C5432 - Diploma of Community Services

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Plan: C5432 - Diploma of Community Services
Campus: City Campus

Program delivery and structure

Approach to learning and assessment
Work integrated learning
Program structure

Approach to learning and assessment

To be awarded the Diploma of Community Services you will need to complete 20 units of competency.  Twelve of the units/courses are core requirements of the national qualification, the eight elective units have been selected as elective by the Community Services Team at RMIT in consultation with industry partners because of their relevance to the community services sector.

Learning and assessment will use a range of methods including:

  • classes on the City Campus that are designed to provide maximum class interaction, discussion and development of ideas and skills
  • specialist guest speakers to provide insights into current workplace practices and emerging issues
  • extensive online resources and support of both the content areas and the study skills to support learning
  • both group and individual opportunities for learning and assessment
  • a supported model of work placement experiences
  • support for students to develop language, literacy and numeracy skills required to succeed in the program
  • assessment that is designed to prepare you for work-ready performance and/or further study

The program will enable you to gain skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to workplace practices.  Peer learning and networking will be fostered throughout the program through the use of an online learning system. Discussions and group work with other students will be a key part of your learning. The program also incorporates project based learning (both group and individual work). Assessment occurs in each Unit in the program and incorporates a range of methods to assess performance and the application of the required knowledge and skills. Assessment tasks will include:

  • research projects,
  • individual and group presentations,
  • demonstration of practical skills in a range of formats including simulations, knowledge tests, casestudies,
  • written reflections and completion of tasks on work placement

The approach to learning and assessment for this program will include both supervised and non-supervised forms of training delivery. 
Supervised training is teacher directed learning and assessment activities. This includes: 

  • Work placements which are mandatory requirements of assessment.
  • Structured online learning activities where there is real time access to your teachers e.g. online classes, teacher led discussions and online activities.
  • Face-to-face learning e.g. scheduled classes/workshops.
  • Assessment tasks.

You will also need to work independently, this includes:

  • Independent study activities such as research, reading, practical and/or theoretical practice tests or assessments. 
  •  
  • If you have a long-term medical condition, disability and/or other form of disadvantage it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the Program Coordinator or the Equitable Learning Service Unit (https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services) if you would like to find out more. 
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Work integrated learning

RMIT is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice. As a student enrolled in this RMIT program you will:

  • undertake and be assessed on structured activities that allow you to learn, apply and demonstrate your professional or vocational practice;
  • interact with industry and community when undertaking these activities;
  • complete these activities in real work contexts or situations;

and in addition:

  • these interactions and the work contexts provide distinctive sources of feedback to you to assist your learning.

Any or all of these aspects of a WIL experience may be simulated.

There is a placement component where you will be assessed in a workplace context. You will also be provided with current workplace experience. The placement hours will be a total of 200 hours. If you are already working in a relevant field, you may be able to complete placement requirements in your own workplace.  You will be required to source placement options  -  however support in locating placement will be provided by the program staff. All placement hosts will receive information from RMIT explaining the purpose of the placement and how you may be best supported by the host organisation. Staff will maintain contact with you throughout the placement and provide de-briefing and support as required.

Another integral part of placement is supervision, as it provides the opportunity to receive constructive feedback. You will be placed with a supervisor by the host employer who you will meet prior to commencing placement in order to discuss the expectations of the training. You are also required to meet with your supervisor throughout the duration of your placement.  

The two courses linked to  WIL placement activities are:

  • CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services
  • CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management

Industry Placement Requirements

A WIL agreement including schedule and relevant insurance documentation is required to be completed before commencing each placement. 
In the case where a placement ends early, please refer to Changes or Cancellation of WIL Activities in the WIL Guideline.

You must complete a Working with Children Check and Police Check before going on placement.

Program inherent requirements 

Inherent requirements refer to the abilities, knowledge and skills you must demonstrate to:

  • achieve program learning outcomes 
  • work effectively as part of a team in classroom and work-integrated learning (WIL) settings
  • perform effectively in classroom and WIL settings without undue risk to your own or others' health, safety and welfare.

Depending on your program of study, inherent requirements may include:

  • verbal and non-verbal communication skills
  • reading, writing and number skills
  • concentration, memory and problem solving
  • mental wellness and behavioural stability
  • vision, hearing, touch and smell
  • physical skills, such as gross and fine motor skills.

If you have any injury, illness, disability, impairment, condition or incapacity that may affect your ability to perform the  inherent  requirements of your program of study, we encourage you to discuss this with the Program manager to enable RMIT University to identify whether there are any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform program requirements. RMIT University wants to place you in the best possible position to use your knowledge, skills and attributes effectively in your program of study.

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Program Structure

This qualification requires completion of the following:
 

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C5432 Core Courses

Complete all twelve (12) courses:

Course Title

Nominal Hours

Course Code

Campus

Develop and implement service programs (CHCCCS007) 100 HWSS6101C City Campus
Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services (CHCDEV005) 100 HUSO5238C City Campus
Manage legal and ethical compliance (CHCLEG003) 80 LAW5736C City Campus
Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes (CHCMGT005) 120 HWSS6102C City Campus
Reflect on and improve own professional practice (CHCPRP003) 120 EMPL7098C City Campus
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety (CHCDIV002) 25 HUSO5218C City Campus
Maintain work health and safety (HLTWHS003) 40 OHTH5950C City Campus
Work with diverse people (CHCDIV001) 40 GEDU6077C City Campus
Assess co-existing needs (CHCCCS004) 80 HWSS6069C City Campus
Facilitate and review case management (CHCCSM013) 75 HWSS8159C City Campus
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence (CHCDFV001) 50 HWSS6070C City Campus
Recognise and respond to crisis situations (CHCCCS019) 45 HWSS6071C City Campus
 
AND

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C5432 Elective Courses

Complete all eight (8) courses:

Course Title

Nominal Hours

Course Code

Campus

Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills (CHCCSL002) 60 HWSS6120C City Campus
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship (CHCCSL001) 100 OHTH5924C City Campus
Work with people with mental health issues (CHCMHS001) 80 OHTH5919C City Campus
Provide systems advocacy services (CHCADV005) 90 LAW5735C City Campus
Work effectively in trauma informed care (CHCMHS007) 40 HWSS6091C City Campus
Implement Community development strategies (CHCCDE027) 70 HWSS8160C City Campus
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships (CHCPRP001) 80 MKTG7969C City Campus
Plan and conduct group activities (CHCGRP002) 70 HWSS6082C City Campus
 

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