South Sydney College

Diploma of Community Services

The Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021) reflects the role of community services workers who deliver, manage, and coordinate person-centred services across a range of community, health, and social service settings.

Learners develop specialised skills to support individuals and groups experiencing complex needs, including crisis situations, domestic and family violence, mental health challenges, and social disadvantage. Graduates may undertake case management, program coordination, advocacy, and supervision of staff or volunteers while working autonomously under broad organisational direction.

The course includes a mandatory minimum of 200 hours of supervised work placement, enabling learners to apply theory to real workplace practice. Training is delivered through supported online study and practical workplace experience.

On successful completion, graduates are prepared for employment in community services roles or progression to higher-level qualifications in community or social services management.

What You’ll Learn

This course develops practical, professional skills required for community services work. Key learning outcomes include:

• Delivering and coordinating person-centred community services
• Assessing co-existing and complex client needs
• Facilitating and reviewing case management processes
• Recognising and responding to crisis situations
• Supporting clients affected by domestic and family violence
• Working effectively with diverse communities and cultures
• Promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
• Developing and implementing service programs
• Managing legal and ethical compliance in community services
• Facilitating workplace debriefing and support processes
• Reflecting on and improving professional practice
• Maintaining work health and safety standards

Delivery and Assessment

• Online Learning: Structured online activities via Moodle
• Work Placement: Minimum of 200 hours in approved community services organisations
• Trainer Support: Ongoing coaching, feedback, and academic guidance

Assessment methods include written knowledge tasks, projects, portfolios, role plays, case studies, workplace observation, and supervisor verification.

Course Structure & Commitment

• Duration: 104 weeks (including term breaks)
• Study Load: Approx. 25–30 hours per week
  ◦ 20 hrs online learning
  ◦ 5 hrs self-study and assessment preparation
• Work Placement: 200 hours (completed in two non-concurrent blocks)
• Total Hours: 2,000 hours

The timetable is structured across 8 terms, with scheduled breaks and delivery aligned to unit sequencing, assessment requirements, and work placement activities. A full training and assessment schedule is provided upon enrolment.

Licensing and Further Study

There are no occupational licensing or certification requirements attached to this qualification at the time of publication.

Further Study Pathways

Graduates may progress to:

• CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
• Higher education qualifications in community services, social work, or human services (subject to entry requirements)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you have relevant industry experience or have previously completed equivalent units, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning. Speak with our enrolment team for a skills assessment prior to enrolling.