Certificate IV in Community Services
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
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Overview
11 months full time
February
For those who want to change the world
If you’re committed to challenging social injustice and want to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people, Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021 is for you. This course provides entry-level skills and knowledge for the community sector, kickstarting your career in community services. The community services industry is one of the largest industry areas in Australia and is worth $56 billion annually. Demand in this area continues to grow, so you can expect strong employment prospects after completing a community services course in Melbourne.
Gain practical skills and experience with a Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021 combines theory and practice to offer a comprehensive introduction to work in the community sector. Delivered by qualified staff with wide-ranging community sector experience, our approach focuses on human development throughout life, with expert teaching and practical learning. Melbourne Polytechnic works with our community partners to ensure that all skills and knowledge are relevant to the current industry and up-to-date. Our fully-equipped on-campus community services facilities will provide you with the opportunity to learn in a real-to-life setting. Many of Melbourne Polytechnic’s past students have described taking this course as a life-changing experience.
Prepare for a career with meaning
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021 is highly regarded among community services agencies, qualifying you to provide support, advocacy or interventions to individual clients, groups or communities across a range of community-based services. After completing a Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021, you may find employment as a case worker, community services worker, outreach worker or welfare support worker. This is the perfect place to kick start a career with a difference, or pave the way for further studies in community services.
Career Pathways
Where will the Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021 take me?
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021 is highly regarded among community services agencies, qualifying you to provide support, advocacy or interventions to individual clients, groups or communities across a range of community-based services, such as:
- Outreach Worker
- Welfare Support Worker
- Case Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Community Development Worker
Study Pathways
On completion of a Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021, graduates can apply for entry into our Diploma of Community Services CHC52021. You may also be eligible to apply for further studies in community services and/or specialisations such as alcohol and other drugs, mental health, disability, youth work, and community development.
Course Details
Delivery methods
To obtain the Certificate IV in Community Services students must successfully complete 15 units of study. Delivery will be blended (consisting of virtual classrooms via Zoom, online and some practical classes on campus).
- Skills development activities in simulated work environments
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 (February): Tuesday to Thursday. Times will vary from full days 9am – 4pm to half days 9am-12pm OR 1pm – 4pm.
Assessment Methods
Various forms of assessment may be used including on-the-job demonstration of skills and knowledge in simulated workplaces, written pieces and classroom activities.
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 |
| CHCADV001 | Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | Core | 100 |
| CHCAOD001 | Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | Elective | 80 |
| CHCCCS004 | Assess co-existing needs | Core | 80 |
| CHCCDE003 | Work within a community development framework | Elective | 65 |
| CHCCOM001 | Provide first point of contact | Elective | 35 |
| CHCCOM002 | Use communication to build relationships | Core | 55 |
| CHCDEV001 | Confirm client developmental status | Elective | 60 |
| CHCDFV001 | RECOGNISE AND RESPOND APPROPRIATELY TO DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE | Elective | 50 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | Core | 40 |
| CHCGRP002 | Plan and conduct group activities | Elective | 70 |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | Core | 55 |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues | Elective | 80 |
| CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care | Elective | 40 |
| CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | Core | 80 |
| HLTWHS003 | Maintain work health and safety | Core | 40 |
Community Services at MP
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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
Melbourne Polytechnic finalist in Victorian Training Awards
Melbourne Polytechnic has been selected as a finalist in the Victorian Training Awards.
Learn More
Pathology Lab
Our true-to-life facility will support you in building the technical skills you need in a lab equipped with industry-standard equipment.
Learn MoreFees & Costs
| Free TAFE | Concession | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $0 | $1040 | $5200 | $12550 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $175 | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $250 | $1215 | $5450 | $12800 |
| Per year | $0 |
| Per semester | $0 |
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.
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.
Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:
- Commonwealth Health Care card, or
- Pensioner Concession card, or
- Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
- Veterans Gold card.
The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking
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.
Scholarships on offer
'We’d been discussing what projects we had coming up that we needed to go and buy materials for. And so then the scholarship came and it was just a sigh of relief.'
Requirements
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Attend a course information session (recommended)
- Attend a group interview session (mandatory)
- Undertake the required language, literacy and numeracy assessment
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 Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021, please access and read the following media release from the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS):
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 of our Skills and Job Centres, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
For certificate-level courses, you can pay by weekly or fortnightly direct debit using our Tuition Payment Plan. Read more about Tuition Payment Plans 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.
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Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.