Course description
Are you considering a career in the community services sector, perhaps in social welfare or community development? Do you have good communication skills and a willingness to help people?
This entry-level community services course is a great starting point to prepare you for work in the community. You will learn about advocacy, community development, client needs assessment, teamwork, support group activities and administration, setting you up with the skills you need to work in the Community Services sector.
This course deals with emotionally confronting subject matter, involving participation in role play assessments.
Wondering if this industry will suit you?
We have created a very short course quiz to help you gain a little more understanding of what is required and whether you might enjoy a role in this industry. Take the quiz here.
Gordon VCE / VCE VM Students
If you are studying your full VCE or VCE-VM program at The Gordon you can include a VETDSS course as part of your VCE program. Apply for a VETDSS course.
Important Information:
- Your entry requirements and assessments will differ as you will be studying your VCE with The Gordon.
- Fees APPLY for this course – see the Fees section below.
- This course may be delivered under VETDSS as a partial qualification.
Possible career outcomes
- Community Health Support Worker
- Youth Support Worker
- Case Support Worker
- Residential Support Worker
- Volunteer Co-ordinator
Applications & attendance
Applications for this course are not currently open.
Please contact customer service on 1300 769 279 during business hours to discuss upcoming intake dates.
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course.
Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants must be 15 years and over at the time of course commencement.
- Any student under the age of 17 must provide an Exemption from School form prior to undertaking the course.
- Applicants must be attending Secondary School
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communicate and work in health or community services | CHCCOM005 | 30 |
| Follow safe work practices for direct client care | HLTWHS002 | 25 |
| Manage personal stressors in the work environment | HLTWHS006 | 25 |
| Work with diverse people | CHCDIV001 | 40 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Implement participation and engagement strategies | CHCCDE004 | 85 |
| Organise personal work priorities and development | BSBWOR301 | 30 |
| Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | CHCDIV002 | 25 |
| Provide First Aid | HLTAID011 | 18 |
| Provide first point of contact | CHCCOM001 | 35 |
| Respond to client needs | CHCCCS016 | 60 |
| Support group activities | CHCGRP001 | 30 |
| Work within a community development framework | CHCCDE003 | 65 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Hands-on projects
- Workplace tasks
- Written assignments
- Team projects
Fees
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $1.10 | per hour | 483 | AUD $531.00 | AUD $4,650.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $5.48 | per hour | 483 | AUD $2,647.00 | AUD $4,650.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $10.46 | per hour | 483 | AUD $5,052.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Levy | AUD $72.45 | Charged at enrolment | |||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
- CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services
- CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.