Do you want to make a real impact on the lives of vulnerable people? Do you have a passion for helping others? Do you want to make a difference?
Our Diploma of Community Services is your path to a rewarding and fulfilling career in community services. Your knowledge and skills will equip you to support, empower, inspire and advocate for individuals and communities to improve their wellbeing. Your specialist expertise will enable you to design, manage and deliver community support programs addressing diverse and complex needs in family welfare, community health, employment services, disability services and more.
You will learn from experienced practitioners who will support you at every stage of your learning.
You will be able to work at your own pace, in a flexible blended learning environment that allows you to balance your studies with your other commitments.
Our knowledge, experience and reputation will ensure you graduate ready to secure employment in this important field.
Learning ModeBlended Learning
LocationSA
Face to face days10
Weekly study hours10-15
Duration12 months
Learning Outcomes
This course will give you the skills and knowledge to work effectively in community services delivery and management roles. You will be able to:
- assess the needs of individuals and groups, and connect them with appropriate services, support systems and networks
- develop and implement effective community services programs
- advocate for the interests and rights of clients and community groups
- recognise and respond appropriately to crisis situations, and to evidence of family violence, mental health issues and child harm
- work effectively within a case management framework
- build effective professional relationships and networks
- navigate and manage legal and ethical compliance frameworks, policies and procedures
- supervise other workers and volunteers
- ensure safe work practices
- reflect on and improve your own professional practise.
Entry Requirements
Successful candidates will have relevant work experience in a role involving:
- the self-directed application of in-depth knowledge
- the exercise of independent judgement and decision-making
- the application of relevant technical and other skills.
All applicants will be assessed for suitability to the qualification. Each applicant is required to undertake an online language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment. The online LLN tool is designed to assess your Language, Literacy (understanding how to use reading, writing, listening and speaking for a purpose and in context) and Numeracy skills.
This short test will give the Institute insight to the right level of study for you. After the test, you will have time to review the results and discuss enrolment with our Enrolments & Training Coordinator.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates will be qualified to work in a variety of community services settings. This could include community work, aged care, disability work, mental health, drug education, youth work, advocacy, crisis intervention and more. Common job titles include:
- Case coordinator
- Case manager
- Client Service Assessor
- Coordinator Welfare/Family Services
- Welfare Worker
- Crisis/Early intervention Coordinator
- Community Worker
- Counsellor
- Disability Worker
The Federal Government estimates that the demand for welfare and community workers will be very strong over the next 5 years. See joboutlook.gov.au
Units of Study & Units of Competency
Unit of Study 1: The world of work
Units of Competency:- CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
- HLTWHS004 Manage work health and safety
Unit of Study 2: Communication, diversity and interacting with others
Units of Competency:- CHCDIV003 Manage and promote diversity
- CHCCOM003 Develop workplace communication strategies
- CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
Unit of Study 3: Responding to issues in community work
Units of Competency:- CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
- CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs
- CHCDEV002 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services
- CHCDEV003 Analyse client information for service planning and delivery
Unit of Study 4: Case management foundations
Units of Competency:- CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
- CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
- CHCCSM002 Implement case management practice
- CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice
Unit of Study 5: Case management and practice
Units of Competency:- CHCCSM004 Coordinate complex case requirements
- CHCCSM005 Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Duration and Delivery Mode
12 Months Full-Time.
Blended learning: mix of online learning and face-to-face classroom sessions.
Please see 2023 Delivery Schedule for dates of all Modules and face-to-face sessions.
This program includes 10 face to face classroom contact days. This program is equivalent to 10 to 15 hours of study per week. Students will be required to undertake self-directed online learning outside of classroom delivery.
Timetable
Location
The course is a mix of online learning and face-to-face classroom sessions. Face-to-face classroom sessions are delivered in Adelaide (Hindmarsh).
This program includes 10 face to face classroom contact days. Students will be required to undertake self-directed online learning outside of classroom delivery.
Please see 2023 Delivery Schedule for dates of all Modules and face-to-face sessions.
Work Placement Requirements
- To achieve competency for this qualification, 100 hours (minimum) of on-the-job learning and assessment must be completed. A current Working with Children check (within the last 12 months) is required before commencing work placement. Work placement requirements must be completed within 12 months of your final unit of study.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL credit may be granted for relevant prior study.
Students seeking recognition for all or part of a qualification must complete the online AISR Recognition Application at least 14 days before the start of the course.
Tuition Fee, Payment Options, Loans
Full fee: $6,500.
Gap fee (SA. Govt. Subsidy): $1,125. (total gap fee reduces to $1,125, if you are eligible for SA Government subsidy).
Gap fee (Concession): $672.50. (total gap fee reduces to $672.50, if you are eligible for SA Government subsidies with valid Health Care, Pensioner or Veteran Affairs concession cards only).
This course is subsidised through the Australian and South Australian Government. Eligibility and subsidy criteria apply. To check your eligibility visit www.skills.sa.gov.au.
See our Schedule of Fees for key dates and payment options.
All enquiries regarding tuition fees and payment schedules should be directed to admin@aisr.edu.au.
Qualification Information Brochure
