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CHC52015

Diploma of Community Services

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Course Description

The CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services will teach you how to listen to and understand people’s problems, background and circumstances, and to counsel them on the areas they are struggling with. You will also learn to help clients by setting them up with support systems and networks, and develop plans which will address their immediate and long term struggles.

The Diploma will train you to assess clients, work out what they need and link them in with services that will meet those needs. You will learn how to monitor client progress and deal with set-backs, roadblocks and issues if they arise.

As part of your CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services studies you will also learn how to navigate, work with and manage legal and ethical compliance frameworks, policies and procedures. The Diploma will give you the skills and knowledge you need to advise and supervise other Community Service Workers’ case management practice, as well as to manage budgets and financial plans, and undertake project work.

This course is superseded by CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services.  For now, you may still enrol in this course, and we will transition you to the new course at no additional cost once it is available. We’ll be in touch closer to our launch date to give you more information about what this means for you. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, as our friendly Enrolment Consultants are always happy to help.

For Victorian students only:

This course is not suitable for students wishing to work in child protection practice in Victoria. Please see the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) website for suitable courses.

Why study this course?

  • This nationally recognised qualification includes a practical work placement in a real community services setting of your choosing, so you can practice and perfect what you learn.
  • If you already have experience working in the community services sector, you may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to gain credit for your experience. If you think this applies to you, speak to an Open Colleges Enrolment Consultant.
This course involves work placement that currently needs to be undertaken in Australia. More information available in our FAQs

If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.

Potential career outcomes

  • Case Coordinator
  • Case Management Supervisor
  • Case Worker or Case Manager
  • Community Care Worker
  • Community Services Worker
  • Manager Community Services
  • Program Coordinator
  • Team Leader

Course Details

Course number E1141
Qualification name CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
Course duration Maximum 24 months
Delivery Method Online with Work Placement
Recognition Nationally Recognised Nationally Recognised Training
Assessments Case studies, Demonstrations, Knowledge tests, Presentations, Role plays, Video
Awarded by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90197)

Requirements

Education

There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 18 years old.

English

This course involves reading learning content and undertaking a range of written assessments and engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 12 level.

If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 12 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate III level or higher; or
  • 3 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.

Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided by Open Colleges.

Computing

Access to others

This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.

Tools and equipment

You will need to purchase specific tools and equipment for this course. Click here to view the complete list of materials, equipment and tools required for this course. IT Requirements It is recommended that students have the following hardware and additional software:

  • Operating System:
    • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
    • Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher Note: (Microsoft Office 365 can only guarantee support on the current release of Mac OS, plus two previous versions. Older versions may work but may have issues)
  • Processor: 2 GHz or faster, 2-core
  • Memory: 8GB of RAM or higher z916GB recommended)
  • Hard Drive: Space 2 GB free disk space
  • Browser: Chrome is the preferred browser for students
  • Windows users:
  • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
  • 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)
  • Software:
    • Acrobat Reader
    • Microsoft Office 2017 or later (including MS Office 365). Note: if using an equivalent office software (such as Open Office or Apple Pages etc), ensure that documents can be formatted correctly and exported to common file formats
    • Audio recording Software (Voice recorder app, Garageband, or Audacity)
    • Video editing software (iMovie, Video Editor app)
    • File compression software
  • Internet Connection: DSL, Cable, or Satellite with at least 2mbps upload speed Note: it is strongly recommended that you have access to the Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop may be impractical due to your average weekly study hours.
  • Printer/Scanner: Access to printing/scanning devices or facilities may be required for certain course activities
  • Peripherals:
    • 1280 x 800 display (1280 x 1024 recommended) with 16-bit colour and 512 MB of V RAM
    • Speakers or headset for audio playback
    • Microphone for audio recording
    • Webcam or equivalent (such as a smartphone with video recording capability)
  • E-Mail Capability: Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail, Mail for Android or Mail for iOS apps)

Equipment

You will require access to office equipment and resources including telephone, photocopier, scanner and printer.

Skills

To successfully complete this course, you will require basic computing skills. This includes:

  • Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents.
  • Accessing and searching the internet.
  • Downloading and saving documents from websites.
  • Uploading documents through websites.
  • Participating in online discussions.
  • Compressing image files.
  • Connecting digital cameras and downloading and storing images.

Additional

You will need access to:

  • Software to view online videos and images. Software such as Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, Windows Photo Viewer etc. are available as a free download from the internet
  • Digital video recording device and/or digital camera and associated software to save and upload video and image files to OpenSpace. Many mobile phone and smart phones include this technology

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.

Subjects

Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.

