CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services

CRICOS Course Code: 118876A    Campus locations: Sydney

COURSE  DESCRIPTION

This qualification focuses on the roles of workers across community services settings. Workers are involved in delivering specialised services and direct support to individuals, or groups and communities. There may be some case management directed by senior management. There may be supervision of other workers and volunteers.

ENTRY  REQUIREMENTS

This course is open to both international and domestic students aged 18 years and over. Applicants are required to provide evidence of meeting the academic and English language entry requirements. Student visa requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances. Students should refer to the Department of Home Affairs website www.homeaffairs.gov.au/  or seek advice from a registered migration agent.

Academic Requirements:

• Successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent and/or above – or
• Experience in an aged care or nursing environment;

English Language Requirements as follows:

• IELTS 6.0 overall (no less than 5.5 in each band) or equivalent test result, or General English / EAP at the Upper Intermediate level from an approved ELICOS provider

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) Skills

As part of the Standards for RTOs 2025 set by the Department of Education, all students are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills assessment before enrolment. This helps us ensure that you have the core skills needed to successfully complete your chosen course. If the assessment identifies any support needs, the College will provide reasonable assistance or learning support to help you meet the course requirements.

Any AQF qualification at the Certificate IV or above in any discipline area delivered and assessed in English only will be deemed as meeting the English language entry requirement.

 

 

Work placement Requirement

Participants must be able to perform the physical requirements of the role, including manual handling and the use of equipment within a community services setting.  120 hours of unpaid practical placement must be completed in a recognised and approved facility deemed suitable for meeting the course requirements. Entry to work placement for the practical assessment is conditional upon the successful completion of the relevant theory units, which must be completed prior to commencing the practical assessment.

The College will support students in securing a suitable work placement provider within 25 km of the campus. Students currently employed in the industry may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for their work hours or may nominate their employer as a placement provider. All such requests must be submitted to the Clinical Facilitator for assessment of suitability and to facilitate the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the facility.

The practical component is a substantial and mandatory part of the course and must be successfully completed to be eligible for certification. Participants must be of suitable fitness and good health to safely undertake the required duties.

Prior to commencing work placement, students must obtain a valid Police Clearance Certificate, either an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check or NSW Police Check, which must be no more than three years old. A Working with Children Check and relevant immunisation requirements are also mandatory. These checks must be completed in a timely manner prior to work placement allocation.

 

DURATION

The CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services has a duration of 104 weeks.

Students attend the College for 15 hours per week for classroom-based learning, practical activities, and assessment.

In addition, students undertake a structured study program through the online learning platform, completing approximately 5 hours of study per week on a unit-by-unit basis.

To maximise learning outcomes, students are expected to complete self-directed study in their own time. Students will also undertake a 120-hour work placement, which is scheduled as part of the program.

 

CAREER  OPPORTUNITIES

People pursuing a career in a case worker community worker role in a community setting.

Graduates may seek employment in the following jobs:

• Community services worker
• Early intervention worker
• Group facilitator
• Program coordinator
• Youth officer
• Welfare worker
• Case worker

 

PATHWAYS

After achieving the Diploma of Community Services, you have several pathway options. You can complete further study such as social work and counselling at university depending on your grades. This is on an individual application basis.

 

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE AND COURSE CONTENT

Study 20 units to gain your qualification

Our course has been designed to meet the requirements for the CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services.

It contains 20 Units; 12 Core units and 8 Elective units:

Core units
CHCLEG003	Manage legal and ethical compliance
CHCCCS004	Assess co-existing needs
CHCCCS007	Develop and implement service programs
CHCCCS019	Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCSM017	Facilitate and review case management
CHCDEV005	Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
CHCDFV001	Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
CHCDIV001	Work with diverse people
CHCDIV002	Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCMGT005	Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
CHCPRP003	Reflect on and improve own professional practice
HLTWHS003	Maintain work health and safety
Elective units
CHCMHS001	Work with people with mental health issues
CHCCOM003	Develop workplace communication strategies
CHCDIV003	Manage and promote diversity
CHCCSL001	Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCPRP001	Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
CHCADV002	Provide advocacy and representation services
CHCCCS038	Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
BSBPEF401	Manage personal health and wellbeing

*Units are subject to change in line with training package requirements, regulatory updates, and Mercury Colleges’ course delivery arrangements.

 

DELIVERY  STRUCTURE

Delivery is a combination of methods to cover the theory and practice requirements:

• Workshops for developing your theory knowledge such as anatomy and medications and care plans.
• Supplementary learning online for each unit in theory and skills and case studies.
• Demonstrations then practice giving you that valuable practice time before you go to the work place.
• Self-paced study and support to embed your learning and practical skills.
• Work placements to apply your skills.

 

ASSESSMENT  STRUCTURE

As this is a nationally recognised qualification, you will be required to successfully complete all units to a standard so that you are job ready. Each unit contains assessments which include:

• Practical demonstrations where you will be observed by one of our assessors in a simulated environment and at your work placement.
• Knowledge based tests which contain written short answer questions.
• Projects which contain written tasks for you to investigate and complete in your own.

 

RESOURCE  REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to have access to a laptop or computer to complete learning activities, assessments and course requirements both in class and outside of scheduled study hours. Access to on-campus computer facilities is subject to availability. Students will be provided with access to the College’s online learning platform, which contains course materials, learning resources, and assessment tools.

COURSE CREDIT AND/OR RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Students may be entitled to gain course credit and/or recognition before or after commencing the course that will exempt them from completing one or more units of competency. The Student Handbook contains more information.

EXIT POINT/AWARD

Students that successfully complete all units of competency as stated in the Qualification and Structure will be issued with CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services by Mercury Colleges. This qualification is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

 

INTAKES

Mercury Colleges offers rolling intakes with one scheduled each block.