Diploma of Community Services
Overview
2 years full time / 2.5 years part time
2 years
February, April, July
February, July
Make a career of fighting social disadvantage
The community services industry is one of the largest industry areas in Australia. Close to 1.7 million people were employed in this industry, which is projected to increase to over 1.9 million by 2023. This is an industry where passionate people with the right skills are always in demand. Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Community Services CHC52021 graduates learn the skills to make tangible differences in the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
Build on your existing skills with a Diploma of Community Services CHC52021
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Community Services CHC52021 takes your existing qualifications and skills in community services and builds on them to advance your career. This qualification is highly regarded in the sector and offers flexible placements, with the option of arranging a placement in your current workplace. Our on-site community services facilities are fully equipped to help you develop real-world skills. You might also have the opportunity to work on initiatives with our community partners. Delivered by qualified staff with wide-ranging community sector experience, including former Melbourne Polytechnic students that now work in the field, our approach focuses on human development throughout life. Our teachers know the industry well and are keen to pass on their practical knowledge to see you succeed.
Take your career to another level
This course will prepare you to work in a broad range of community services roles in direct practice or team leadership. Areas of employment may include case management, family violence support, child protection, refugee and general migrant settlement, and housing support. You'll be qualified to work as a child welfare officer, social housing coordinator, community services case manager or in a related role. Once you have successfully completed the Diploma of Community Services CHC52021, we might advise you to apply to tertiary institutions offering courses in social work and community development.
Career Pathways
Where will the Diploma of Community Services CHC52021 take me?
The workforce encompasses a diverse range of job roles and functions which are multileveled as well as requiring multiple skill areas as the sector often overlaps with other sectors including: Housing, Health, Education, Aged services and disability services.
On completion, you'll be qualified to work as or in a related role:
- Community Group Facilitator
- Social Housing Coordinator
- Community Development Worker
- Community Service Case Manager
- Case Support Worker / Manager
- Child Protection Worker
- Mental Health Worker
- Community Service Worker
- Family Service Worker
Study Pathways
Once you have successfully completed the Diploma of Community Services CHC52021, we encourage you to apply to tertiary institutions offering courses in the areas of social work and community development.
Social Services Jobs Guarantee
Our Diploma of Community Services CHC52021 is part of the Victorian Government's Social Services Jobs Guarantee.
The Victorian Government is guaranteeing employment for students who graduate from the Diploma of Community Services CHC52021 between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2024.
Course Details
Delivery methods
Our Diploma of Community Services CHC52021 is also ACWA (Australian Community Workers Association) Accredited, which requires the completion of 400 hours of practical placement hours within a Community Service setting.
Typically students will undertake 200 hours of placement at the end of their first year and 200 hours at the end of their second year, totalling 400 hours.
Melbourne Polytechnic has a placement co-ordinator who sources placement for students, liaises with industry organisations, and arranges workplace visits and assessments.
Modes of delivery include:
- Work placements
- Simulations / role plays
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus / Virtual classroom
A blend of both face-to-face and virtual learning with scheduled classes taking place on-campus and in virtual classrooms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Class Schedule
Preston (Feb): Tuesday to Thursday. Times will vary from full days 9am - 4pm to half days 9am - 12pm OR 1pm - 4pm.
Preston (July): Tuesday to Friday. Times will vary from full days 9am - 4pm to half days 9am - 12pm OR 1pm - 4pm.
Preston (April part time):- Tuesday 5.30pm - 8.30pm: virtual with some practical classes on campus
- Saturday 9am - 4pm: face-to-face and some virtual
- Wednesday 5.30pm - 8.30pm: virtual with some practical classes on campus*
*Please speak with the program area for further information
Local Intake Months
Full Time: February, July
Part Time: April
Assessment Methods
Various forms of assessment may be used including demonstration of skills and knowledge in simulated workplaces, written pieces, classroom activities, presentations, projects and practical work placement.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| CHCADV005 | Provide systems advocacy services | Elective | 90 |
| CHCCCS004 | Assess co-existing needs | Elective | 80 |
| CHCCCS007 | Develop and implement service programs | Core | 100 |
| CHCCOM003 | Develop workplace communication strategies | Core | 100 |
| CHCCSL001 | Establish and confirm the counselling relationship | Elective | 100 |
| CHCCSM005 | Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management | Elective | 75 |
| CHCDEV001 | Confirm client developmental status | Elective | 60 |
| CHCDEV002 | Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services | Core | 100 |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | Elective | 25 |
| CHCDIV003 | Manage and promote diversity | Core | 80 |
| CHCLEG003 | Manage legal and ethical compliance | Core | 80 |
| CHCMGT005 | Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes | Core | 120 |
| CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care | Core | 40 |
| CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | Elective | 80 |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice | Core | 120 |
| HLTWHS004 | Manage work health and safety | Core | 40 |
Community Services at MP
Giving Back to the Community: Vida’s Story
Vida Rafiedzadeh Kermani was awarded the 2023 Outstanding Human Services and Education Vocational Education Student of the Year.