Fundamentals of community services

  • Research diversity in the workplace
  • Foster diversity
  • Adapt communication strategies
  • Contribute to workplace diversity policies and procedures
  • Develop communication strategies
  • Establish communication protocols
  • Promote the use of communication strategies
  • Review communication practices

Develop service programs

  • Engage consumers in the analysis of service needs
  • Develop programs
  • Implement and monitor programs
  • Evaluate programs
  • Identify social and cultural issues impacting on clients in Australian society
  • Analyse impacts of social and cultural factors on clients
  • Monitor impact of social and cultural factors on community work and services provided to clients

Legal and ethical compliance

  • Research information required for legal compliance
  • Determine ethical responsibilities 
  • Develop and communicate policies and procedures 
  • Monitor compliance
  • Maintain knowledge of compliance requirements
  • Monitor welfare of colleagues
  • Conduct structured debriefings following an incident

Develop and review case management

  • Establish work health and safety practices
  • Facilitate consultation, cooperation and communication
  • Monitor compliance with risk control processes
  • Evaluate and maintain WHS
  • Determine appropriate response to case management in accordance with organisation and legislative requirements
  • Conduct case management meetings
  • Develop an appropriate case management plan
  • Monitor and review case work activities and processes

Client assessment

  • Apply knowledge of human development to check client’s developmental status
  • Identify developmental issues
  • Check for and respond appropriately to specific issues
  • Respond to an emergency situation.
  • Apply appropriate first aid procedures.
  • Communicate details of the incident.
  • Review the incident.

Counselling skills

  • Implement work practices which support the protection of children and young people
  • Report indications of possible risk of harm
  • Apply ethical and nurturing practices in work with children and young people
  • Use a structured approach to counselling
  • Establish the nature of the helping relationship
  • Confirm the helping relationship

Professional practice

  • Reflect on own practice
  • Enhance own practice
  • Facilitate ongoing professional development
  • Develop and promote practice standards
  • Support and lead colleagues in case management practice
  • Provide practice advice on complex cases
  • Reflect and improve on own supervision provision

Project management and budgets

  • Plan financial management approaches
  • Implement financial management approaches
  • Monitor and control finances
  • Review and evaluate financial management processes
  • Define project
  • Develop project plan
  • Administer and monitor project
  • Finalise project
  • Review project

Payment Options

Pay in Full

You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo

You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan.  When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Payment Plan

You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.

BPAY®

With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more. 

BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.

Trainers

Sarah Burgess

Sarah has passionately worked in the training and assessment sector for almost 10 years, specialising in adult education for international students, new migrants and refugees. She holds a double degree in Bachelor of Arts (Social & Community Studies) and a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition). She presently delivers programs in the South Australian community as a Learning and Development Consultant, focusing on supporting individuals working through mental ill-health experiences and their recovery.

Sarah also works for ACATA Trust Fiji, as their Senior Community Health Education Officer (Nutritionist). Sarah has experience teaching around the world and has recently returned from living and volunteering in Fiji with the Australian Red Cross for some time.

Industry Connections

Work Placement

Open Colleges has a work placement partnership with these organisation(s):

Action for Children and the Aged (ACATA) Australia is a registered non-government organisation comprising of medical experts and health advocates whom work towards addressing humanitarian crisis, marginalised care, and unmet medical needs in high risk communities. ACATA Australia works to promote healthy life styles and eating habits to influence the health of children and the aged.

Work Placement

The course contains a minimum of 160 hours of work placement

You will need to undertake your work placement in an organisation involved in the delivery of community services to clients. The workplace will need to be able to provide you with access to resources. The specific requirements of the workplace are outlined in the Workplace Assessment Guide. Your workplace assessor will ascertain whether the workplace is appropriate.

It is recommended that you commence your work placement after successfully completing the theory components within Modules 1-3. This ensures that you develop a good foundation of knowledge prior to entering the workplace.

Cost of work placement

All costs of work placement including any placement fees charged by the host organisation (whether to the student or OC), cost of statutory checks and vaccinations, travel, accommodation and uniforms are the responsibility of the student.

 

Partnership Details

Open Colleges offers this qualification in association with Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90197). The testamur will be issued by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd.

Become an Open Colleges student

Course at a Glance

icon for career outcomes

Career Outcomes

  • checkCase Coordinator
  • checkCase Management Supervisor
  • checkCase Worker or Case Manager
  • checkCommunity Care Worker
  • checkCommunity Services Worker
  • checkManager Community Services
  • checkProgram Coordinator
  • checkTeam Leader
computer

Delivery Method

Online with Work Placement

credit_score

Payment

Flexible payment options available

Recognition

Nationally recognised

Nationally Recognised Training

Why study with us?

