CRS1400640 Bachelor of Human Services

The Bachelor of Human Services is a professional, integrated and comprehensive human services course that offers comprehensive up to date knowledge and experience discipline-specific, practical and applied training. From core learning and the development of critical skills and thinking, through to the development of ethical practice and professionalism, you’ll emerge as a competent practitioner.

You will expand and practice applying your knowledge through latest case studies, unique problem solving, group collaboration, essays, practical exercises, unique professional placements, action research, and quizzes.

You will become a ‘work-ready’ graduate with acquired knowledge and experience in all aspects of contemporary human services. You’ll gain both depth and breadth in human services as well as study more specialised options.

As a graduate of EQUALS you will:

demonstrate a commitment to the service of humanity through an expression of humility and compassion
advocate for diversity, justice, and equality and seek to empower others
demonstrate professional competence in all aspects of human services and community work delivery
strive to maintain the highest professional standards of care and personal integrity; and
be committed to continuing to improve your own professional practice through learning and the acquisition of new knowledge and skills.

The Bachelor of Human Services is recognised by the *Australian Community Workers Association.

* Bachelor degree level courses must be delivered over a minimum of three academic years) of full time study (or part-time equivalent) to satisfy ACWA accreditation requirements. As such, Students seeking to meet ACWA requirements for migration skills assessment must undertake the standard study mode and not the accelerated study mode. Students should seek advice from ACWA for their specific situation.

Nested Courses

The Bachelor of Human Services includes one shorter award course, or nested course:

Diploma in Human Services– Students who have successfully completed the first 8 units of the Bachelor of Human Services may enrol in or exit with the Diploma.

Entry Requirements

Qualify for Special Entry

Applicants in any category whose study, work or life experiences have been impacted by disability, illness or family disruption will be given special consideration for admission. Each application will be considered on its merit, based on the evidence supplied by the applicant attesting to the circumstances of the applicant.

Applicants for special entry may need to complete written or numerical tasks to assist with assessing eligibility for admission.

Interview

Applicants participate in an admissions interview in person or via a web-based video meeting. This is an important opportunity to meet an Admissions Advisor who will spend time understanding your application and career goals. It is also an ideal opportunity to ask questions and learn more about student life at EQUALS.

English Requirements

English Language proficiency requirements are applicable to international students and in addition to academic or special entry requirements noted in the Entry Requirements section. Discover English language Entry Requirements.

Additional Course Specific Entry Requirements

Regardless of your nominated entry pathway, you are required to support your application by demonstrating your capacity to meet the academic, ethical and participation demands of your program of choice at interview or, where requested by Admissions staff, through a written statement of purpose (SoP).

Career Pathways

Further Pathways

The human services sector is a vital part of any vibrant community and offers a wide variety of opportunity and career pathways both in Australia and internationally. People seeking a career in the human services sector seek to create positive change through better access to health and wellbeing services. They have a curiosity to learn and to adapt to our changing world. Most importantly, they demonstrate a commitment to serve others.

A number of factors in Australia are contributing to a need for more Bachelor of Human Services graduates:

Family and young people – expanding need
Growing aging population
Migration
New funding initiatives in the aged care and disability sectors
Homeless and social need
Juvenile justice
Community development
Support services for women, children, young people, older people, migrant and refugee resettlement, rehabilitation services, policy and program development.

Job opportunities are strong with growing demand for human service graduates in a range of areas. Human Service graduates can consider careers such as:

Health Promotion Officer
Welfare Worker/Community Worker
Family Support Officer
Community Development Officer
Project Manager
Social Researcher
Welfare Worker/Community Worker (i.e. outreach, community services, child protection, family services, recovery support, youth, placement support, bushfire case support program, intake and mobile support, welfare, community liaison, disaster relief, preservation case)
Counsellor (i.e. abuse, wellbeing, telephone)
Officer (i.e. juvenile probation, child safety, tenancy, community development, policy development, child safety, client services, intake and assessment)
Practitioner (i.e. child protection)
Advocate (i.e. disability)
Analyst (i.e. policy, change)
Job Coach
Project Manager
Case Manager

Types of career advancement jobs when you have 3 or more years of work experience after you graduate:

Health Service Manager
Welfare Manager
Case Manager
Regional Manager
Program Manager
Coordinator (i.e. kinship and family care, roster, community services, support, Aboriginal services, placement services, disability services, local area, service delivery).
Team Leader (i.e. disability services team, gambling)
Manager (i.e. allied services and wellbeing, intake and support, family wellbeing, service, consumer engagement)
Chief Operations Officer
Senior Officer
Services Manager (i.e. family participation)
Operations Manager (i.e. child, youth, family).

