This qualification reflects the roles of community services, case management and social housing workers involved in the managing, co-ordinating and/or delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communities.

At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously under broad directions from senior management. Workers are usually providing direct support to individuals or groups of individuals. Workers may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers and/or case management; program coordination or the development of new business opportunities.

Note that the Statutory & forensic child, youth & family welfare specialisation must be achieved in order to meet the minimum education requirements for child protection and youth justice practice in Victoria. In addition, to meet the minimum education requirements for entry into child protection practice in Victoria, diploma qualifications must be approved by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)

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.

Full-time – 72 weeks

After achieving CHC52015 Diploma of Community Service, students may continue their studies by enrolling in the following course:

• Bachelor of Community Services
• Bachelor of Social Science
• Bachelor of Community Welfare

The following employment opportunities are available to students who complete this qualification:

• Community services worker
• Early Intervention worker
• Program coordinator
• Youth officer
• Welfare worker
• Caseworker
• Client service assessor

To ensure this course is an appropriate learning opportunity, individuals would need to demonstrate a capacity to undertake study at the Certificate III level, this can be demonstrated via the following:

Successful completion of Year 12 or the equivalent level of study. Minimum English level of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent. Individuals originating from assessment level 1 and 2 countries without the required IELTS score can undertake college’s English Proficiency Test. For information on student visa assessment levels, refer to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website (http://www.border.gov.au).

Must also be aged 18 or above.

• National Police Check
• Working with Children Check