  • Study at your pace
  • Flexible payment options
  • Nationally recognised accreditation
  • World-class learning platform

Course at a Glance

icon for career outcomes

Career Outcomes

  • checkCase Coordinator
  • checkCase Management Supervisor
  • checkCase Worker or Case Manager
  • checkCommunity Care Worker
  • checkCommunity Services Worker
  • checkManager Community Services
  • checkProgram Coordinator
  • checkTeam Leader
computer

Delivery Method

Online with Work Placement

credit_score

Payment

Flexible payment options available

Recognition

Nationally recognised

Nationally Recognised Training

Become an Open Colleges student

The CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services will teach you how to listen to and understand people’s problems, background and circumstances, and to counsel them on the areas they are struggling with. You will also learn to help clients by setting them up with support systems and networks, and develop plans which will address their immediate and long term struggles.

The Diploma will train you to assess clients, work out what they need and link them in with services that will meet those needs. You will learn how to monitor client progress and deal with set-backs, roadblocks and issues if they arise.

As part of your CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services studies you will also learn how to navigate, work with and manage legal and ethical compliance frameworks, policies and procedures. The Diploma will give you the skills and knowledge you need to advise and supervise other Community Service Workers’ case management practice, as well as to manage budgets and financial plans, and undertake project work.

This course is superseded by CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services.  For now, you may still enrol in this course, and we will transition you to the new course at no additional cost once it is available. We’ll be in touch closer to our launch date to give you more information about what this means for you. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, as our friendly Enrolment Consultants are always happy to help.

For Victorian students only:

This course is not suitable for students wishing to work in child protection practice in Victoria. Please see the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) website for suitable courses.

Why study this course?

  • This nationally recognised qualification includes a practical work placement in a real community services setting of your choosing, so you can practice and perfect what you learn.
  • If you already have experience working in the community services sector, you may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to gain credit for your experience. If you think this applies to you, speak to an Open Colleges Enrolment Consultant.
This course involves work placement that currently needs to be undertaken in Australia. More information available in our FAQs

If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.

Potential career outcomes

  • Case Coordinator
  • Case Management Supervisor
  • Case Worker or Case Manager
  • Community Care Worker
  • Community Services Worker
  • Manager Community Services
  • Program Coordinator
  • Team Leader
Course number E1141
Qualification name CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
Course duration Maximum 24 months
Delivery Method Online with Work Placement
Recognition Nationally Recognised Nationally Recognised Training
Assessments Case studies, Demonstrations, Knowledge tests, Presentations, Role plays, Video
Awarded by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90197)

Education

There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 18 years old.

English

This course involves reading learning content and undertaking a range of written assessments and engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 12 level.

If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 12 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate III level or higher; or
  • 3 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.

Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided by Open Colleges.

Computing

Access to others

This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.

Tools and equipment

You will need to purchase specific tools and equipment for this course. Click here to view the complete list of materials, equipment and tools required for this course. IT Requirements It is recommended that students have the following hardware and additional software:

  • Operating System:
    • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
    • Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher Note: (Microsoft Office 365 can only guarantee support on the current release of Mac OS, plus two previous versions. Older versions may work but may have issues)
  • Processor: 2 GHz or faster, 2-core
  • Memory: 8GB of RAM or higher z916GB recommended)
  • Hard Drive: Space 2 GB free disk space
  • Browser: Chrome is the preferred browser for students
  • Windows users:
  • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
  • 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)
  • Software:
    • Acrobat Reader
    • Microsoft Office 2017 or later (including MS Office 365). Note: if using an equivalent office software (such as Open Office or Apple Pages etc), ensure that documents can be formatted correctly and exported to common file formats
    • Audio recording Software (Voice recorder app, Garageband, or Audacity)
    • Video editing software (iMovie, Video Editor app)
    • File compression software
  • Internet Connection: DSL, Cable, or Satellite with at least 2mbps upload speed Note: it is strongly recommended that you have access to the Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop may be impractical due to your average weekly study hours.
  • Printer/Scanner: Access to printing/scanning devices or facilities may be required for certain course activities
  • Peripherals:
    • 1280 x 800 display (1280 x 1024 recommended) with 16-bit colour and 512 MB of V RAM
    • Speakers or headset for audio playback
    • Microphone for audio recording
    • Webcam or equivalent (such as a smartphone with video recording capability)
  • E-Mail Capability: Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail, Mail for Android or Mail for iOS apps)

Equipment

You will require access to office equipment and resources including telephone, photocopier, scanner and printer.