Types of employers and services where you may work include:

Councils
Individuals
Not for profit organisations
Government agencies
Community services
Healthcare services
Social services
Unemployment services
Rehabilitation services
Remand services
Peak bodies
Social services
Healthcare providers
Aged care organisations
Hospitals
Justice providers
Service providers related to crime
Schools
Family based care providers
Private care providers
Specially funded projects.

Course Structure

Study Units

Full time study duration:

By standard study mode (2 trimesters per academic year) = 3 years full time equivalent

The course structure: This course has 14 core units; 4 elective units and 3 trimesters of timetabled professional practice placement, which involves 528 hours of supervised placement across the second and third years of standard study mode. This enables graduates to qualify for ACWA membership at the end of their course. View a copy of the Course Diagram.

Professional practice placements represent the equivalent of one (10 credit point) unit in each of the Study Periods they appear.

One 200-level elective must be chosen in each of Study Periods 3 and 4. Electives may be chosen from the following units:

MGT200 Accountability, risk, and safety
FIN200 Financial management and decision making
HUM201 Casework and case management
200 Grief, Trauma and Resilience

One 300-level elective must be chosen in each of Study Periods 5 and 6. Electives may be chosen from the following units:

MGT300 Contemporary issues in human services and health management
SOC300 Critical social theories
PSY300 The theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy

In the first year, the course includes the following core, foundational units:

Introduction to social and human services in Australia (100 level)
Principles of professional practice and business management skills (100 level)
Communications skills for human services professionals (100 level)
Culture, diversity, and gender (100 level)
Legal and ethical dimensions of human services practice (100 level)
Foundations of psychology (100 level).

As part of your first-year studies, you will have the opportunity to engage with a broad range of Human Services organisations that are engaged in serving our local community. This exposure to what is a highly diverse sector will prepare you for professional practice industry placements in your second and third year.

Practical placement units occur in the fourth and sixth trimester of the course, or as negotiated, authorised alternative in special circumstances.

A minimum of 400 hours of equivalent practical placements is required to meet the professional experience requirements for registration with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).

Course Accreditation

EQUALS is a registered Higher Education Provider under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Act 2011 and the Bachelor of Human Services is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Provider registration number: PRV14279

Course ID: CRS1400640

The Bachelor of Human Services is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework

The Bachelor of Human Services has received provisional accreditation with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).

Course Outcomes

The Bachelor of Human Services provides you with a broad and cohesive knowledge of key theories and practice relevant to the human services for application in a range of professional contexts and to instil a commitment to sustainable practice and ongoing professional development and learning.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Human Services will be able to:

Apply a broad, coherent and integrated knowledge of theory and practice in the human services environment
Demonstrate a depth of knowledge in the underlying principles and concepts of human services including policy development, ethics and legal practice, financial management, people management, and specific policy areas as a basis for ethical professional practice and independent learning
Critically review and analyse administrative and discipline-specific knowledge and practice, and synthesise information for effective decision making
Apply technical and creative skills to manage core human services operations and resolve problems and difficulties through critical and innovative thinking and informed judgement in accordance with ethical and professional business practices
Communicate knowledge, skills, and ideas with clarity and coherence to develop and influence collaborative and cooperative relationships with business, industry, and clinical stakeholders
Apply knowledge and skills with initiative and informed judgment in human services planning, problem solving and decision making processes
Work collaboratively in teams
Adapt knowledge, concepts, and technical skills in diverse contexts and settings
Demonstrate responsibility and accountability in the application of knowledge and skills for professional practice, ongoing professional development, and when working in collaboration with stakeholders.

Work Integrated Learning (Placement)

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements are a vital and exciting part of your Bachelor of Human Services course. This section contains comprehensive information about your placement.

Please be aware that WIL placements as timetabled every second trimester are a compulsory component of your course.

Your timetable preserves Thursdays and Fridays for you to undertake your practice placement (Prac) study load.

Each Prac A and B are equivalent to a full time unit of study of 10 credit points across 12 weeks and are timetabled together, with some scheduled classes for follow up and direct learning making them a double unit together in one study period or 20 credit points.

This enables flexibility for negotiating actual Prac hours with the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) partner. EQUALS endeavours to arrange required placement hours to fit both your host and your own preferences as best as practicable.

What EQUALS does for you:

The WIL Advisor consults with you regarding your professional interests and placement availability
Books and confirms the placement with both parties and advises the Course Coordinator and placement supervisor
Advises of checks and clearances required, contact details and exact costs *as there may be additional costs during placement
Orders your T-Shirt uniform in the correct size.

