CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services

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Nationally recognised

Average 18-24 months

16 units of competency

Flexible payments available

Course Summary

Duration

Average 18-24 months

Units

16 units of competency

Are you looking to start a career in community services? Upskilled's CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services (Release 3) is an ideal qualification if you have an interest in developing specialised skills to prepare you for work in the community services industry. All broad concepts will be touched upon throughout the course, giving you the opportunity to gain insights on community services and the tools and knowledge needed to work with people of all backgrounds.

After course completion, you can pursue careers like Care Worker or Centre Manager. With community services being a hands-on industry, you'll also be required to undergo work placement, further developing your professional skills and preparing you for different scenarios as you progress with your career in community services.

What you'll learn

This qualification comprises units that can help you prepare for a broad range of roles in the community services sector.

You'll have the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills to be an ethical and compassionate professional, learning topics like managing and promoting diversity and coordinating complex case requirements. The units also help you develop transferable skills that can prepare you for different work situations.

From this course, you'll learn to:

Undertake various project work
Develop workplace communication strategies and respond to situations
Implement community development strategies
Effectively manage work health and safety
Implement community development strategies

Other personal skills you may learn along the way include:

The ability to work autonomously
Cultural sensitivity
Conflict resolution
Complex problem-solving

About Self-Paced Learning

Upskilled wants to ensure that you get the best online learning experience, which is why we offer flexible and self-paced courses to suit your needs.

While online learning provides you with the flexibility of managing both your personal and work schedule, it's important to have a consistent approach so you don't fall behind.

We want to help you succeed, which is why all the courses delivered through Upskilled come with a training plan to help you stay on track.

On average, Upskilled students take approximately 13 months to finish a course.

Simply put, the more hours you dedicate to your course, the closer you'll be to the finish line.

Course Duration

This course is designed to be completed within 12-24 months.

There is no minimum timeframe to complete this course. Students who are highly motivated, well-organised, experienced and committed to making time to study can complete the qualification at an accelerated pace.

Please speak with one of our Education Consultants about your study and course completion goals.

Inclusions

By choosing Upskilled, you will gain access to supplementary resources that can help with your studies. These inclusions aim to enhance your online learning experience, making it interactive and engaging. These include:

Access to Upskilled's customised learning platform, MyUpskilled
Student Support Team
Specialist trainers
Online tutorials
Video content access via:
- L inkedIn Learning
- ClickView

Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit Transfer

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) provided that you have supporting evidence of any prior education and work experience. This can either reduce your study load or shorten the duration of your course. Prior to enrolment, please speak with your Education Consultant for further details.

After enrolment, you can download the application from MyUpskilled, or on request from Student Support. A trainer will be assigned to assess your eligibility for RPL and/or CT.

Assessment

This course will have you undertake summative and formative assessments, write reports and/or create a portfolio, and participate in role-playing scenarios. You'll also be working on a variety of projects that require your own research as well as answering various written/oral questions that apply the theory you learn into practice.

Work Placement

By studying the CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services, you'll need to do a minimum of 100 hours of work placement in a suitable Community Services environment. To learn about the requirements for this part of the course, visit the 'Course requirements' page.

Be sure to check out our Industry Partners if you need further assistance in sourcing a host organisation for work placement.

Find out how our students actually gain employment after studying:

Role-Playing and Interactive Learning Activities

This course comes with Interactive Learning Activities. Upskilled understands the importance of practical experience, so to complement the theory components of your course, our specialist trainers may run ad-hoc Interactive Learning Activities.

You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with other students - sharing questions, thoughts and ideas, as well as participating together in interactive learning activities.

While the Interactive Learning Activities are not mandatory, your participation is encouraged. You can receive some additional benefits and support, which may include:

Having a study buddy where you can bounce off ideas and help each other with assessments.
Online Classrooms where our specialist trainers can go over learning content that's part of your course.
Activities that relate to your assessments, which can help boost your knowledge and skills.

Additionally, role-playing is included in some of the learning areas of this course. It will also make up some of the practical elements of your assessments, including the assessments in your work placement.

The benefits of role playing

Upskilled believes that you can benefit from undertaking role-playing activities throughout your studies. Not only are they fun and interactive, it gives you the opportunity to collaborate with other participants such as other students, your family, friends and or colleagues.

