Overview

This qualification reflects the roles of community services, case management and social housing workers involved in the managing, co-ordinating and/or delivering of person-centered 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. To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 100 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency.

Our Difference

Learner Characteristics and Target Group

Target groups for the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services are international students who are:

• Seeking to pursue a career in community services
• Seeking to enter a new industry sector
• Seeking a pathway to higher-level qualifications.

Characteristics of the target group are as follows:

Students may have had work and study experience if they have already completed the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support.

Credit and/or RPL can be provided for those with existing skills and knowledge allowing such students to complete the course in a shorter time frame.

Typically, students are between 18 – 35.

Students may be onshore students currently based in Australia or offshore students applying from overseas. Most students speak English as a second language and must satisfy English language proficiency in order to successfully enrol into the course.

Outcome

On successful completion of this course, students would receive Diploma of Community Services qualification. Graduates would have gained specialized communication skills, broad community services understanding and advocacy skills.

Requirement

Australian City International College has the following entry requirements:

International students must:

• Be at least 18 years of age and have completed the equivalent of Year 12.
• Participate in a course entry interview to determine suitability for the course and student needs.
• Have an IELTS* score of 5.5 (test results must be no more than 2 years old).  English language competence can also be demonstrated through documented evidence of any of the following:
  • Educated for 5 years in an English speaking country; or
  • Completed at least 6 months of a Certificate IV level course in an Australian RTO; or
  • Successful completion of an English Placement Test

*Note that other English language tests such as PTE and TOEFL can be accepted.  Students are required to provide their results so that it can be confirmed they are equivalent to IELTS 5.5

Assessment Method

Assessments may include short written knowledge tests, discussions and oral communication demonstrations, case study exercises, written reports, web-based research and reports, final projects, and final written exams. To perform at your best, you will probably need to work on the assessments outside of class time.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Students who have completed relevant studies or have some of the competencies in the course may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Application for RPL can be made with the initial application or can be made within two weeks of the course commencement using the RPL Application Form and by providing supporting documents. Please note that RPL cannot result in an international student having less than a full-time load of study (20 hours per week) but can reduce the overall duration of the course and fees. See our Student Handbook for more information.

Credit

Students may apply for recognition of existing qualifications or skills, knowledge and experience (credit transfer or recognition of prior learning). The granting of course credit may affect course fees, as well as the duration of the course.

This process is outlined in Australian City International College Student Enrolment and Completion Policy and Associated Procedures and Training and Assessment Policy & Associated Procedures.

Pathways

Academic

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

Employment

Potential employment options are in a range of community services management roles.

Vocational Placement

All students enrolled in this course must undertake 200 hours of work placement.