Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
Nationally Recognised Qualification
Course Overview
Want to have a rewarding career in community services that focuses on case management? The CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) will give you the opportunity to gain specialised skills in coordinating complex cases within the community services industry.
This qualification can prepare you for the role of case manager; a career that focuses on helping clients solve complex problems when it comes to their everyday life. This means you may work with clients with co-existing mental health and drugs and alcohol issues. Not only will you learn the theoretical concepts of case management but you'll also get the opportunity to do work placement to put the skills you've learnt to practice.
What You’ll Learn
This nationally recognised qualification provides in-depth training in community services with a strong focus on case management. Designed for those who want to support individuals with complex needs, you'll gain the practical and professional skills required to lead, plan, and deliver person-centred services. In this course, you’ll learn to:
Assess and respond to complex, co-existing client needs – including mental health, AOD, family violence, and child safety concerns
Develop, implement, and coordinate case management plans – working with individuals to set goals and access the right support services
Apply trauma-informed, culturally safe, and inclusive practice – essential for working ethically and respectfully with diverse communities
Support clients in crisis – using evidence-based strategies in high-risk or emotionally charged situations
Lead case management teams and supervise workers – building leadership skills to support staff and maintain best practice
Reflect on and improve your professional practice – ensuring your work remains ethical, client-focused, and grounded in current sector needs
Manage legal, ethical and WHS compliance – critical for ensuring accountability and safe service delivery in community settings
With 220 hours of structured work placement, you’ll graduate with real-world experience, ready to confidently step into roles such as Case Manager, Community Services Worker, or Program Coordinator.
Introducing the Upskilled Health and Community Services Job Portal
Dive into a world of career opportunities in healthcare, community support, and aged care with Upskilled's dedicated platform. Connect directly with leading employers who value your skills and passion for making a difference. Our streamlined platform lets you personalise your job search, explore targeted courses to boost your career readiness, and find flexible employment options that fit your lifestyle. Join the Upskilled Health and Community Services Job Portal today to start shaping a brighter future.
Studying with Upskilled
What's Included?
By choosing Upskilled's CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Services (Case Management), you'll gain access to resources that enhance your online learning experience, making it interactive and engaging:
Modules
To satisfy the requirements of this qualification, you'll need to complete the following units of competency.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers. 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.
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.
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.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the diverse and multi-faceted needs of people and determine both internal and external services required to meet those needs.
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.
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.
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.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people’s specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to identify and respond to the needs of clients who may be experiencing domestic and family violence, including responding to immediate intervention and support needs. This unit applies to health and community service workers providing services according to established organisation procedures. These workers may not be specialised family violence workers. 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.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify children and young people who are at risk and report in line with legislative requirements. This work occurs within legislative and policy frameworks and carries a duty of care responsibility. This unit applies to workers in a range of job roles providing services to children and young people including in community services and health contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with people to plan and make informed decisions for the provision of services and resources aimed at maximising and enhancing their independence and quality of life. Workers at this level will demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability, and responsibility and are typically already experienced in working intensively with people with complex and diverse needs. This unit applies to work in a broad range of contexts where a high level of collaborative planning skills and knowledge is required to develop a plan based on needs that have been pre-determined in an assessment process. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
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.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to take a leadership role in the delivery of quality case management. This includes disseminating information and providing advice on practice issues relating to case management within the organisation. Workers at this level provide supervision to others according to organisational policies and procedures. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to analyse impacts of sociological factors when undertaking 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. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan, monitor and review case management. Workers at this level work within organisational policies and procedures and may work autonomously or in consultation with supervisor or team leader. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and work practices as part of a small work team. This unit applies to workers who have a key role in maintaining WHS in an organisation, including duty of care for other workers.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop and implement a plan for case management. Workers at this level demonstrate autonomy, well developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility, and are typically already experienced in working intensively with people requiring support. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community service sector contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to coordinate multiple service requirements for people with complex needs within a case management framework. Workers at this level work under supervision within established guidelines and may take a lead role in the coordination of services and service providers. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Career Outcomes
Possible Careers
Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue the following career outcomes.
Industry Outlook
Discover why Community Services is a vital and rewarding field, making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Salary
$60k - $82K Annual Salary
Jobs
88,500
Payment Options
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 (Case Management)
Major schemes include:
An Upskilled education consultant will contact you within 48 hours
Our Trainers
Upskilled Community Service trainers are industry professionals with extensive experience and expertise, dedicated to providing practical, hands-on learning. They are committed to helping students develop the skills to succeed in the impactful and evolving community services industry.
Hear from our past students
Recently started the Diploma of Counselling. Can't thank Upskilled and all staff enough. I was hesitant.at first but it was always something i have wanted to do. Have been involved in education and it has been a part of the job but have always wanted to do it as a profession. The education staff have been so supportive and instructional creating a great learning and interactive environment. Looking forward to studying more and making mistakes as thats how I learn and progress.
Special thank you to Jo one of the Education Consultants. He was informative. friendly, knowledgeable about the course and study. Didn't feel pressured just helped me navigate options and left it up to me to decide. So glad he rang after I expressed interest in commencing studies again after a long time.