Duration	528 Professional Practice Placement hours over two 20 credit point units – undertaken at 16 hours per week in every second study period which add up to the total of 720 study hours including scaffolded tutorials and assessments throughout.
Timing	Placements are undertaken in every second study period.
Academic Prerequisites	See the appropriate Study Guide
Other Requirements	Complete the prerequisite subject PRAC 100 (this provides orientation to practicum units overall)
Placement settings and fields of practice	o Two placements must be in different fields of practice and with different organizations. o At least one placement must entail direct service delivery
Documentation for police and screening checks	https://screening.dcsi.sa.gov.au/screening-process/how-to-apply
Conduct while on placement	You are expected to follow: o Policies and procedures in this manual. o EQUALS Student Code of Conduct. o Placement WIL Partner Policies and procedures. o ACWA Code of Ethics. o The EQUALS Student Placement Agreement.
Class participation	Integration seminars and tutorials.
Supervision	Provided through: o Work Integrated Learning Partner Supervisor-a qualified human service/welfare worker with a minimum of two years’ experience. o Facilitator – a Professional Practice Placement Coordinator.
Learning and assessment	o Professional Practice Placement Learning Agreement. o Hours Log. o Mid/Final Placement Assessment Report. Assessment pieces (refer to Study Guide) which may include seminars, tutorial activities, reflective journal, essays, case studies, practice-based plans, exams, client assessment reports, group program development.

Work Integrated Learning Experience Requirements

Academic

Students must pass the prerequisite units before beginning placement.

Three Professional Practice Placement Units

In order to receive the award of a Bachelor of Human Services degree, students must complete the following units and are directed to the respective Study Guides for unit specific information:

PRAC 100: Professional Practice Placement Introductory

PRAC 200: Professional Practice Placement Intermediate

PRAC 300: Professional Practice Placement Advanced

Placement Duration

In fulfilment of placement requirements, students complete a total of 528 hours which consists of the following:

PRAC 100 120 hours 16 hours per week

PRAC 200 204 hours 16 hours per week

PRAC 300 204 hours 16 hours per week

Hours must be completed during the WIL Partner’s normal working hours provided and to a maximum of 8 hours per day. Any hours worked over this should be taken as time in lieu during the placement period according to the WIL Partner policies.

Placement Timing

Placements are offered in trimester 2, trimester 4 and trimester 6. Placements have to be completed within one teaching period. Small variations including extensions may be approved by the Professional Practice Placement Coordinator.

Placement Setting

The following are essential requirements:

Two of the three placements must be in different fields of practice
Two of the three placements should be in different organisations
At least two of the three placements must involve face-to-face, direct service delivery.

As a general rule, WIL Partners do not accept students who have been former service users and do not accept students who have relatives or partners working in the same office or in senior positions in the WIL Partner.

WIL Partners

EQUALS maintains a range of professional relationships with WIL Partners across the sectors including disability, health, ageing, early childhood education and youth.

Screening Checks

EQUALS requires higher education students to undergo a screening check for five types of screening prior to commencement of placement. These types of screening are: child related employment, disability services employment, aged care sector employment, vulnerable person employment and general employment probity.

Students are required to have a current Screening Check clearance letter prior to the commencement of the Professional Practice Placement. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the clearance letter remains current for the duration of the placement. The Placement Coordinator can assist the student with this application process.

Further information can be obtained from the DCSI website at:

http://screening.dcsi.sa.gov.au/screening-process/how-to-apply

EQUALS insurance covers public liability and personal accidents whilst on placement, but personal property is not covered. Please consult the PPP Human Services Manual for full details.

Please visit the WIL Hub on EQOnline for further placement related questions and documentation requirements.

Fees and Funding Options

Tuition Fee	66,192
Amenities Fee	$305

Tuition Fee	79,440
Student Services Fee	$305

How to Apply

Applications

Please feel free to ask us a question to find out more, or if you’re ready, please submit an online Application for enrolment by clicking here.

If you have any questions about this course please feel free to contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@equals.edu.au providing your preferred contact details and we will get back to you as soon as practicable. Expressions of Interest for a particular course of study can be made at any time.

Offers and Acceptance

If you are made an offer to study at EQUALS, you will receive a Letter of Offer which will include step-by-step details on how to accept your offer. This Letter of Offer is based on the documented evidence provided and subject to the application meeting the published entry criteria. It is important that you carefully read and understand the Letter of Offer. Any conditions of the offer are clearly specified in the Letter of Offer.

If you have any questions, please contact an Admissions Advisor at +61 8 8110 1200 or by email at admissions@equals.edu.au.

Applications are assessed in accordance with the Student Selection and Admissions Policy and Procedure.

Credit Transfer

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have completed formal studies in a similar area or have work experience you may be eligible for credit through a recognition for prior learning pathway.

Read through the Credit for Prior Learning Policy and Procedure carefully and consider your readiness to apply. When ready, you may submit an Application webform together with your supporting evidence.

