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         We need more Community Service workers. Demand for services are increasing, and a study conducted by the Social Policy Research Centre at UNSW Sydney had some alarming news: There is significant unmet demand for community services in Australia, and vulnerable people are struggling to access services and get the help they need. In fact, three in five community sector workers reported an increase in the numbers of clients their service was unable to support during 2019.

There’s nothing more important than offering help to people during their most vulnerable times. Unfortunately, family violence, homelessness, and mental health issues are all on the rise, and there are more and more people in dire need of help. So, if you’re thinking about a career in Community Services, now is the best time to get involved. Your community needs you more than ever.

At Open Colleges, we’ve just launched the CHC30215 Certificate iii Community Services, which will equip you with the skills and knowledge to support vulnerable and at-risk individuals and groups within your community. 

We also offer the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services. Both courses are nationally recognised Australia-wide.

Keep reading for more information about our Community Service courses.

What is the CHC30215 Certificate iii in Community Services?

Our recently launched CHC30215 Certificate iii Community Services equips you with the skills and knowledge to become a professional Community Service Worker. Learn how to support vulnerable and at-risk individuals and groups within the community by learning how to provide individualised support, facilitate the interests and rights of clients, and communicate and work effectively within a community development framework.

What is the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services?   

A Diploma in Community Services unlocks many doors. It equips you with the knowledge and skills to work in a variety of roles in the Community Services sector. You will help individuals, families, social groups or larger communities in need of assistance, and learn how to connect them to appropriate services and government departments.

You’ll monitor client progress and develop plans to address their immediate and long-term struggles. With a Diploma of Community Services, you can make a real and lasting difference to disadvantaged and vulnerable people, providing assistance, and a voice for them when they need it most.

What skills will I learn in the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services? 

In this course you will learn: Counselling skills, How to manage and promote diversity, Case management skills, Communication strategies, Social and cultural issues impacting on clients in Australian society, Legal and ethical compliance, How to respond to an emergency situation and apply appropriate first aid procedures, Project management and budgets, and many more skills.

What jobs can I get with the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services? 

The great thing about this Diploma is that you can work in a range of environments. There are many different roles available with something sure to suit you. Some career options are: Family Support Worker, Support Coordinator, Case Manager, Community Development Officer, Foster Care Case Officer, Community Care Worker and more.

Whatever direction you decide to take, you will have a rewarding career ahead of you, making a difference within the community. Plus, according to Job Outlook, the community services sector is expected to grow very strongly in the next five years.  Currently there are job openings for Family Support Workers with hourly rates as high as $42.94 an hour.

Is the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services all online?

This Diploma is online with Work Placement. You will need to complete a minimum of 160 hours of practical work placement in a real community service setting of your choosing. This way you will be able to practice and perfect what you learn.

For those in WA and SA, we also offer campus-based learning for the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services. Please click here for more information about campus-based learning with Open Colleges.  

For more information about our Community Service courses, please reach out to our friendly enrolment consultants. Don't have time to talk on the phone? No problem. We also offer live chat with a real person - no bots here! Our enrolment consultants have valuable insights into our courses and are always friendly and easy to chat to. 

If you’re hesitant to take the plunge and enrol, you can also take advantage of our 7-day free course trial. You'll be able to access all learning materials from your first module, experience our world-class learning platform and get a feel for online study. No obligations and no payment details required.

So, if you’re looking for meaningful work with job stability, please consider a career in Community Services. It offers a variety of job opportunities, and you’ll have the career satisfaction of knowing you’re a voice for vulnerable people. There’s great demand for workers, and if you’re compassionate, empathetic and want to make a difference, you’d make an invaluable Community Services worker.