OverviewAbout this course
Support your community and people experiencing hardship as you develop the complex knowledge needed for a rewarding career in the community services industry. Build your leadership capabilities and prepare for roles in case work and management in this in-demand sector.
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:
Build supportive relationships with people accessing services, including children and young people
Identify and prioritise client needs and goals
Develop workplace communication strategies
Manage and lead person-centred approaches
Plan services and manage programs in the community services sector
Work within a case management framework and lead a professional practice
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level
A minimum of 200 hours work placement with a suitable industry employer
A strong pathway to continue your study at TAFE NSW or with one of our partner universities
The knowledge and skills to work at management level in the community services sector
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.
Depending on where you choose to study, there may be additional campus-specific entry requirements for this qualification. Check your specific location for details.
Please complete our survey to find out if the Diploma of Community Services course is suitable for you
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A Working with Children Check (WWCC)
A National Police Check
NDIS Check
Vaccination and health screenings
Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires, such as a first aid certificate
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
Ideally, industry experience or previous studies in community services
A desire to increase your leadership skills in the community service sector
The ability to work unsupervised within your scope of practice
Good to excellent computer skills to be able to handle electronic records and documentation
A passion of empowering others and providing the best possible support
Experience working with vulnerable people in difficult situations and circumstances
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: case worker/manager, community services worker, domestic and family violence worker, youth worker, family support worker, family services coordinator and program coordinator.
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 study1 Course
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 Diploma of Community Services qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 20 units of competency, including 12 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.
Assess co-existing needsCHCCCS004
Develop and implement service programsCHCCCS007
Recognise and respond to crisis situationsCHCCCS019
Facilitate and review case managementCHCCSM013
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 32 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 Study and Career Pathways