Overview

The Diploma in Human Services is a professional human services course that ensures you are challenged by comprehensive up to date knowledge and experience discipline-specific, practical and applied training. In this course you will develop critical thinking skills, knowledge of theoretical frameworks and practical skills that will provide a basis for employment opportunities in the community services sector.

You will practice applying your knowledge through case studies, group work, essays, the completion of practical exercises, professional placements and research activities.

It is an eight unit course that transforms students into ‘work-ready’ graduates over a two trimester, full time load.

Why Choose This Course?

Human services play a critical role in society. It is an expanding field that serves people of all cultures and contexts and so it looks to employ qualified staff from all cultures and contexts.

Course Outcomes

The Diploma in Human Services provides you with entry level knowledge of core theories, principles, and practice for application in a range of paraprofessional contexts in the human services and allied health fields.

Possible Career 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 Diploma in 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.

Employment 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.

Entry Requirements

Academic and English language Entry Requirements are available here.

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.

Additional Course Specific Entry Requirements

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.

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).

English Language 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.

Study Units

Location:

This course is delivered at the Adelaide campus.

Full time study duration:

• By standard study mode (2 trimesters per academic year) = 1 years full time equivalent

The course structure: 8 core units; including Professional practice placements equivalent to 2 units. The course diagram provides an overview of the Diploma in Human Services course structure, as well as possible pathway courses. 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 studies, you will have the opportunity to engage with a broad range of Human Services organisations that are engaged in serving our local community.

Graduate Attributes and Skills

Graduates of the Diploma in Human Services course will be entry level professionals who:

• apply knowledge of theory and practice in the human services environment
• demonstrate understanding and knowledge in the underlying principles and concepts of human services policy delivery
• critically review and analyse administrative and discipline-specific knowledge and practice, and synthesise information for effective decision making
  review and analyse knowledge and practice, and synthesise information for effective decision making.
• apply technical skills to solve human services problems through critical thinking and informed judgement and awareness of professional practice
• communicate knowledge and skills, and ideas with clarity and coherence
• apply knowledge and skills with initiative and informed judgment
• work collaboratively in teams
• adapt knowledge, concepts, and technical skills in diverse contexts and settings; and
• demonstrate responsibility and accountability in the application of knowledge and skills for professional practice.

Course Accreditation

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

Provider registration number: PRV14279

Course ID: CRS1400642

The Diploma in Human Services is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Academic Calendar and Enrolment Dates

Special/Alternative Admission Arrangements

Please refer to the Extended Course Information for details on Entry Requirements.

Detailed Fees & Charges

Applications

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.

Assessment of Applications

Applications are typically assessed within a 5 day period however delays may apply in peak periods.

Your application for admission is assessed by an Admissions Advisor.

Applicants who apply to undertake a course of study must submit certified documentary evidence to demonstrate that they meet the published entry requirements of their chosen course. An original or certified copy of documentation must be provided and sighted by the Admissions Advisor.

Qualifications submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified official translation.

Where there is any doubt about the authenticity of any documentation provided, the Admissions Advisor may correspond with the issuer of the document and make relevant enquiries.

All non-standard (non-typical) applications and their assessment are validated by the Academic Director.

Enrolment Variation Options

Students may apply to take a leave of absence from a course (defer) for up to 12 months in duration. International students can only access a leave of absence during a course in limited circumstances (compassionate and compelling circumstances) including:

• Serious illness or injury, where a medical certificate states that the student was unable to attend classes
• Instances where EQUALS is unable to offer a prerequisite unit
• An intervention strategy for students at risk of not meeting satisfactory course progress
• Bereavement of close family members such as parents or grandparents
• Major political upheaval or natural disaster in the home country that require emergency travel and this has impacted on the student’s studies
• A traumatic experience which could include:
• Involvement in, or witnessing of a serious accident, or
• Witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime, and this has impacted on the student (these cases should be supported by police or psychologists’ reports)
• Inability to begin due to a delay in receiving a student visa.

For more details please refer to Enrolment Variation Policy and Procedure.

Credit for Prior Learning and Advanced Standing

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.

The Credit for Prior Learning Policy and Procedure can be found on our Policies and Procedures page along with an application form.

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.

On completion of this course, you will receive a 12 month credit to the EQUALS Bachelor of Human Services course.

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.

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.

Appeals

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).

Student 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 contact us on +61 (0) 8 8110 1200 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.

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 programs 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

Can be accessed at here.

Further Information

We also recommend that you familiarise yourself with the documents on the Policies and Procedures so that you understand your obligations and rights and our obligations to you.

Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements are a vital and exciting part of your Diploma in 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 the insertion of 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 making them a double unit together in one study period or 20 credit points.

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 Diploma in 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

Other Requirements

Students wishing to enrol in PRAC 100 must attend the pre-placement workshop held the study period before placement begins. This will be the only compulsory pre-placement workshop as this workshop will function as orientation to EQUALS placement requirements overall.

Placement Duration

In fulfilment of placement engagement, students complete up to 120 hours which consists of the following:

PRAC 100 120 hours 16 hours per week

Placement Timing

Placements are offered in trimester 2. 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 the 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 WIL Human Services Manual for full details.

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