If you wish to be granted credit for prior study or learning, please apply for credit for recognition of prior learning on the associated form with your application for enrolment.

Graduate Attributes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Human Services course will be professional practitioners who:

demonstrate a commitment to the service of humanity through an expression of humility and compassion
advocate for diversity, justice, and equality and seek to empower others
demonstrate professional competence in all aspects of human services and community work delivery
strive to maintain the highest professional standards of care and personal integrity; and
are committed to continuing to improve their own professional practice through learning and the acquisition of new knowledge and skills.

As a graduate you will be:

equipped with the cognitive and analytical skills, judgement, and decision making abilities necessary to succeed in the human services/health management sector
encouraged and enabled to be advocates of lifelong learning and ethical practice
well-equipped to achieve your own goals and ambitions within the sector
eligible for membership of professional groups, organisations, and industry peak bodies; and
equipped with skills and attributes to continue on to further study.

Additional Resources

Orientation Week

Following enrolment and prior to commencing the course, you’ll be invited to attend a compulsory, comprehensive Student Orientation program.

The Orientation program will introduce you to EQUALS and orient you to various aspects of life and study with EQUALS, including:

Life and responsibilities at EQUALS in Adelaide
All about your course – the Diploma in Human Services
Meet some of your educators and ask some questions
Introduction to Work Integrated Learning
Surviving and thriving with EQOnline
Accessing resources and using Library Services
Study Skills
Academic Integrity
Academic Writing and Research Skills
Student Support
Understanding your Rights and Obligations (International Students)
Your Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Student voice and representation: valuing and caring for each other and EQUALS
Social and networking events with fellow students, employers and EQUALS staff.

Support Services

EQUALS staff are available to support you, both before you enrol and following your enrolment. You can chat with us via live web chat or alternatively contact a Student Services Advisor by submitting a Student Services Support Ticket.

Our support services include:

academic issues
general study assistance
disability support
pastoral care (including help with personal, social issues)
student grants
scholarships
study allowances and financial support (including child care assistance)
special needs assistance and
hardship related issues.

Additional external information can be found at the following websites:

Austudy provides financial support to eligible Australian students
Abstudy provides financial support to eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Being Well – Headspace is the national youth mental health foundation dedicated to improving the wellbeing of young Australians.
Student Start Up Loans provides information regarding financial assistance with initial study costs.
Student Payments and Scholarships outlines information from the Study Assist site, on payments and scholarships
Study Assist provides information for students about Australian Government help for tertiary study, including information about subsidised fees and government loans.
Youth Disability Supplement providing information for young students between the age of 18 and 22 living with different abilities.

Appeals & Withdrawals

EQUALS has established an appeal process to ensure that academic/non-academic student concerns (or matters) are treated in a transparent, timely and just manner. EQUALS ensures that you have access to a fair and equitable process for dealing with grievances and provides an avenue for you to appeal against decisions that might affect your progress.

An applicant may appeal against a decision to refuse admission to a course. The grounds for appeal are that the decision is inconsistent with EQUALS’ policy. Appeals must be made in writing and lodged with the Academic Director within twenty working days of the applicant receiving written notification of the decision to refuse their application.

The Academic Director responds in writing to the appeal within twenty working days and may confirm or vary the decision. All decisions made by the Academic Director regarding appeals are reviewed by the Board of Directors (Non-Academic grievances) or the Academic Board (Academic grievances).

If an applicant remains dissatisfied with the outcome of their appeal against a decision to refuse admission to a course they may utilise EQUALS’ Student Grievance Handling Policy and Procedure (Academic and Non-Academic).

Cancellation of Enrolment

Your enrolment may be cancelled if statements made by you in your application for enrolment are proven to be false.

You will be deemed to be no longer enrolled in a course if you have been excluded on academic or disciplinary grounds.

Intellectual Property

EQUALS makes no claim to ownership of intellectual property created by students in the course of their studies.

Student Representation

The student representative feedback important actions and news monthly to the class managers and the students via the student newsletter and social media.

Student Representation on the Academic Board

Students are represented on EQUALS’ Academic Board and on the Learning and Teaching Committee to provide input about the learning and teaching environment and any other matters that directly, or indirectly, affect students. This provides a mechanism for students to participate in the academic decision-making processes at EQUALS.

Students are advised of how they can nominate to become a member of the Academic Board as part of their Induction and Orientation program.

Student Representatives

Student Representatives are elected by students, for students. They are also an important communication link between student and the management at EQUALS. Student Representatives should be:

committed and caring individuals who are keen to support fellow students
able to represent peers in a just and positive manner, and
be able to identify innovations and improvements to courses and student services.

Student Representatives participate in regular meetings with key leadership staff and contribute to the overall operations and direction of EQUALS.

EQUALS Glossary of Terms

Available here.

Human Services Courses