Course Summary

This qualification reflects the role of community services workers involved in the delivery, management and coordination of person-centred services to individuals, groups, and communities. At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously within their scope of practice under broad directions from senior management. Workers support people to make change in their lives to improve personal and social wellbeing and may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers. They may also undertake case management and program coordination. To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 200 hours of work (2 x 100-hour blocks) as detailed in the assessment requirements of units of competency. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the bksb (basic key skills builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course prior to commencing the Diploma of Community Services.

Mandatory placement checks are compulsory for this course, you will be required to get a Working with Children's Check relevant to your State and an Australian Federal Police Check. Please ensure you will meet the requirements for these checks. You may be required to undertake a pre-placement interview with host organisations and placement is subject to student meeting the requirements of the organisation.

Your vocational placement will entail 2 x 100 hours within a community services organisation and your placement will be undertaken towards the end of the course. If you are currently working within the community services industry you may be eligible to undertake your placement hours with your existing employer.

Vocational Placement and Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete a Vocational Placement and/or Work Integrated Learning as part of this qualification.

Additional information

To complete this course, you will be required to complete an approved work placement of 2 x100 hours blocks.  Students who are currently working in a relevant role may be eligible to undertake placement with their existing employer, subject to approval from the relevant Educational Team Leader and agreement from the employer. A vocational placement competency logbook must be signed off to confirm essential skills gained.  

When you have completed at least 12 units, you will be required to complete a Placement Application Form. This form allows you to apply for approval to complete your placement within your workplace or alternatively, request to attend a CQUniversity-sourced placement.

CQUniversity’s Workforce Integrated Learning (WIL) team will aim to source a placement located within your community; however, circumstances may require you to relocate to complete the placement.

Mandatory placement checks are compulsory for this course and it is important that students ensure they can meet the requirements for these checks. Mandatory Check inquiries can be directed to WILCompliance@cqu.edu.au and further detailed information can be sourced by clicking on the following link:  IMMUNISATIONS AND VACCINATIONS WIL DOCUMENT. 

You may also be required to undertake a pre-placement interview with the host organisation and placement may be subject to you meeting the organisation's requirements.

VET Student Loan Information

VET Student Loans may be available for eligible students in approved Diploma level qualifications. The loan can be used towards Tuition Fees only and does not cover additional expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, equipment, travel, tools, and accommodation or general living expenses. Loan limits or caps may apply for some eligible courses and where a loan limit is reached for a course, students may be required to pay upfront for any remaining units.

For more information or to check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan, please visit our VET Student Loans webpage or contact us .

Course Details

Admission Codes

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

Completion of the requirements for CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services may lead to further study options in Social Sciences including the Bachelor of Social Work. Career opportunities include work positions in the fields of Community Services, i.e., Mental Health, Child Protection, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Housing, Domestic Violence, Disability and Youth Services.