Diploma Of Community Services

QUALIFICATION DESCRIPTION

Delivered from our both campuses Windsor (Regional NSW) and Sydney CBD near QVB and Town Hall Station, the Diploma of Community Services reflects the roles of community services workers involved in the managing, coordinating and/or delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communities.

At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously under broad directions from senior management. Workers are usually providing direct support to individuals or groups of individuals. Workers may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers and/or case management, program coordination or the development of new business opportunities.

Once you complete the Diploma of community services course, you will be qualified to work as a community services worker, family support worker, client services manager, community development officer, case manager, service manager, and/or program coordinator.

Skills and experience include

• Developing and implement service programs
• Developing workplace communication strategies
• Analysing impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services
• Managing and promoting diversity
• Managing legal and ethical compliance
• Facilitating workplace debriefing and support processes
• Reflecting on and improving own professional practice
• Managing work health and safety
• Developing and maintaining networks and collaborative partnerships
• Researching and applying evidence to practice
• Promoting and representing the service
• Assessing and promoting social, emotional and physical wellbeing
• Planning health promotion and community intervention
• Facilitating the empowerment of older people
• Recognising healthy body systems
• Following safe work practices for direct client care

To achieve this qualification, you must have completed a mandatory 400 hours of work placement.

More information can be found at https://training.gov.au/training/details/chc52015

For students looking to study in regional NSW, please contact us and speak to our friendly admission team.

You can find out more about our community services and ageing support courses, as well as  short courses offered from our Sydney campus, by calling us on (02) 89 646 457 or contacting us online.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

This course is offered to international students who can meet the entry requirements stated on the enrolment form:

Minimum requirements:

• Are over the age of 18
• a valid IELTS score of 5.5 with no score below 5.0 in any band, or equivalent(refer to www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/stud/more/student-visa-english-language-requirements)
• Have completed Year 12 or an equivalent secondary schooling level of a Higher School Certificate or can demonstrate suitable work or life experience
• A valid passport
• have successfully completed their Year 12 or equivalent in the English Language
• Certified copies of Academic Transcripts and Certificates
• Physically fit to complete mandatory work placement hours

Additional Work Placement requirements:

• Possess a Police check (which is required for placement) using the link https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police-checks
• Have a reasonable level of fitness to complete manual and physically demanding tasks, such as bending, lifting, and standing for long periods of time.
• Updated Vaccination/immunisation Records (influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines)
• Working with Children Check using link https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/working-children-check

Please refer to the International Student Handbook on newerainstitute.edu.au for information on your rights and responsibilities and services provided by New Era Institute.

PACKAGING RULES

Total number of units is 16

• 8 core units
• 8 elective units

PREREQUISITES

There are no prerequisites for this qualification.

COURSE DURATION AND LOCATION

104 weeks comprising of 80 scheduled tuition weeks (including 20 weeks of work placement) and 24 weeks of holidays (breaks between terms).

This course is delivered at both campuses (Sydney CBD and Windsor (Regional NSW)). Our facilities include classrooms with data projectors and whiteboards, a simulated work placement activities, private study space and free Wi-fi service. 

DELIVERY METHOD

This course is delivered 20 hours per week of face to face classroom sessions, 400 hours of Work Placement and each week of the course has approximately 10 hours of self-study time.

Classroom Training 

The course will be delivered in the classroom for theory-based learning giving students the opportunity to share ideas, discuss and explore core concepts, and practice skills before applying them in their work placement. 

PLACEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

Students will be required to complete 400 hours of work placement (equals to 20 weeks in total) starting from term 4.

Placements will be in a community services facility. New Era Institute has agreements with workplaces to provide suitable placements for students. Students are encouraged to look for their workplace facility to complete their work placement hours.

Students who need help are encouraged to request support from their trainer and Students Services.