Below are some benefits you can experience when role-playing:

Improved decision-making and communication skills: Working in health and community services may involve you working in a variety of work settings. Professionals in this field are expected to make decisions and communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and stakeholders. Our role-playing assessments can help further improve your decision-making and communication skills in a community service workplace.
Preparation for work placement: Role-playing is effective in helping you prepare for work placement. Before you go on work placement, you'll need to complete most of the theory components of your course. The skills and knowledge developed from your role-playing assessments are based on scenarios you may face when working in the community services industry.
Develop knowledge and skills to be "work-ready": Due to the interactive nature of role-playing, it can be an opportunity to practice community service industry roles with volunteers and other students in order to enhance your knowledge and skills. Job roles within this field are "hands-on", so role-playing can prepare you for the physical nature of the work - particularly in the disability and aged care sectors.

Find out how our students actually gain employment after studying.

Course Detail

This qualification will suit you if you have an interest in gaining a broader skillset to prepare you for roles in the community services industry. As opposed to a specialisation, you'll have the opportunity to learn important skills needed by community services professionals like project work and budget management.

Additionally, you'll learn how to manage legal and ethical compliance, analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients and develop workplace communication strategies.

Course Structure

To satisfy the requirements of this qualification, you'll need to complete the following units of competency.

CHCLEG003

Manage legal and ethical compliance

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research information about compliance and ethical practice responsibilities, and then develop and monitor policies and procedures to meet those responsibilities. This unit applies to people working in roles with managerial responsibility for legal and ethical compliance in small to medium sized organisations. There may or may not be a team of workers involved.
CHCPRP003

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
CHCCCS007

Develop and implement service programs

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to engage consumers, analyse service needs of particular groups and develop programs and services to meet those needs. This unit applies to workers coordinating or managing teams and operations in varied service delivery contexts.
CHCMGT005

Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor and support workers. This includes implementing support processes to manage stress and emotional wellbeing of self or colleagues working in varied health and community service contexts. It also involves facilitating structured debriefing sessions to colleagues following incidents with the potential to impact on health and wellbeing. This unit applies to leadership or management roles where the individual provides peer to peer support to colleagues and refers to specialised support services in line with organisation guidelines as required.
CHCDEV002

Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to function independently and to plan and undertake community work and associated services. The unit describes the application of knowledge of the broad social and cultural context in which work is planned and implemented in the community services industry. This unit applies to workers who seek to better understand their client groups and issues that impact on the lives of their clients and hence on their delivery of services.
HLTWHS004

Manage work health and safety

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, maintain and evaluate work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area, according to WHS legislative requirements. This unit applies to workers who have responsibility for WHS as part of their role, including workers with obligations under WHS legislation, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), or their officers (as defined by relevant legislation).
CHCDIV003

Manage and promote diversity

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and promote diversity in the workplace, and to contribute to the planning of diversity policies and procedures. This may apply to internal work practices or external service delivery. This unit applies to individuals working in any type of leadership role across all industry sectors.
CHCCOM003

Develop workplace communication strategies

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop communication protocols for a team or business unit. This unit applies to workers responsible for overseeing the communication of organisation-specific information to a range of internal and external stakeholders.
CHCDIV002

Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
CHCCCS019

Recognise and respond to crisis situations

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, and then to work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access required support services. This unit applies to any community services worker involved in crisis intervention. Management of the crisis may involve face-to-face, telephone or remote contact with persons involved. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
CHCCCS014

Provide brief interventions

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess intervention needs, and then to implement and monitor brief intervention strategies for people at various stages of the change process. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services contexts.
CHCMHS001

Work with people with mental health issues

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues. This unit applies to support workers in contexts outside the mental health sector, but who come into contact with people with mental health issues. The services and support provided are not mental health specific.
CHCCSL001

Establish and confirm the counselling relationship

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a structured approach to counselling to determine, establish and confirm the nature of the counsellor client relationship according to the agency’s counselling model. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.
CHCCSL002

Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced and specialised communication skills in the client-counsellor relationship. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.
CHCCSL003

Facilitate the counselling relationship and process

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to support clients to identify and work though concerns, and to manage the overall counselling process to its conclusion. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.
CHCCDE011

Implement community development strategies

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with individuals, groups and the community to identify issues and develop cooperative processes to facilitate change. This unit applies to workers in both health and community sectors and/or a community development work context. Workers at this level will be part of a professional team and have the responsibility of supervision of others.

