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    TAFE NSW Course

    National code: CHC42021 | CRICOS Code: 113587F

    Certificate IV in Community Services

    Apply online How to apply

    OverviewAbout this course

    Make a lasting impact on people's lives building a career in the community services sector with Certificate IV in Community Services. In this course, you'll develop the essential skills and expertise to excel in various community service roles.Learn how to provide quality care across diverse areas such as child protection, mental health, domestic violence, disability, and alcohol and drugs. Upon completion, you'll be prepared for a wide range of job opportunities within the community services sector. You'll also be prepared for further study with the Diploma of Community Services. TAFE NSW is renowned for its commitment to high quality, practical learning. By choosing us, you're joining a community of people dedicated to uplifting society. With our guidance, you'll learn to provide client-centered support that truly makes a difference.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, 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 with domestic violence and/or alcohol and other drugs issues
    • Facilitate responsible behaviour
    • Follow safe work practices for self care and client care

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in:

    • Facilitating the interests and rights of clients
    • Communicating with clients and building positive relationships
    • Recognising and responding appropriately to domestic and family violence
    • Working within legal and ethical frameworks
    • Working with diverse people
    • Developing and maintaining networks and collaborative partnerships

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • A desire to work with people from diverse backgrounds
    • Effective communication skills
    • Empathy and patience
    • Conflict-management skills
    • The ability to work under pressure

    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Community Service Worker
    • Case Manager
    • Family Support Worker
    • Domestic Violence Worker
    • Outreach Officer

    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.

    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.

    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.


    7 core units 8 elective units, consisting of at least 6 units from the electives listed below up to 2 units from the list below or any endorsed Training Package or accredited course. All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Facilitate the interests and rights of clientsCHCADV001

    • Use communication to build relationshipsCHCCOM002

    • Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violenceCHCDFV001

    • Work with diverse peopleCHCDIV001

    • Work legally and ethicallyCHCLEG001

    • Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnershipsCHCPRP001

    • Follow safe work practices for direct client careHLTWHS002

    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

    Strengthen your expertise with a TAFE NSW community services study pathway:


    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    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

    You'll have the opportunity to practise your skills in simulated settings on campus. These settings have been designed and furnished to replicate a variety of community service facilities which include:

    • Counselling rooms
    • Drop-in centres / Day programs / Living skills programs
    • Refuges / Residential services for families, children or young people
    • Family meetings such as supervised contact visits and mentoring
    • Case Management meetings / Family group conferencing

    You'll also have access to a simulated workplace environment, A Indigo Community Services and Health Hub (a fictitious organisation). Here you'll be exposed to clients with simulated goals to help you gain real world community service experience. You'll be provided with access to relevant workplace documentation and resources including:

    • Organisation policies, procedures and protocols
    • Access to relevant current legislation, regulations, protocols and codes of practice
    • Workplace reporting processes
    • Client information
    • Legal and ethical considerations


    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International