Students will have access to New Era Institute facilities when they are not attending placement to conduct self-study or research and or complete assessment tasks. During training sessions students will also have access to the simulation room to learn and practice skills such as performing activities of daily living tasks for their clients, using the equipment before the placement begins.

Work Placement 

Students will complete 400 hours of work placement in total.  

Work placement is designed to: 

• Gain invaluable experience in a real work environment
• Complete and receive feedback on practical work
• Develop an understanding of workplace expectations and practices
• Observe experienced staff completing tasks
• Develop an understanding of workplace policies and procedures
• Form networks that may assist with future job opportunities

Additional Work Placement requirements:

• Possess a Police check (which is required for placement) using the link https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police-checks
• Have a reasonable level of fitness to complete manual and physically demanding tasks, such as bending, lifting, and standing for long periods of time.
• Updated Vaccination/immunisation Records (influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines)
• Working with Children Check using link https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/working-children-check

Please refer to the International Student Handbook on newerainstitute.edu.au for information on your rights and responsibilities and services provided by New Era Institute.

Assessment Arrangements

Assessment will be conducted individually. Access to the e-Learning portal (Moodle) will be given to students to assist them in their learning journey. You will be provided with a Student Assessment Booklet for each unit of competency which includes:

• A full description of all assessment tasks for the unit of competency
• Assessment instructions for each unit of competency
• Assessment resources for each unit of competency
• Details about when the assessment will occur
• Details about assessment submission

There are a variety of assessment methods used for this qualification including:

• Written questions and tests
• Practical demonstrations
• Roleplay/simulation
• Case studies
• Logbook and Third-Party Reports

Students are required to have their own reliable electronic devices (e.g. iPad, laptop, notebook, or desktop computer) with MS office package installed (e.g. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and broadband internet connection to study and complete this course. Students who need help and more information may contact student support.

The computer lab is accessible during business hours to all students with free Wi-Fi at New Era Institute campus. Printing and scanning facilities are also available using NEI student cards.

COURSE CREDIT

Students can apply for credit transfer (CT) where there is an exact match of units of competency within the course achieved through an accredited VET qualification from an approved registered training organisation (RTO).

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If a credit transfer is approved, the student’s Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) will be adjusted to reflect any reduction in the period of study the student is enrolled in. The study load will remain the scheduled 20 hours per week as per the student visa requirements.

*Please refer to the International Student Handbook for more information on Credit Transfer. You may contact Student Services department to find out on how to apply via contact us. 

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

Students can apply for recognition of their existing skills and knowledge that are relevant to the units of competency within the course. These skills and knowledge may have been obtained through workplace training or experience and may reduce the number of units required to be completed during the course.

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

If RPL is approved, the student’s Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) will be adjusted to reflect any reduction in the period of study the student is enrolled in. The study load will remain the scheduled 20 hours per week as per the student visa requirements.

*Please refer to the International Student Handbook for more information on Recognition of Prior Learning. You may contact Student Services department to find out on how to apply via contact us. 

Exit point           

Students who did not complete this course may receive an academic record (statement of attainment SOA).

EDUATION AND CAREER PATHWAYS 

EDUCATION PATHWAY

Students who complete this course may wish to continue their education into courses such as CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management or higher education qualification in community services.

CAREER PATHWAYS 

Possible career paths include

Once you complete this course, you will be qualified to work as a community services worker, family support worker, client services manager, community development officer, case manager, service manager, and/or program coordinator.

FEES AND CHARGES

International students

For more information about the tuition fees and other charges, please click on Fees and Charges.

PAYMENT METHOD

• • Pay by credit card (A processing fee of 1.75% applies)
  • By Electronic Fund Transfer (Preferred) or direct bank deposit to the nominated bank account stated on the letter of offer.

HOW TO ENROL

If you would like to enrol, please complete the enrolment form (click Enrol now on the homepage or email your request). You may contact our office on +61 2 89 646 457 or via contact us

DOWNLOAD THE COURSE BROCHURE

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