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    National code: CHC42021

    Certificate IV in Community Services

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    OverviewAbout this course

    Develop the skills to work in community services. Make an impact in people’s lives by giving quality service in areas like youth work, juvenile justice, mental health, domestic violence, disability, alcohol and drugs.

    Is community services right for you?

    Community services workers empower and support disadvantaged and vulnerable people to achieve their goals. They provide housing, mental health, disability, multicultural, financial, youth, domestic and family violence support. Your experience and career goals will help determine what pathway is best for you. Watch our video to learn more.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Design and deliver personalised services to individuals or groups

    • Provide practical support, advocacy or interventions

    • Use communication to build relationships

    • Assess the needs of people dealing with issues such as domestic violence and/or alcohol and other drugs issues

    • Facilitate responsible behaviour

    • Follow safe work practices for self, colleagues and clients

    Course outcomes

    Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

    • A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate IV level

    • A pathway to continue your study in community services

    • A solid foundation for a career in community services

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

    • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

    Traineeship

      • TAFE NSW also offers the Certificate IV in Community Services as a traineeship. To be eligible to enrol in the course as a trainee you must have a signed traineeship contract

    Entry recommendations

    To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • Good communication skills

    • Independence and teamwork skills

    • Patience and you can relate easily to others

    • The ability to obtain a National Police Check which is clear of significant issues such as assault, fraud, child protection issues and domestic violence

    • The ability to get a Working With Children Check.

    Important information 

    • Please check your campus location for additional entry requirements. Also note this qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that may be distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when participating in this qualification, and in any future employment in this field.

    TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like:

    Community Worker

    Community Workers facilitate community development initiatives and collective solutions within a community to address issues, needs and problems associated with recreational, health, housing, employment and other welfare matters.

    • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

      66%

    • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

      9,400 workers

    • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

      45 years

    • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

      $1,340

    • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

      40 hours

    • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

      High

    • Gender share

      80% female

    • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

      Strong Growth

    Other jobs include: community services worker, case worker, support worker, domestic violence worker and outreach officer.

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study2 Courses

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    Further study5 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    Related study3 Courses

    Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

    Your experience counts

    At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

    UnitsUnits taught in this course

    Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Community Services qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 7 core and 8 speciality units.

    Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

    Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

    • Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violenceCHCDFV001

    • Facilitate the interests and rights of clientsCHCADV001

    • Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnershipsCHCPRP001

    • Use communication to build relationshipsCHCCOM002

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

    • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

    • TAFE NSW Libraries

    • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

    • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

    • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    • Student associations – get social with our student community

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol