Community Services
Diploma of
Overview
Greensborough
Greensborough
20 months full time / 2 years part time
20 months full time / 2 years part time
July
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 graduates learn the skills to make tangible differences in the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
Build on your existing skills
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Community Services 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, we might advise you to apply to tertiary institutions offering courses in social work and community development.
Career Pathways
Where will this take me
On completion, you’ll be qualified to work as a Child Welfare Officer, Social Housing Coordinator, Community Services Case Manager or related role.- Child Welfare Officer
- Community Services Case Manager
- Community Worker
- Case Support Worker
Pathways
Once you have successfully completed the Diploma of Community Services, we encourage you to apply to tertiary institutions offering courses in the areas of social work and community development.Akolda Bil
"It means future to me. All I was doing before this was working in small jobs, or jobs that aren't going to get me far in life, so studying is a huge deal to me. It got me where I am now.... Studying gave me a path to go somewhere in my life."
Course Details
How you learn
Compulsory work placement 400 hours (200 hours in Year 1 and 200 hours in Year 2).
- Simulated work environment
- Work placements
- Classroom
Class Schedule
Compulsory work placement 400 hours (200 hours in Year 1 and 200 hours in Year 2)
Greensborough: 9am-4pm (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Preston: 9am-4pm (Monday, Thursday and Friday)
Part time:
Mon 5pm - 9pm
Wed 5pm - 9pm
Sat 9am - 4.30pm
Assessment Methods
You will be assessed in the classroom and the workplace. Assessments include demonstration of tasks/techniques, group activities, in class activities, written work, work based projects, group presentations, and research projects.
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 |
| CHCCDE011 | IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES | Elective | 70 |
| CHCCOM003 | DEVELOP WORKFORCE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES | Core | 100 |
| CHCCSL001 | ESTABLISH AND CONFIRM 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 THE IMPACTS OF SOCIOLOGICAL FACTORS ON CLIENTS IN COMMUNITY WORK AND SERVICES | Core | 100 |
| CHCDFV006 | COUNSEL CLIENTS AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE | Elective | 50 |
| CHCDIV003 | MANAGE AND PROMOTE DIVERSITY | Core | 80 |
| CHCLEG003 | MAINTAIN LEGAL AND ETHICAL COMPLIANCE | Core | 80 |
| CHCMGT005 | FACILITATE WORKPLACE DEBRIEFING AND SUPPORT PROCESSES | Core | 120 |
| CHCMHS007 | WORK EFFECTIVELY IN TRAUMA INFORMED CARE | Core | 40 |
| CHCPRP003 | REFLECT AND IMPROVE ON PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE | Core | 120 |
| HLTWHS004 | MANAGE WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY | Core | 40 |
Recognition of Prior Learning
You can seek Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where your work experience or qualifications of an advanced and related nature have been undertaken. RPL is individually assessed based on evidence submitted by the student to the teaching department. Applications for RPL will be assessed by relevant Melbourne Polytechnic trainers, academics and where appropriate, industry experts.
Studying at Melbourne Polytechnic
Student Services
We're here to make sure that your transition to student life at Melbourne Polytechnic is fun and as easy as possible
Services & support
Student Life at Melbourne Polytechnic
Our Student Life at Melbourne Polytechnic (SLAM) team run the fun stuff on campus: things like movie nights, bake sales, cook-offs, career expos, spring markets, and much more.
Student Life at Melbourne Polytechnic
Specialist Training Facilities
Melbourne Polytechnic has a large range of specialist training facilities in health and community, construction, hospitality, education and more.
Specialist Training Facilities
Scholarships
One of the most common misconceptions about scholarships is that you have to be 'top in your class' to apply. Melbourne Polytechnic scholarships are awarded on a range of criteria such as merit, your area of study and personal circumstances.
ScholarshipsFees & Costs
Free TAFE
Free TAFE places are limited for this course in 2020. Please call 9269 8400 and we can advise you whether Free TAFE places are still available.
Free TAFE for priority courses cover the cost of tuition fees for students who are eligible. Materials and amenities may still apply.
Please note that 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.
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.
To find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy we recommend you contact us help you find out.
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 1 November 2019. 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 and Amenities cost
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department. Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Attend an Info Session
Requirements
- minimum age of 18 years
- Applicants under 18 will be assessed by the department for course suitability and pathway options.
- Applicants under 18 are encouraged to contact the department to make a time for a suitability appointment.
- you are expected to have the literacy skills appropriate for the demands of the training and the workplace
- no interview is required, and applications will be assessed to deem suitability for the course
- you will also need a clear Police Check and a Working with Children Check, for placements
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.
Next Steps
We're really excited for you to join the Melbourne Polytechnic community and we look forward to supporting you on your education journey.
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form. You'll then receive a link to complete a few more personal details.
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 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 03 9269 8400 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
All future international students will need to complete the short application form. After this, you will be redirected to the full enrolment application form and provide further documentation and forms specifically for International Students. Following this, you will be contacted by a member of the International Office who will support you in the next steps.
You'll find a step-by-step guide to enrolling for international admissions here
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call +61 3 9269 8400
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