About the program
This program provides you with a generalist qualification to work in the community services sector at practitioner or team leader level. In this program you will develop the skills and knowledge to provide inclusive, non-judgemental services and programs to a broad range of client groups in our community.
What can I do with my qualification?
The Diploma of Community Services Work qualifies you to work in a diverse range of government and non-government organisations supporting and advocating for individuals and groups of people. Jobs students and graduates of the program are employed in include:
- Housing support worker
- Family Violence support worker
- Youth worker in a range of settings
- Employment pathways worker
- Settlement Support Worker
- Disability advocacy and support worker
- Community development worker
- Project worker
- Community Worker
- Welfare Worker
- Case manager
The Diploma of Community Services Work is the minimum qualification required to work as a Child Protection worker in the Department of Human Services Victoria.
What you'll gain
- Advocacy skills
- Skills in case work processes, including engagement, assessment, monitoring, and referral and case closure.
- Knowledge of the community services system
- Understanding of the laws affecting clients and workers
- Skills in dealing with people in crisis
- Understanding of theoretical models
- Communication skills
- Skills for culturally sensitive and inclusive practice
- Reflective practice skills
- Networking skills and opportunities
- Knowledge of occupational health and safety and risk management strategies
About the staff
The program is delivered by staff with many years experience in the community sector in a variety of government and non government agencies.
Course Duration
You will be studying at NMIT for one afternoon and evening per week for three years. Classes are scheduled from 2pm to 8.30 pm
Application Procedure
Before you can apply you must attend a compulsory information session. Session dates can be obtained by contacting Health and Community Studies. You will be given an application form at the information session which you will submit to the Health and Community Studies Department.
If you meet the selection criteria you will be invited to attend an interview at NMIT.
Course Units
Units listed below are first year units only. You are required to satisfactorily complete 18 units to gain the qualification Diploma of Community Services Work.
About the Course
- Local Students
- International Students
- National Code: CHC50608
- Local Fees: Eligible for govt subsidy: max $2,000 | Ineligible for govt subsidy: max $2,724 (Year One Only)
Campus: Preston
Duration
Part-time: 3 years
Modes of Delivery
Classroom
Further Study and Careers
Pathways to Further Study
If you have successfully completed the program you are encouraged to apply to tertiary institutions that offer courses in the human services/social welfare areas. There are a number of formal articulation agreements in place between NMIT and local universities. Please contact the Health and Community Studies Department for details.
Study Pathways at NMIT
Career Opportunities
The Diploma of Community Services Work is the minimum qualification required to work as a Child Protection worker in the Department of Human Services Victoria.
What you'll gain
- Advocacy skills
- Skills in case work processes, including engagement, assessment, monitoring, and referral and case closure.
- Knowledge of the community services system
- Understanding of the laws affecting clients and workers
- Skills in dealing with people in crisis
- Understanding of theoretical models
- Communication skills
- Skills for culturally sensitive and inclusive practice
- Reflective practice skills
- Networking skills and opportunities
- Knowledge of occupational health and safety and risk management strategies
Entrance Requirements
You must be at least 20 years of age at the commencement of the course and are required to have completed one year paid and/or volunteer work experience in the community services sector.
Materials
Assessment Methods
You will be assessed in a variety of ways both in the classroom and in the workplace. Assessments include: Demonstration of tasks/techniques, Group activities, In class activities, Written work, Work based projects, Group presentations, Research projects.
Materials
Workbooks and class materials are supplied to you at a cost of $79 (subject to change). You are required to supply your own stationary.
More Information
How to Apply
Local Students
Before you can apply you must attend a compulsory information session. Session dates can be obtained by contacting the Health and Community Studies Department.
You will be given an application form at the information session which you will submit to the Health and Community Studies Department.
If you meet the selection criteria you will be invited to attend an interview at NMIT.
Fees
You could be eligible for a government subsidised place if you meet the citizenship/residency requirements* and
- you are under 20 (on 1 January of the year you will be taking the course); OR
- you are applying for a qualification higher than the one you already have.
If you do not meet this criteria contact the department to discuss your options.
Students can now apply for VET FEE-HELP assistance to pay tuition fees for this course.
Please note:
*The fees listed below do not apply to students who commenced their studies at NMIT before 1 July 2010.
*The fees listed below do not apply to International Students (see About this course above).
* Students are still required to pay amenities and materials on top of the fees stated below.
Units of Study
The Units of Study listed below have been approved for VET FEE-HELP**. You may be required to undertake additional Units of Study in order to obtain the qualification. You will need to determine your particular combination of Units of Study with the department.
| Code | Subject | Start Date | Finish Date | Census Date | Hours | Fees |
|---|
| CHCCS502A | Maintain legal and ethical work practices |
|
70 | $203.00 $502.00 $5.00 $70.00 | ||||||
| CHCGROUP403D | Plan and conduct group activities |
|
50 | $145.00 $358.00 $5.00 $50.00 | ||||||
| CHCLD415A | Confirm client developmental status |
|
60 | $174.00 $430.00 $5.00 $60.00 | ||||||
| CHCLD514A | Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in communiy services |
|
100 | $290.00 $717.00 $5.00 $100.00 | ||||||
| CHCCH427A | Work effectively with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness |
|
70 | $203.00 $502.00 $5.00 $70.00 | ||||||
| CHCCHILD401A | Identify and respond to children and young people at risk |
|
30 | $87.00 $215.00 $5.00 $30.00 | ||||||
**Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers
Students may be eligible for exemptions/transfers on the basis of previous qualifications, which must be provided as evidence of completion.
VET FEE-HELP helps you pay your VET tuition fees
You could be eligible to access a VET FEE-HELP loan to pay your VET tuition fees for a number of NMIT Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas.
You can apply for VET FEE-HELP if you’re a student studying in Australia who is:
- an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder who is resident in Australia for the duration of the unit of study VET FEE-HELP is being applied for;
- enrolled on or before the census date* of an eligible unit of study through an approved VET provider;
- meet tax file number requirements;
- have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit
VET FEE-HELP allows eligible students to have all or part of their VET tuition fees paid by the Australian Government in the form of a loan**, regardless of whether you are eligible or not for a government funded place under Skills Reform.
Over their lifetime, students can access a VET FEE-HELP loan to pay their VET tuition fees, articulate into university and then add their university costs until the maximum FEE-HELP maximum is reached. There is no age restriction on VET FEE-HELP.
For further information, contact the department directly or for general information on VET FEE-HELP visit the DEEWR website and download the VET FEE-HELP Information Booklet.
NMIT Statement of VET Tuition Assurance
* If you have requested a VET FEE-HELP loan, but change your mind about studying, you must either cancel your Request for VET FEE-HELP assistance (in writing to NMIT) or withdraw your enrolment in each unit of study on or before its census date or you will incur a debt.
** A loan fee of 20% applies to all VET FEE-HELP loans
