C5432 - Diploma of Community Services

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

Overview

Program details
Purpose of the Program
Articulation and pathways
Entrance requirements
External accreditation and industry links
Student expenses and charges in addition to fees
Library, IT and specialist resources

Program details

Award title: Diploma of Community Services
Qualification national code: CHC52021
Nominal hours: 1465
Career: TAFE
Duration: 1.5 years full-time
Location: Melbourne, City Campus
Owning school: Social Care and Health (535T)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/college-of-vocational-education
CRICOS code:

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Purpose of the Program

The Diploma of Community Services will equip you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work in community services in a range of settings. 

You will gain the skills needed in the delivery, management and coordination of person-centered service to individuals, groups and communities. The Diploma of Community Services is the ideal launchpad for an incredibly rewarding career helping others in the community. You will learn how to provide everything from day-to-day support to individuals, to the implementation of specific community-based programs. 

We will connect you to industry through practical placement, field visits and guest speakers. You will graduate ready to address social disadvantage and transform lives 

Community service professionals work in government funded, not-for-profit and charitable organisations. Your work might include the following: 

  • aged care 
  • welfare support 
  • social housing 
  • child, youth and family welfare 
  • alcohol and drug intervention 
  • health promotion 
  • mental health 
  • disability services. 

Your career could take you in any number of directions—such as providing support, advocacy or interventions to individuals, groups or communities; working under the direction and supervision of others; or managing programs and services directly. 

You may also seek employment in community education or development projects. 

Typical job titles include: 

  • Assessor 
  • Case worker or manager 
  • Client service assessor 
  • Community services worker 
  • Early intervention worker 
  • Family support worker 
  • Pastoral care counsellor or manager 
  • Senior youth officer or chaplain 
  • Welfare worker 

Non-government organisations often require this diploma for the development of their community services workforce. 

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Articulation and pathways

C5432 Diploma of Community Services to BH105 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) the student will be granted up to 72 credit points. The duration of the program remains at 4 years despite the credit pathway due to AASW accreditation requirements stipulating that the two social work field placements cannot be taken in consecutive semesters. A series of prerequisite programs through the degree also limits attempts to shorten the duration of the program. 

C5432 Diploma of Community Services to BH106 Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) the student will be granted 48 credit points. The duration of the program remains at 5 years despite the credit pathway due to AASW accreditation requirements stipulating that the two social work field placements cannot be taken in consecutive semesters. A series of prerequisite programs through the degree also limits attempts to shorten the duration of the program. 

Learn more about pathways and eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning into this program.

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Entrance requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement of the program.

Applicants must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:

OR

  • At least 6 months’ work experience
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External accreditation and industry links

In Australia there are no professional bodies that recognise or accredit programs in Community Services. However, this program has strong industry support and all course content, delivery and assessment is informed by industry through an Industry Advisory Committee. This program is a nationally recognised vocational qualification, which was endorsed by the Jobs and Skills Council (SJC) for Community Services, HumanAbility.   RMIT works closely with major Victorian community services employers to meet the needs of people who are entering the community services workforce, and also provides the ongoing upskilling needs of existing workers. Industry partners are active participants in the selection of electives, delivery and assessment tasks through membership of the Industry Advisory Committee.

The teaching staff within the program has extensive industry experience and networks with industry partners.

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Student expenses and charges in addition to fees

Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees.  Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.

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Library, IT and specialist resources

Library resources and services

As a student enrolled at RMIT University you can use all the services provided by the Library. These include study spaces, books, journals and course-related materials such as DVDs, past exams, and newspapers. You can also request items from any library in the world through our document delivery service.

RMIT Library staff can show you how to find the information you need for your assignments and how to make the most of the library resources. You can speak to a librarian, work through web-based tutorials or use our online “Ask a Librarian” service. 

All students have unlimited access to our specialist electronic resources. These include e-books, e-journals and newspapers to make it easier for you to get the information you need, when you need it.  Our collections are continually updated to ensure the currency and accuracy of the resources you use.

Computers are available at every Library site. You can access the Internet, myRMIT and Library e-resources. You can also access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library.

You can find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library

Online learning tools and content

You can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT .

Services available to you as a student at RMIT University

RMIT University provides resources and opportunities to help you to achieve your study and career goals

Services are available face to face and online for:

  • transition to tertiary study and learning
  • study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
  • enabling assistance - if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning
  • career development and employment
  • living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
  • opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
  • participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance

We offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.  The Ngarara Willim Centre offers ongoing guidance with study, living and cultural needs.

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