For domestic students, start your study journey here.
National code: CHC52021 | CRICOS Code: 114627F
Diploma of Community Services
OverviewAbout this course
The Diploma of Community Services equips you with the skills and knowledge to support diverse clients with unique challenges. As you study, you'll develop skills in relationship building, organisational policy development, strategic service planning, and making informed referrals.
You’ll learn to lead cases under the supervision of experienced mentors, as you navigate the complexities of service program design, socio-legal considerations, and diversity. You might also explore trauma care or other niche areas.
In this course, you'll have the opportunity to undertake 200 hours of work placement that will broaden your skills and knowledge. You will establish your professional network by building relationships with employers, colleagues and other students.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learn new skills
Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:
- Develop workplace communication strategies
- Manage and lead person-centred approaches
- Manage programs in the community services sector
- Handle records and documentation in line with organisational policy and procedures
- Work within interagency networks
- Undertake service planning and program or project implementation
- Lead a professional practice
Gain practical experience
Build your experience and get practical skills in:
- Building caring and supportive relationships with people accessing services
- Working with children and young people
- Learning to work within a case management framework
- Contributing to the review and evaluation of organisational policies and procedures
- Engaging in person-centred interventions
- Identifying and prioritising the goals of your clients
- Making referrals to other appropriate services
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:
- Resilience
- Empathy and patience
- The ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
- A non-judgemental nature
- Effective communication skills
- Good organisational and time management skills
Career pathways
This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:
- Case Worker/Manager
- Community Services Worker
- Domestic and Family Violence Worker
- Youth Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Family Services Coordinator
- Program Coordinator
SuitabilityInternational entry requirements
At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.
Academic Requirements:
- Year 12 or equivalent
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
TAFE NSW makes every effort to ensure your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) needs are met. The level of support you need may be assessed via a review of your LLN skills with written tasks and a one-on-one interview. If you need to strengthen your LLN skills, an individual training plan will be created with you.
Work placement builds on the knowledge and skills you gain in your course and helps prepare you for success in the work place.
During your course you'll undertake 200 hours of mandatory work placement.
TAFE NSW will arrange your work placement with a suitable industry employer.
To be prepared for this course, it is recommended that you have:
- Basic computer skills
- The ability to work independently and as a team
- Patience and the ability to relate easily to people
- A desire to improve your leadership 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.
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations
As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Nirimba | Feb, Jul | $14,680 AUD |
| Ultimo | Feb, Jul (Full) | $14,680 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Nirimba | Feb, Jul | $15,750 AUD |
| Ultimo | Feb (Full), Jul | $15,750 AUD |
Additional costs
Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.
Structure and unitsWhat you will study
At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.
12 core units 8 elective units, consisting of at least 6 units from amongst the electives listed in Group A, B, C, D or E below up to 2 units from the electives listed below, any endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
Core units are the required units that you must complete.
Assess co-existing needsCHCCCS004
Develop and implement service programsCHCCCS007
Recognise and respond to crisis situationsCHCCCS019
Facilitate and review case managementCHCCSM013
Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and servicesCHCDEV005
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violenceCHCDFV001
Work with diverse peopleCHCDIV001
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safetyCHCDIV002
Manage legal and ethical complianceCHCLEG003
Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processesCHCMGT005
PathwaysContinue your studies
At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:
Vocational study pathway
Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW degree pathway
From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways
TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
Other university pathways
You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.
Keep learning with TAFE NSW
Whatever your career ambitions, we will help you get there with a range of courses to develop your skills, build your knowledge and prepare you for work.
TAFE NSW is here to create exceptional learner experiences and to support you on your study journey to make sure you achieve your goals.
Explore your study options across a range of disciplines and talk to your TAFE NSW Education Agent or contact us.
ServicesCampus facilities and support services
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.
We offer a range of support services including:
- TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
- TAFE NSW Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) support
- TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling, and Pathways Service
- Smarthinking – online access to a tutor
- LinkedIn Learning – an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
We're here to help
If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.
Contact TAFE NSW International