Course Summary

This qualification reflects the role of community service 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 100 hours of work 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.

Requirements - To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

To help us understand how best to support you, you’ll need to complete the bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessments to progress your application. Alternatively, completion of an equal or higher level course may exempt you from this testing.

During your study 

Mandatory placement checks are compulsory to complete this course, you will be required to obtain 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. Placement is subject to students meeting the requirements of the host organisation.

Students are required to complete 1 x 100-hour block of vocational placement within a community services organisation. If you are currently working within the community services industry you may be eligible to undertake your placement hours with your existing employer subject to assessment.

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 1 x 100 hours block. 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 16 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 Work 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

Graduates of the CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services are equipped to pursue employment across a range of community services fields, including mental health services, child protection, alcohol and other drugs support, housing services, domestic and family violence support, disability services, and youth work.

Job titles may include, Case Coordinator, Community Housing Worker, Community Program Coordinator, Early Intervention Worker, Family Support Worker and more.

This qualification also provides a pathway to further study in the social sciences, such as a Bachelor of Social Work or other related university-level programs.