Meg Madeley helping community through Mental Health training
Meg Madeley brings her whole self into her role as a newly minted direct support worker in the mental health care sector.
Learn More
Rupakshi Nischal
Rupa a Registered Nurse and pathology teacher at Melbourne Polytechnic. After many enjoyable years as a nurse in acute and subacute settings, she turned to her true calling of teaching pathology.
Learn More
Melbourne Polytechnic finalist in Victorian Training Awards
Melbourne Polytechnic has been selected as a finalist in the Victorian Training Awards.
Learn MoreFees & Costs
| Free TAFE | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $0 | $10250 | $18150 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $250 | $10500 | $18400 |
| Per year | $19600 |
| Per semester | $9800 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Materials
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Fees explained
The State Government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition (excluding Amenities Fees and Materials Fees) for students who are eligible for government subsidised training and enrol into one of the Priority listed course.
Free TAFE is available to eligible students for one course enrolment in a lifetime.
Free TAFE places are limited. Please call 1300 635 276 and we can advise you whether Free TAFE places are still available.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition fees for students who are eligible. Materials and amenities may still apply.
The Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will pay your tuition fees for only one course. Once you have commenced in a tuition-free priority course, you are not eligible for further tuition-free places again, even if you do not finish your first tuition-free priority course.
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Requirements
As you will be required to complete a placement component of this course, some host organisations for placements require evidence of COVID-19 vaccination. We will be guided by their individual policies and procedures in relation to vaccination requirements for staff and students. Students who are attending a community services organisation for placement purposes will need to comply with the policies and procedures of their host service.
Refer to vaccination requirements for healthcare requirements as outlined on the Victorian Government Department of Health website.
Prior to enrolment, applicants must meet the following entry requirements for this course:
- See coronavirus.vic.gov.au for recommended vaccination doses.
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Recommend you attend a course information session
- Attend a course group interview session. If you reside overseas at the time of applying for this course the interview can be competed virtually
- Undertake the required language, literacy and numeracy assessment
- A Working With Children’s Check
- A clear Police Check
The purpose of the interview is to follow up on the Information Session, Pre-Training Review and LLN assessment, and to ensure that you have a good understanding of the course content (sensitivity to potential client groups, equal opportunity, empowerment, advocacy, industry that you have selected and if there are any areas where you may require support to reach your learning goals.)
Prior to attending an interview for the Diploma of Community Services CHC52021, please access and read the following documents from the Australian Community Workers Association:
- Code of Ethics
- Australian Community Work Practice Guidelines
Complying with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) accredited course requirements, students will undertake a minimum of 400 hours supervised fieldwork placement during their 23 months of training.
Typically students will undertake 200 hours of placement at the end of their first year and 200 hours at the end of their second year, totaling 400 hours.
Melbourne Polytechnic has a placement co-ordinator who sources placement for students, liaises with industry organisations, and arranges workplace visits and assessments.
Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalency
English: Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0, Pearson PTE Academic 42 overall with no individual communicative skill below 36, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
English language ability equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (Academic) level.
Prior to enrolment, applicants must meet the following entry requirements for this course:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- A working With children’s check
- A clear international police check
- Attend a course interview session
You must have already received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (or have an exemption) to be able to work and undertake placement in a healthcare setting. See www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au for recommended vaccination doses
Prior to attending an interview for the Diploma of Community Services CHC52021, please access and read the following documents from the Australian Community Workers Association:- Code of Ethics
- Australian Community Work Practice Guidelines
Complying with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) accredited course requirements, students will undertake a minimum of 400 hours supervised fieldwork placement during their 23 months of training.
Typically students will undertake 200 hours of placement at the end of their first year and 200 hours at the end of their second year, totaling 400 hours.
Melbourne Polytechnic has a placement co-ordinator who sources placement for students, liaises with industry organisations, and arranges workplace visits and assessments.
Next Steps
It is recommended you attend an information session.
Following attending an information session or receiving course information you must attend a group interview session.
After the selection interview, successful applicants will be provided with a Letter of Offer for their course. The letter will include information for completing the enrolment process.
It is a mandatory government requirement for all prospective students to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment. Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend our Skills and Job Centre, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
Following attendance at a course information session, you will be invited to attend a selection interview.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
Following attendance at a course information session, you will be invited to attend a selection interview.
Community Services courses at MP
The Course in Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Risk 22510VIC provides an accredited training program and vocational outcomes for a person in universal services role to identify the presenting risk of family violence for universal service users and provide a response appropriate to the role of universal service professionals.
Recognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.