CRICOS Code: 112970G

Duration: 104 weeks (Tuition: 80 weeks Holidays: 24 weeks)

Are you ready to contribute meaningfully to community well-being and social change? The Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021) at SGSCC is an ACWA accredited program designed to prepare you for a dynamic role in community services.

This program focuses on delivering comprehensive support and developing innovative solutions to a wide range of social issues. Our graduates emerge as skilled professionals capable of making significant impacts across various community settings.

Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) Accreditation

Accreditation is a public declaration of quality, it demonstrates that SGSCC is committed to being the best it can be and our course meets the exact expectations of our students and the workplace. Course accreditation standards have been set by a panel of educationalists, employers and practitioners who have worked with ACWA to determine the specific training and education needs of community workers and students. ACWA operates from the principle that high-quality education and training underpins exemplary community services. Fundamental to ACWA’s role is the protection of educational, fieldwork and practice standards to ensure community workers are well qualified. ACWA accreditation is the mark of educational quality in Australia’s community services sector. Graduates of SGSCC’s accredited course can immediately demonstrate their eligibility for membership of ACWA. This is often required by employers and when it is not, it provides graduates with a competitive edge.

What will you learn?

• Case management skills to effectively support clients through their unique challenges
• How to design and implement strategies that promote social inclusion and improve community health and well-being
• Skills to coordinate and lead community programs, advocating for client needs and facilitating necessary services

Rewarding and fulfilling career options include:

• Case Manager
• Community Outreach Worker
• Support Coordinator
• Social Service Manager

Delivery and assessment mode

• 20 hours per week at Jannali campus (70% face-to-face and 30% online learning)
• Real-world simulations, project work, role plays, and reflective exercises to demonstrate your competencies
• Expect to commit an additional 5-10 hours per week for self-study, enhancing your understanding and skills outside of classroom hours
• Access to cutting-edge digital tools and resources via our comprehensive learning management system, aNewSpring
• Simulated practice settings - train in realistic settings that mirror actual community service environments, preparing you for real-world challenges

Facilities, equipment and learning resources:

• Digital learning and assessment materials on aNewSpring (Learning Management System)
• Simulated community services work place environment
• Ergonomic classroom
• Student health and well-being support

Units of competency you will be studying:

1. CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs (Core)
2. CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs (Core)
3. CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations (Core)
4. CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management (Core)
5. CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services (Core)
6. CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence (Core)
7. CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people (Core)
8. CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety (Core)
9. CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance  (Core)
10. CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes (Core)
11. CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice (Core)
12. HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety (Core)
13. CHCCOM003 Develop workplace communication strategies (Elective)
14. CHCDEV004 Confirm developmental status (Elective)
15. CHCCSL002 Apply Specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills (Elective)
16. CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues (Elective)
17. CHCCCS009 Facilitate responsible behaviour (Elective)
18. CHCADV002 Provide advocacy and representation services (Elective)
19. CHCMHS001 Work with people with Mental Health Issues (Elective)
20. CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships (Elective)

Work Placement

• Complete 400 hours of supervised work placement, organised by SGSCC, to gain practical experience and apply your learning in actual community service settings.

Entry Requirements

• Prior experience or understanding of community work is preferred
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old
• Advanced level of English (IELTS Score of 6.0 or equivalent)

All students must undertake the following:

• Working with Children Check
• Criminal Record Check

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