OverviewAbout this course
Gain a strong foundational skill set and knowledge base to enter a challenging yet rewarding career as a support worker. Learn to provide quality client support, empowering and facilitating their interests and advocating for their needs.
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:
Form caring and supportive relationships with people accessing services
Manage conflict and respond to concerning behaviours
Provide individualised support to clients and prioritise and respond to their needs
Work within work health and safety guidelines
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate III level
An introduction to the community services sector and a strong foundation to build on
The confidence, practical strategies and communication skills to effectively support individuals and families
Experience working in our simulated organisations, the Indigo Community Services and Health Hub
A strong pathway to continue your community services study, at a certificate IV or Diploma level
The skills to work as a support worker
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Please complete our survey to find out if the Certificate III in Community Service course is suitable for you
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
Empathy and the willingness to empower others
Patience and emotional intelligence to understand and connect with people
The ability to work with vulnerable people in difficult situations and circumstances
A passion for working with people and providing the best possible support
The ability to confidently use a computer and Microsoft Word
The drive to consistently attend and participate in class
Good literacy and communication skills
Important information
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:
Welfare Support Workers
Welfare Support Workers provide support, information and advice to clients on emotional, financial, recreational, health, housing and other social welfare matters, and evaluate and coordinate the services of welfare and community service agencies.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
67%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
17,800 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
43 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.
$1,320
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
41 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
73% 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 support worker and community services worker.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study1 Course
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study3 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Certificate III in Community Services does not have any related courses.
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 III in Community Services qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 units of competency, including 5 core and 7 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.
Respond to client needsCHCCCS016
Communicate and work in health or community servicesCHCCOM005
Work with diverse peopleCHCDIV001
Follow safe work practices for direct client careHLTWHS002
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
Info sessionsWant to know more?
There are a total of 37 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Foundation Skills, English Language and Auslan