Skills

To successfully complete this course, you will require basic computing skills. This includes:

  • Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents.
  • Accessing and searching the internet.
  • Downloading and saving documents from websites.
  • Uploading documents through websites.
  • Participating in online discussions.
  • Compressing image files.
  • Connecting digital cameras and downloading and storing images.

Additional

You will need access to:

  • Software to view online videos and images. Software such as Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, Windows Photo Viewer etc. are available as a free download from the internet
  • Digital video recording device and/or digital camera and associated software to save and upload video and image files to OpenSpace. Many mobile phone and smart phones include this technology

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.

Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.

Fundamentals of community services

  • Research diversity in the workplace
  • Foster diversity
  • Adapt communication strategies
  • Contribute to workplace diversity policies and procedures
  • Develop communication strategies
  • Establish communication protocols
  • Promote the use of communication strategies
  • Review communication practices

Develop service programs

  • Engage consumers in the analysis of service needs
  • Develop programs
  • Implement and monitor programs
  • Evaluate programs
  • Identify social and cultural issues impacting on clients in Australian society
  • Analyse impacts of social and cultural factors on clients
  • Monitor impact of social and cultural factors on community work and services provided to clients

Legal and ethical compliance

  • Research information required for legal compliance
  • Determine ethical responsibilities 
  • Develop and communicate policies and procedures 
  • Monitor compliance
  • Maintain knowledge of compliance requirements
  • Monitor welfare of colleagues
  • Conduct structured debriefings following an incident

Develop and review case management

  • Establish work health and safety practices
  • Facilitate consultation, cooperation and communication
  • Monitor compliance with risk control processes
  • Evaluate and maintain WHS
  • Determine appropriate response to case management in accordance with organisation and legislative requirements
  • Conduct case management meetings
  • Develop an appropriate case management plan
  • Monitor and review case work activities and processes

Client assessment

  • Apply knowledge of human development to check client’s developmental status
  • Identify developmental issues
  • Check for and respond appropriately to specific issues
  • Respond to an emergency situation.
  • Apply appropriate first aid procedures.
  • Communicate details of the incident.
  • Review the incident.

Counselling skills

  • Implement work practices which support the protection of children and young people
  • Report indications of possible risk of harm
  • Apply ethical and nurturing practices in work with children and young people
  • Use a structured approach to counselling
  • Establish the nature of the helping relationship
  • Confirm the helping relationship

Professional practice

  • Reflect on own practice
  • Enhance own practice
  • Facilitate ongoing professional development
  • Develop and promote practice standards
  • Support and lead colleagues in case management practice
  • Provide practice advice on complex cases
  • Reflect and improve on own supervision provision

Project management and budgets

  • Plan financial management approaches
  • Implement financial management approaches
  • Monitor and control finances
  • Review and evaluate financial management processes
  • Define project
  • Develop project plan
  • Administer and monitor project
  • Finalise project
  • Review project

Pay in Full

You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo

You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan.  When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Payment Plan

You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.

BPAY®

With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more. 

BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.

Sarah Burgess

Sarah has passionately worked in the training and assessment sector for almost 10 years, specialising in adult education for international students, new migrants and refugees. She holds a double degree in Bachelor of Arts (Social & Community Studies) and a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition). She presently delivers programs in the South Australian community as a Learning and Development Consultant, focusing on supporting individuals working through mental ill-health experiences and their recovery.

Sarah also works for ACATA Trust Fiji, as their Senior Community Health Education Officer (Nutritionist). Sarah has experience teaching around the world and has recently returned from living and volunteering in Fiji with the Australian Red Cross for some time.

Work Placement

Open Colleges has a work placement partnership with these organisation(s):

Action for Children and the Aged (ACATA) Australia is a registered non-government organisation comprising of medical experts and health advocates whom work towards addressing humanitarian crisis, marginalised care, and unmet medical needs in high risk communities. ACATA Australia works to promote healthy life styles and eating habits to influence the health of children and the aged.

The course contains a minimum of 160 hours of work placement

You will need to undertake your work placement in an organisation involved in the delivery of community services to clients. The workplace will need to be able to provide you with access to resources. The specific requirements of the workplace are outlined in the Workplace Assessment Guide. Your workplace assessor will ascertain whether the workplace is appropriate.

It is recommended that you commence your work placement after successfully completing the theory components within Modules 1-3. This ensures that you develop a good foundation of knowledge prior to entering the workplace.

Cost of work placement

All costs of work placement including any placement fees charged by the host organisation (whether to the student or OC), cost of statutory checks and vaccinations, travel, accommodation and uniforms are the responsibility of the student.

 

Open Colleges offers this qualification in association with Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90197). The testamur will be issued by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd.
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