Assessor Knowledge and Support:
Rosan provided invaluable support during my studies. The trainer’s expertise and experience helped me navigate the assessments, breaking down complex instructions into simpler, more manageable steps, which clarified the requirements and expectations.
Role-Play Support:
While I found it challenging to fully immerse myself in the role-play and instruct volunteers to assist, the scenarios did reflect possible real-world situations I might encounter. Personally, even though role-play can sometimes struggle to fully replicate real-world settings, it serves as a helpful tool for developing effective phrasing and communication skills, particularly in building vocabulary rather than just listening skills.
Trainer Availability:
The trainer and support team were well-organized and consistently available to answer questions. Rosan, in particular, made an effort to accommodate my work and family commitments, offering flexible timing and assistance that supported my diploma journey and recognised potential challenges.
Learning Content:
The course provided a broad overview of key topics; however, as this is a diploma-level program, further research is necessary to gain deeper insights. The trainer offered valuable recommendations for resources and readings to help expand on the foundational knowledge provided.
Practical Tasks and Industry Alignment:
The practical assessments offered a strong foundational base that aligns well with industry expectations, giving me additional tools to build on.
I really liked the online course. It was well organized and easy to follow. The homework and tests were just right, allowing me to complete everything on time, understand the topics, and not feel overwhelmed. Overall, I enjoyed online because the lectures, assignments, and tests were clear. I feel I have gained more knowledge about the Community Development Course, and I hope to apply this knowledge in real life. Rosan, the course coordinator, was extremely supportive. He replied to my emails promptly while I was studying from WA. He called me to clarify any questions I had about my learning or placement. He followed up with emails and motivated me when I felt overwhelmed by balancing work and study. I'm really glad I kept going, and I’m happy to say I’ve completed my course, thanks to the support from Rosan and the skilled staff.
How to enrol
What you need to know
Entry Requirements
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.
Recommended Skills and Resources:
- Have the ability to read and write in English and display numeracy skills up to a minimum level of Year 10.
- 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.
Self-Paced Learning and Course Duration
Upskilled's flexible, self-paced courses let you balance personal and work schedules. With a training plan to keep you on track, most students complete the course within 24 months, but motivated learners can finish faster. Speak with an Education Consultant to discuss your study and completion goals.
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
If you are currently working in the Community Services industry, you are required to complete:
- at least 100 hours of work placement for CHCDEV005 - Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services,
- and at least 100 hours of work placement for CHCCSM013 - Facilitate and review case management.
- the hours must total at least 200 hours.
If you are not currently working in the Community Services industry you are required to undertake an additional twenty (20) hours in addition to the 200 hours, to provide the opportunity to practice the skills that are required.
To learn about the requirements for this part of the course, get in touch with us and one of our education consultant will help you with the relevant details. Be sure to check out our Industry Partners if you need further assistance in sourcing a host organisation for work placement.
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.
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.
Dedicated Community Service Trainers
Upskilled's community services trainers bring comprehensive skills and industry experience to prepare you for a rewarding career. They approach training with empathy, compassion, and openness, helping you develop job-ready skills. Support includes recorded assessment walkthroughs, academic support sessions, additional resources, professional development opportunities, peer support, practical practice sessions via Zoom, and online recorded training.
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 CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Services (Case Management):
- If you are currently working in the Community Services industry, you are required to complete:
- at least 100 hours of work placement for CHCDEV005 - Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services,
- and at least 100 hours of work placement for CHCCSM013 - Facilitate and review case management.
- the hours must total at least 200 hours.
- If you are not currently working in the Community Services industry you are required to undertake an additional twenty (20) hours in addition to the 200 hours, to provide the opportunity to practice the skills that are required.
- 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.
FAQs
Upskilled currently offers a diploma-level qualification in case management. This course is nationally-recognised and delivered online, allowing you to tend to your work and personal commitments without interruption.
The case management course can prepare you for the role of case manager where you help clients solve complex problems when it comes to their everyday life; some of these clients may have co-existing mental health and drugs and alcohol issues. You'll also have the opportunity to undertake work placement where you get to experience real-work scenarios that can prepare you for a career in case management.
If you complete a relevant qualification in case management, you have the potential to pursue career outcomes as a case manager or centre manager, depending on your career goals. Case managers generally work in a variety of work settings and there are plenty of opportunities where you can have flexible working options and the ability to work part-time.
To enrol in the CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) course, you'll need to first fill in an enquiry form via our website. The following details are needed so your education consultant can best assist you when it comes to your enquiry. These include:
- Your Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
In order to learn more information about you, we also need you to answer the question, What best describes you? This will help your education consultant understand your current career trajectory and what you're aiming for in a course. You'll need to choose one of the statements that best matches you:
- I'm starting my career
- I'm looking to change careers
- I'm returning to work
- I'm looking for a promotion
- I want to expand my skill set
Once you submit your course enquiry, one of our education consultants will be in touch within 48 hours. During your consultation, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions regarding payment options, course content and career outcomes you can pursue if you complete the case management course.