Diploma of Community Services
If you’re passionate about making a difference and are interested in social work, counselling or community development, attain a Diploma of Community Services qualification at Bedford College.
A Diploma of Community Services (online or in-person) provides students with the knowledge, skills and practical experience necessary to help others and create meaningful change as a community services professional.
Qualification
CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
- 12 month duration
- Part-time study available for Domestic students
- CRICOS Code: 113115E
Modes of delivery
Domestic students:
- Online: Students are provided with a training plan that sets out a course structure for students to follow at their own pace
- Face-to-face: Students attend college as per the class timetable set out for the course
International students:
- Face-to-face: Students attend college as per the class timetable set out for the course
Entry requirements
Domestic students:
- Successful completion of Year 10 (or equivalent)
- No ATAR is required
- Applicants undertake a Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment for the College to determine the level of assistance needed to support the student.
International students:
- Students must provide evidence of IELTS 5.5 (Academic) with no band lower than 5.0 score or equivalent (test must be completed within 2 years) and
- Successful completion of a qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12
- Provide a Statement of Purpose (SoP) for studying at Bedford College when applicable
- A minimum age of 18 years is required
Career outcomes
A community services diploma (online or face-to-face) will equip you with essential skills and knowledge to deliver social services to diverse people in the community who are most in need.
Many graduating students go on to fulfil the following career opportunities:
- Case Manager/Coordinator
- Domestic and Family Violence Worker
- Youth Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Family Services Coordinator
- Community Educator
- Trauma Support Officer
- Disability Team Leader
Attaining a Diploma of Community Services opens up a world of career prospects in a sector where demand is growing. Help address inequality and injustice experienced in marginalised communities by working closely with individuals to provide support, advocacy and resources. By completing a community services diploma online or face-to-face at Bedford, graduates can help vulnerable people overcome challenges to improve their quality of life.
Work placement
Bedford supports students to source a course related work placement.
Thanks to our 80-year legacy providing nationally recognised training, Bedford works closely with reputable industry partners. Students studying our Community Services courses are provided the opportunity to apply for a work placement with one of our partners. Many students go on to secure employment offers upon graduation.
Students completing community services course have a minimum of 200 mandatory hours of work placement over the duration of the course.
Note: For students over the age of 18 years who engage in child-related work, must by law a hold a valid and current Working with Children Check before attending work placement.
Prerequisites for undertaking work placement:
- Current Police Check
- Working with Children Check
- NDIS Worker Check
- Student Photo ID
- Covid Certificate
- Proof of Flu vaccination
- Proof of Immunisations
Further studies
Some of our graduates choose to undertake further study upon completion of their Diploma of Community Services.
Bedford College have arrangements with high-ranking universities to provide articulation pathways (with credit) towards Bachelor degree programs. As the formal agreements are subject to periodic change, it is best to contact us directly for the most up-to-date information.
Course subjects
Diploma of Community Services core units:
- CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs
- CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
- CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
- CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management
- 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
- CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
- HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
- CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
Diploma of Community Services elective units:
- CHCCSM016 Undertake advanced assessments
- CHCCSM014 Provide case management supervision
- CHCMHS013 Implement trauma informed care
- CHCPRT027 Work collaboratively to maintain an environment safe for children and young people
- CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk
- CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care
- CHCCCS033 Identify and report abuse
- CHCDFV006 Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence
Intakes
Bedford offers students flexibility when it comes to enrolment, allowing commencement of study across two study periods in a year.
- February
- April
- July
- October
Course costs
View our domestic student fees and international student fees.
Bedford College is an approved VET Student Loans (VSL) provider for Diploma level qualifications where students meet the eligibility requirements.
VSL is for domestic students only and is not available for international students.
Further information
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