Completion Certificate

Entry requirements

Start date

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. To make sure you get the most out of training with us, the following enrolment process applies:

Once you have inquired, one of our friendly Education Consultants will contact you to ensure you have the right pre-existing knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification.
A short language, literacy and numeracy assessment will need to be completed upon enrolment.

To successfully complete this course, we recommend the following:

Have the ability to read and write in English and display numeracy skills up to a minimum level of Year 12.
Have access to a modern computer with high-speed internet.
Have access to a device with audio/video recording and playback capabilities.
Have basic computing skills, including the ability to make and upload short videos.

Requirements for work placement

This qualification will have you undertake work placement at a nominated host organisation approved by Upskilled.

Work placement has been specifically designed to help prepare you for potential career outcomes, giving you the opportunity to further implement and gain practical skills and valuable industry insights through a real-life workplace.

Your work placement will commence once you have completed most of the theory components of your course.

Here are some key requirements you should be aware of for the CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services:

You will need to undertake a minimum of 100 hours of work placement.
It is your responsibility to source a suitable host organisation for work placement. Please note that this can take up to several weeks, so it is recommended to allocate sufficient time when sourcing host suitable organisations.
If you are unable to locate a host organisation, Upskilled's Work Placement Officer can assist you in finding one. Please note that it is required to provide Upskilled with a list of host organisations who have declined your requests for work placement via MyUpskilled.
Once you have successfully secured work placement with a host organisation, you will need to complete the Work Placement Agreement Form and submit via MyUpskilled. Please note that Upskilled must approve the Work Placement Agreement before you start your work placement.

When am I eligible to commence work placement?

You will be eligible to commence work placement if you have met the following requirements:

Submitted the relevant approved Clearance Checks
Unlocked the Work Placement Module via MyUpskilled
Received approval from Upskilled for your submission of the Work Placement Agreement Form

What happens if I'm already working in the industry?

If you are currently employed in the industry relevant to your qualification, you may be able to complete your work placement assessment requirements within your own workplace and may not need to source for a suitable host organisation.

You will need to submit a Work Placement Agreement Form via MyUpskilled with the details of your employer and Workplace Supervisor. Please note that Upskilled must approve the Work Placement Agreement Form before you commence your work placement.

What clearance checks and documentation do I need for work placement?

Requirements vary from state-to-state. Please see below the required documentation and clearance checks needed by Upskilled and host organisations.

If you live in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, NT and WA, you will need:

Working with Children Check
National Police Check
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae

If you live in ACT and TAS, you will need:

Working with Vulnerable People Check
National Police Check
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae

Fees may apply when obtaining some of the clearance checks. It is a mandatory requirement that you apply for the relevant checks and submit your approved checks via MyUpskilled within the first 2 months of your course start date.

You will also need to supply your cover letter and curriculum vitae if you require assistance from Upskilled’s Work Placement Officer.

Upskilled reserves the right to transfer you to another course which work placement is not a mandatory requirement or cancel your enrolment if you have not obtained and submitted the required clearance checks.

How will I be assessed?

An Upskilled Assessor will liaise with your host organisation's Workplace Supervisor to review and validate your practical skill ability. For certain tasks, you will need to demonstrate your skills through video recordings and when necessary, through simulated activities which will be assessed by your Upskilled Assessor.

Please note that to successfully complete the work placement component of this qualification, you will need to be reasonably fit to undertake a variety of tasks and activities that may involve manual lifting, kneeling on the floor and other physical activities.

Payment Options

Pay Upfront & Save

Upfront Price: $3,950

RRP $5,750

Save $1,800 when you pay upfront

Spread the cost

Ask about our affordable fortnightly and monthly payment plan options.

Call us to find out more. Terms & Conditions Apply

Government funding

At both a state and federal level, government commitment to upskilling the Australian workforce has resulted in a comprehensive framework of funding schemes and incentive opportunities. As a result, many Upskilled participants are provided incentives by the Government to undertake training and/or find that their courses are heavily subsidised.

Government funding options for:
Diploma of Community Services

Major schemes include:

Career outcomes

This qualification could give you several career and/or further study outcomes. After completing this course, you could explore some of the following outcomes.

