CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services - International

0001-01-01

Intakes

2026 February

Locations

Geelong City Campus

Duration

Full-time: 15 months

CRICOS code

115169H

Fee

$13,000

Course description

This course will give you the specialised skills you need to work in the community services sector. You will learn how to provide direct support to individuals or groups, manage and coordinate service programs, work collaboratively with diverse people, and learn to recognise and respond to crises. You will gain an understanding of government services, community service work, and the not-for-profit community services sector. 

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.

Work placement/industry experience

200 hours of work placement is required in this course, organised by The Gordon.

  • As part of work placement, additional costs may be incurred due to a new regulatory requirement for screening conducted prior to working with children and people who have a disability. This is required ONLY for students who are not already working in industry. All people engaged by registered NDIS providers in risk-assessed roles from 1 February 2021 must apply for an NDIS Check and obtain an NDIS clearance before starting work. The screening and clearance check costs $119 and is valid for 5 years.
  • *Please note that you may be required to travel outside your usual training location to attend placement. This may include other regional areas or suburbs of Melbourne.
  • As per worker vaccination requirements, all applicants for this course must be triple vaccinated (boosted) against COVID-19 before undertaking placement, which is required to complete this course. Students are required to provide evidence of full vaccination status, including booster dose, as part of their placement documentation, which is provided to placement facilities. Students who cannot provide valid evidence will be unable to complete placement and, therefore, unable to complete this course.

Possible career outcomes

  • Case worker/manager
  • Community services worker
  • Domestic and family violence worker
  • Family support worker
  • Family services coordinator
  • Program coordinator.

Applications & attendance

How to apply

Find out what documents you will need to complete for your application.

How to apply

Please complete the two forms below and submit via an education agent in your country.

Application form  SOP

If you need help, contact the International team.

Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.


Intake Applications Attendance Classes Duration 
2026 February
 TBA Class Day
TBA
Full-time: 15 months

Note: Students are required to undertake some self-paced learning and assessment activities outside of class time.

Please refer to our key dates and orientation webpage here.

We reserve the right to close course intakes early. Many courses have limited places and high demand. Early applications are recommended. We reserve the right to cancel intakes and courses if there are insufficient student numbers. An application does not guarantee a place in this course.

Entrance requirements

Academic:

Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent – Equivalents can be found on our Entry Requirements page.

English:

IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5 (or equivalent); or completion of Australian Year 12; or a qualification undertaken in Australia at Certificate IV or higher and completed within the past 5 years; or University studies in Australia of at least 2 years duration.

Age/other requirements:

You must be aged 18 years or over at the time of course commencement.

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. 

Work placement requirements

  • Applicants are required to hold a current Working with Children Check for work placement.
  • Applicants are required to undergo a Police Check for work placement. 

Units & assessments

Core Units Code Hours
Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services CHCDEV005 100
Assess co-existing needs CHCCCS004 80
Develop and implement service programs CHCCCS007 100
Facilitate and review case management CHCCSM013 75
Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes CHCMGT005 120
Maintain work health and safety HLTWHS003 40
Manage legal and ethical compliance CHCLEG003 80
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety CHCDIV002 25
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence CHCDFV001 50
Recognise and respond to crisis situations CHCCCS019 45
Reflect on and improve own professional practice CHCPRP003 120
Work with diverse people CHCDIV001 40
Elective Units Code Hours
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships CHCPRP001 80
Develop workplace communication strategies CHCCOM003 100
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients CHCADV001 100
Implement community development strategies CHCCDE027 70
Implement trauma informed care CHCMHS013 80
Plan and conduct group activities CHCGRP002 70
Research and apply evidence to practice CHCPOL003 65
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness CHCSOH013 85

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:

  • Workplace Tasks
  • Written assignments
  • Team Projects    
  • Industry placement       
  • Exam/questions    
  • Case studies
  • Role Plays

Fees

Fees are based on current year and are subject to change for future years. Fees are charged upon course offer and must be paid to obtain the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Contact the international office for detailed information or see fees, payments and refunds. More information.

Total tuition fee:

$13,000

Total approx. non tuition fees:

$979.50

Further study options

  • Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at Deakin University
  • Bachelor of Marketing (Psychology) at Deakin University
  • Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology) at Deakin University
  • Bachelor of Criminology at Deakin University
  • Bachelor of International Studies at Deakin University
  • Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University
  • Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University
  • Bachelor of Nutrition Science at Deakin University
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 the International Office at international@gordontafe.edu.au or 5225 0920.