case studies, research, written questions and participating in practical activities such as observations, roleplays, simulated assessments and presentations.
Workplace Observations
As part of this course, you will be required to complete practical observations in the workplace. These tasks must be signed off by an appropriately qualified person in your workplace, such as a supervisor or team leader. Where possible, our trainers will also visit your workplace to conduct direct observations and support your learning.
Training Plan
Regardless of your study mode, you will be issued with a personalised training plan that outlines your units of study and assessment due dates. This helps you stay organised and on track to complete your qualification within the expected timeframe. This is especially important for Online (Distance) students who are managing their own study schedule.
Study Commitment
Students should allow additional time outside of class to complete assessments. While the time needed may vary depending on your experience, learning style, and support needs, as a general guide, you should allow an extra 4 – 6 hours per week to stay on track with your coursework.
Online (Distance) Students should allow up to 6–9 hours per week to complete readings, activities, and assessments, as well as maintain regular communication with their trainer for support and guidance.
This qualification consists of (15) units in total, including (7) core units and (8) elective units.
CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships
CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
All our upcoming intakes will complete the following electives:
CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
CHCCCS006 Facilitate individual service planning and delivery
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCCS020 Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
CHCMHS011 Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Alternative elective options are outlined in our course brochure.
Students completing this course through employer-arranged or Traineeship delivery may undertake different elective units that better align with their workplace needs. Electives are selected on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the employer and must be agreed upon before enrolment is finalised.
The price for this qualification will vary and is based upon specific eligibility requirements for government subsidies available at the time of your enrolment. As part of our Enrolment Application and Pre-Training Review process, we will assess your eligibility for any applicable funding or concessions. Once this is complete, you will be provided with a formal quote outlining your exact course fee before your enrolment is finalised.
Outlined below is the approximate fee range for this qualification:
| Full Course Cost | New Entrant Traineeship (NSW Only) | NSW Smart and Skilled (NSW Only) |
|---|---|---|
| $7,000 | $0 Eligibility Criteria Apply | $240 – $2,320 Eligibility Criteria Apply |
Your fees are always protected, and we have safeguards in place to keep your payments secure. All transactions are processed in Australian Dollars (AUD) through trusted gateways like eWAY and Stripe, with your card details encrypted and never stored by us.
For extra convenience, you can also pay quickly and securely using Link, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Eligible students may be able to access government-funded training support through one of the following programs:
NSW Smart and Skilled – For NSW residents, this program may cover part or all of your course fees, depending on your eligibility.
NSW Traineeships – If you are employed and enrolled through a traineeship arrangement, your training may be fully subsidised under the Smart and Skilled program
Funding availability is subject to eligibility criteria and government guidelines. We’ll assess your eligibility during the enrolment application process and provide you with a course fee quote based on your circumstances. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office for more information.
We offer flexible payment plans to make it easier to manage your course fees. You can choose to pay in weekly or fortnightly instalments, helping to spread the cost over time. Our team is here to support you in setting up a plan that works for your budget.
We understand that circumstances can change. Our refunds policy outlines your rights and options if you need to withdraw from your course. It includes details about eligibility, notice periods, and how to request a refund.
There are (4) steps involved in our enrolment process. This process helps us ensure the course is suitable for your learning needs, check your eligibility for any available Government subsidies, and identify if any additional support is needed, so we can assist you right from the start.
The steps are:
To secure your place in the course, all (4) steps of the enrolment process must be fully completed. We encourage you to complete these steps as soon as possible to avoid delays in starting your training and to help ensure a smooth enrolment experience.
Government-subsidised places are limited and not guaranteed. If you don’t complete your enrolment application promptly, you may miss out on securing a place.
If your enrolment is not accepted, we’ll contact you to explain the reasons and explore other course or support options that may be more suitable for you.
We are unable to enrol International students at this time.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are undertaking this qualification as a traineeship, you cannot commence training until your training contract has been formally approved by Training Services NSW.
As a student, you’ll have access to a range of support services to help you succeed in your studies. This includes one-on-one trainer support, access to learning resources, help with technology, and guidance with study or personal challenges.
Click here to access our Student Support Services Guide, which provides a comprehensive overview of the support available to you throughout your course.
Our upcoming course intakes are listed below. To apply, simply click ‘Apply Now’ next to the course date you wish to start, or select ‘Enquire’ to request more information or speak with our team. Online (Distance) study can start at any time.
Please note: You will not be charged any fees until we have been able to assess your eligibility for funding. A $0 amount will be shown in the online application. The Customer Relationships Officer will provide you with a quote for your course fee as part of the Pre-Training Review process. On acceptance of the quote, a deposit will be required to finalise your enrolment.
International Students
Unfortunately, we are not an approved provider on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). If you are in Australia on a Study VISA, you are unable to enrol with us. However, if you are in Australia on any other VISA and you can provide a Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) Statement that states that your VISA allows you to study in Australia, you may be able to enrol with us. Please note that even though you may be able to enrol with us, you may not be eligible to receive course funding.
Completing this qualification may open the door to further study in community services or related areas. Depending on your career goals you may choose to continue your education with:
CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
Note: Essential Skills Training and Recruitment does not offer all qualifications listed above.
In partnership with Benchmark Learning, we offer a range of non-accredited, online short courses developed to align with the NDIS Skill Descriptors and Aged Care Quality Standards. Whether you’re looking to upskill or meet compliance requirements, our modules provide practical, industry-relevant knowledge to support safe, quality care. Courses are affordable and designed for care workers and support staff needing accessible, self-paced learning. Check out our full online course library and start learning today.
*We reserve the right to cancel or postpone courses when minimum numbers are not met.
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Essential Skills Training and Recruitment acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional custodians of Australia and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. As an inclusive organisation, we embrace diversity and create spaces where everyone belongs. We welcome people from all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures and abilities and we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and supportive environment where everyone feels safe, valued and heard.
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