Career outcomes

Youth Worker Salary
$63,500 - 93,200 annually Volunteer Manager Salary
$99,500 - 147,600 annually Family Support Worker Salary
$65,800 - 92,400 annually Community Support Worker Salary
$54,600 - 70,000 annually

Education pathways

If you successfully complete the CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services, you may be able to pursue the following related qualifications:

This course might include a pathway to university, which are subject to change. Please speak to one of our Education Consultants for more information.

Educators

Upskilled's trainers in the CHC faculty have well-rounded skill sets and industry experience to help ensure that you're well-trained and prepared for any career challenge you experience in the community services field.

Approaching training with empathy, compassion and openness, you'll find that our trainers in the CHC faculty will help you develop the job-ready skills needed to prepare you for a career where you can make a difference everyday.

Below are some of the examples of support you may receive in the CHC faculty:

Assessment walkthroughs (recorded)
Assessment and Academic support sessions
Additional resources and professional development opportunities
Peer support and practical practise sessions via Zoom
Online recorded Training facilitated by your Trainer/Assessor

FAQs

How many hours per week should I dedicate to my course?

We recommend spending at least 13-23 hours per week of study in order to stay on track with your studies. Based on this range, it may take you up to 24 months to complete a diploma-level qualification.

How quickly you finish a course is also dependent on your existing skills and experience.

This is simply a guide to help you better understand how many hours you ideally need to spend on your studies. We understand that everyone approaches learning differently, but rest assured, you'll still have a great level of control in your learning.

Why is it important to study a community services course?

Studying a community services course can equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the community services industry. The CHC52015 - Diploma of Community Services can help you gain the relevant skill set to further expand your career options, as well as prepare you for challenges you may encounter in the field.

One of the key reasons why people study community services is they either want to change careers, improve their existing skill set or work towards a higher-level role in related areas such as social work, disability, or children and youth.

Upskilled has online courses that can help you pursue specialised areas in the community services industry. These include:

What skills can you gain from a community services course?

A community services course can help you gain the required skills to be prepared for a rewarding career in the industry. You'll get the opportunity to give back to the community and help people.

Some of the core skills you can gain from a community services course include:

Excellent people skills
Interpersonal skills
Empathy
Strong communication skills
Ability to undertake admin and organisational tasks

Most of the online community services offered through Upskilled includes work placement where you'll have the opportunity to gain work experience at a host organisation of your choice.

This means that you'll have exposure to real-work scenarios that can give you further preparation and a foot in the door for paid employment. It can also help you make professional connections with people already working in the industry.

All Upskilled community services courses include role-playing activities that allow you to also work with either your colleagues, family or friends to participate in your assessments. This helps us assess your understanding of the content and provides you with practical training for the industry, alongside the theory-based community services units.

How to enrol in this course?

To enrol in a community services course with Upskilled, the first step is to fill out an enquiry form for any of the courses you're personally interested in. You'll be required to provide the following details:

Your Name
Email
Phone

You'll also be required to answer the question, 'What best describes you?', which indicates your specific intentions when it comes to your career. This could mean:

Changing careers
Looking for a promotion
Returning to work
Starting your career
Expanding your skill set

This will help our education consultants ask the relevant questions before they start the enrolment process. Once you submit an enquiry form, they should be in touch within 48 hours.

During your course consultation, education consultants will happily assist if you have questions on:

Payment options
If you're eligible for the course
Community services jobs you can pursue after course completion

Once you're happy with everything, your education consultant will send you through an enrolment form via email.

Diploma of Community Services

Course Summary

What you'll learn

Work Placement

The benefits of role playing

Course Detail

Course Structure

Entry requirements

Requirements for work placement

When am I eligible to commence work placement?

What happens if I'm already working in the industry?

What clearance checks and documentation do I need for work placement?

How will I be assessed?

Payment Options

Pay Upfront & Save

Upfront Price: $3,950

Spread the cost

Ask about our affordable fortnightly and monthly payment plan options.

Call us to find out more. Terms & Conditions Apply

Government funding

Career outcomes

Educators

FAQs

How many hours per week should I dedicate to my course?

Why is it important to study a community services course?

What skills can you gain from a community services course?

How to enrol in this course?

What's next?

Enquire today

Download course guide

Download course guide

Enquire now