Overview

This course gives graduates a variety of employment opportunities within the health, disability and community services industries. CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services equips you with the skills and knowledge to specialise in case management and coordination of services; course coordination; delivery of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communities; and new business development in the community services sector.

Our students enjoy a supportive learning environment where care and attention is given to their individual needs. Recognition of prior learning may apply.

Direct entry into the Diploma is available to eligible applicants.

This diploma provides a pathway into further study at Advanced Diploma level, and/or pathways to Higher Education qualifications in Social Work, Disability or Strategic Leadership.

For more information, please read our Student Handbook. You can access it here.

Alternatively, please contact admissions@equals.edu.au to have the handbook emailed to you.

Subsidised Training

If you want to study a course that will give you skills employers need, the South Australian Government pays part of your course fees for you.

Your eligibility for government subsidised training may be based on your employment status and any training you’ve already completed.

Check your eligibility here.

Entry Requirements

Entry to Diploma study at EQUALS requires:
Successful completion of Year 12 in an Australian secondary school system or its equivalent; or
Completion of a Certificate III or equivalent; or Mature Age Entry.

Applicants who have completed previous study in Community Services, Aged Care or Disability will be well regarded.

Domestic applicants will be required to demonstrate adequate literacy and numeracy skills at pre-admission interview through formal assessment, such as the CSPA test.

Current and valid Department of Communities & Social Inclusion (DCSI) Screening Checks for working with Children, with Vulnerable People and in the Aged Care Sector, & Physical Fitness are required for this course.

If you do not hold a current DCSI check, you are required to apply through DCSI at the time of application for enrolment at EQUALS. A DCSI check must be acquired prior to industry placement. Visit http://www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/services/screening for further information.

Please note that the outcome of your DCSI screening check may affect industry placement opportunities, and that this is at the discretion of placement host facilities.

Current First Aid certification may be a requirement for industry placement; this is at the discretion of the industry host.

Study Units

Core Units

• CHCCCS004: Assess co-existing needs
• CHCCCS007: Develop and implement service programs
• CHCCSM012: Coordinate complex case requirements
• CHCCSM013: Facilitate and review case management
• CHCDEV005: Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
• CHCDIV001: Work with diverse people
• CHCLEG003: Manage legal and ethical compliance
• CHCMGT005: Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
• CHCPRP003: Reflect on and improve own professional practice
• HLTWHS003: Maintain work health and safety
• CHCCCS019: Recognise and respond to crisis situations
• CHCDFV001: Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
• CHCDIV002: Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

Elective Units offered by EQUALS

• CHCCSL001: Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
• CHCCSL003: Facilitate the counselling relationship process
• CHCCSM016: Undertake advanced assessments
• CHCDEV004: Confirm developmental status
• CHCADV005: Provide systems advocacy services
• CHCCDE026: Develop and lead community engagement strategies to enhance participation
• CHCCSL007: Support counselling clients in decision-making processes

Work Integrated Learning

This course includes 160 hours of work placement in an approved industry setting. The placement is included as part of the course duration. No extra fees apply.

Nationally Recognised Training