CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
This nationally recognised qualification equips you with the specialised skills and knowledge to deliver, manage, and coordinate person-centred services for individuals, groups, and communities.
Designed for those passionate about making a difference, this diploma prepares you to work autonomously, supporting people to create positive change and enhance their personal and social wellbeing. You’ll also gain the expertise to supervise teams, manage cases, and coordinate programs, making you an invaluable asset in the community services sector.
Take the next step towards a fulfilling and impactful career—enrol today!
This qualification requires the completion of at least 200 hours* of work within a community service workplace.
| COURSE DURATION | DELIVERY MODES | 💻 LEARNING PORTAL |
| 18 – 28 Months (Part-Time) | Face to Face, Blended, Online (Self-Paced-Distance) | All learning resources and assessments are assessable via our eLearning portal |
This qualification provides pathways to work in the Community Services sector in a broad range of roles including; Community Services Coordinator or Manager, Community Case Coordinator or Manager, Welfare Support Worker, Community Services Worker.
To gain course entry you must;
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
- Have the Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) skills at a minimum of an ACSF Level 4, sufficient to allow you to interpret and analyse documents, prepare written reports and communicate effectively with clients and relevant networks
- Be employed in a community services organisation in a role that involves direct contact with clients e.g, Case Management Coordinator or Manager, Community Services Coordinator or Manager, Program or Service Coordinator or Manager, Welfare Support Worker, Mental Health Case Manager, House Manager/Leader, and have the support of the workplace supervisor or employer to participate in this training
- Have access to a computer/laptop/iPad/Tablet with reliable internet and email access, and a camera and microphone to interact in the virtual classroom environment
- Have the Digital Literacy Skills required to complete assessment work online
| Please note that the (200) hours of work is related to two (2) of the core units of competency. Within those hours you will need to be able to; – develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management for three (3) people for at least (100) hours AND – provide community services to at least three (3) people based on social and cultural considerations for at least (100) hours. ** Note: these hours cannot be completed concurrently. Please ensure you have the ability to meet these requirements prior to enrolment. |
This course is designed for individuals already working in the community services space. It includes a total of (20) units:
(12) Core Units and (8) Elective Units.
Delivery Modes
The course is delivered in the following modes:
| CLASSROOM | BLENDED | ONLINE (SELF-PACED) |
| Attend fortnightly, day-time interactive trainer led workshops, in-person at our Warabrook NSW Training Campus | Attend fortnightly, evening interactive trainer led workshops, primarily online in the virtual classroom, but with a few in-person classroom workshops for units requiring practical experience or specialised equipment. | Study whenever it suits you. You don’t need to attend classes or stick to a set schedule, so you can learn at your own pace. You’ll also get support through email and phone contact from your trainer. |
Units Delivered
Core Units (12)
- CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
- CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs
- CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management
- CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
- CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
- CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
- CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
- CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
- HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
Elective Units (8)
The following elective units are set for our pre-scheduled programs
- BSBPEF401 Manage personal health and wellbeing
- CHCCCS009 Facilitate responsible behaviour
- CHCCOM003 Develop workplace communication strategies
- CHCMGT003 Lead the work team
- CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
- CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care
- CHCMHS013 Implement trauma informed care
- CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
Additional elective options are available in our course brochure. Students undertaking a Traineeship may complete different electives which meet the needs of the workplace. This is decided on a case by case basis with agreement from the employer. Where appropriate, electives may be selected to be awarded a qualification with a Case Management specialisation.
Student Portal
On enrolment you will receive access to your Student Portal. This is where you where you will access all of your course information, learning and assessment materials, links to any online virtual classroom workshops and complete and submit your assessments. If you are attending workshops in-person, please bring your own laptop or tablet to class so you can access course materials and participate in activities.
Assessment Strategies
Each unit will comprise of a number of assessment tasks which may include short knowledge tests, projects, case studies, research, written reports and participating in practical activities such as classroom and workplace observations, roleplays and presentations.
It is expected that you will need additional time outside of class to complete your assessments. Approx. (4) hours per week to complete self-directed learning activities and assessments.
Workplace Observations and Projects
As part of this course, you will be required to complete projects and practical observations in the workplace. You must also log your (200) hours on the provided timesheet and demonstrate how these hours align with specific units of competency.
The price for this qualification will vary and is based upon specific eligibility requirements for government subsidies available at the time of your enrolment. We will determine your eligibility for any subsidies available as part of our enrolment application pre-training review process. You will be issued with a quote detailing your exact course fee before your enrolment is finalised.
| Full Course Cost | New Entrant Traineeship (NSW Only) | NSW Smart and Skilled (NSW Only) |
|---|---|---|
| $9,000 | $0 | $4,420 – 4,970* Eligibility Criteria Apply |
Payment Plans are available
There are 3 steps involved in the enrolment process.
- The completion of an Online Enrolment Application
- A Pre-Training Interview with one of our Customer Relationships Officers
- The completion of an online Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Assessment.
The purpose of this process is to ensure that this course is both appropriate, and the most suitable course option for you, to determine if there is any additional support required to assist you with your training and to verify your eligibility for Government subsidies that may be available to you.
Please note the LLN assessment will be sent in a separate link and is not suitable for completion on mobile phones. You should allow (30) minutes to (1) hour to complete the LLN Assessment.
We are unable to enrol International students at this time.
The courses we have scheduled are listed below. Self-Paced (Distance) enrolments can commence any time of the year. You can apply by clicking ‘Enquire’.
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.
If there are no courses open for enrolment please contact our office to discuss Self-Paced (Distance) training options.
Upcoming Courses
| Course Start Date | Course End Date | Location | ||
| 05/03/2025 | 31/10/2027 | Essential Skills Training and Recruitment | ||
| 24/06/2025 | 31/10/2027 | Blended Delivery [Evenings] | ||
| 10/09/2025 | 31/05/2027 | Essential Skills Training and Recruitment |
On completion of this qualification, you may like to further your education and job prospects by completing any of the following qualifications;
- BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management
- CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
- CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
- CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
Please note that Essential Skills Training and Recruitment does not offer all qualifications listed above.