Course Description
Certificate IV in Community Services reflects the role of community service workers who design and deliver person-centered services to individuals and/or groups. It is also designed for people who are usually involved in service delivery roles – either in direct client work and/or health and community development projects. Certificate IV in Community Services reflects the roles of community services, case management and social housing workers involved in the managing, coordinating and/or delivering of person-centered services to individuals, groups and communities.
At this level, workers may be autonomous with limited responsibility within established parameters and may be required to supervise and lead other workers in projects or teams. Work may take place in a range of community service, case work or case management contexts.
Why study this course?
Progress your career in the community services sector with this intermediate-level course that will qualify you to work in a diverse range of settings. Certificate IV in Community Services will give you the practical skills and knowledge to work with a diverse range of people in the community, residential and healthcare settings. It will also equip you with the foundation skills required to undertake further study in the field.
The Community Services Industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Australia with an estimated 50,000+ new jobs to be created within the industry by 2023 (Source: joboutlook.gov.au).
What you will learn
Certificate IV in Community Services will qualify you to work within a community development framework, plan and conduct group activities and work with people from diverse backgrounds. It will enable you to work in a range of roles within the community sector, helping you to enrich the lives of your clients. These roles may range from offering support and basic living assistance to advocation for clients with complex needs. Successful
completion of this course will give you the skills to seek employment in a variety of community services settings, or in social housing.
- Working within a community development framework
- Work legally and ethically
- Confirm client development status
- Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
- Provide advocacy and representation services
- Develop and maintain industry networks and collaborative partnerships
- Use communication to build relationships
- Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
- Work with diverse people
- Manage and promote diversity
Employment Opportunities
Job roles and titles vary across different industry sectors. Occupational titles may include:
- Community Support Worker
- Welfare Support Worker
- Case Worker (Community Services)
- Domestic Violence Worker
- Outreach Officer
- Women’s Health Educator
- Aboriginal Intake and Referral Worker
- Early Intervention Homelessness Worker
- Peak Organisation Worker
- Community Education Workers
- Court Support Worker
- Support Worker (Community Services)
- Information and Referral Worker
- Personal Advisor
- Community Legal Officers
- Welfare Rights Worker
- Tenant Advice and Advocacy Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Phone Advice Worker
Certificate IV in Community Services is delivered via DP Learning@Home model, offering the opportunity to study your way
- Rolling intake, start anytime!
- Training Materials offered using electronic-based delivery,
- Trainers/Assessors are available to support you through email and/or telephone contact.
- 15 units of competency
- The opportunity to attend weekly trainer-led study support sessions via Zoom for the duration of your course
- Simulated practicals via Zoom and/or workplace demonstration of the skills attained
- Self-paced (up to 12 months to complete)
RPL
Designed for existing workers who are able to demonstrate that they have already acquired through formal, nonformal and informal learning the course requirements.
- If you consider yourself to already have the knowledge and skills for the qualification, any person currently working in the industry has the opportunity to apply for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment only pathway.
- You will be required to successfully demonstrate that you have acquired the required knowledge and skills specified in the training package through formal, non-formal and informal learning. To demonstrate your knowledge and skills assessed via the RPL process, please take our skill assessment below and select RPL on your enrolment form.
Take a 60 sec Skill Assessment Check Now to determine your eligibility for RPL.
Study Program
This course is delivered via our DP Learning@Home Program, offering a mixture
- self-paced
- online
- blended
- on-the-job
- block or day release for apprentices
- a combination of the above
Training Locations
This course is delivered online Nationally.
Class-based or practical training may be delivered at the locations below.
DP Training Campus
- Brisbane – 162 Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
- Gold Coast –Level 3, Unit 7, 52 Davenport Street, Southport QLD 4215
Other training and meeting rooms
- Adelaide – 97 Pirie Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
- Sydney – Level 17, Angel Place, 123 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
- Melbourne – Level 10, 440 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Course Entry Requirements
The target learners and entry requirements for this course must:
- be over 15 years of age, and no longer attending secondary school
- undertake Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Skills Indicator assessment questionnaire
- obtain security clearance*
- have technological skills to undertake computer/online work and have access to a computer and software with the following minimum specifications
- Adobe Acrobat Reader/Adobe Flash Player and up-to-date internet browser
Enrolment Requirements
Please be advised the following documents will be required to be submitted with your enrolment:
- Proof of ID: Colour copy of Passport or Driver’s Licence.
- Unique Student Identification Number (USI)
- Colour copy of Certificates and Statement Results for any previously attained or partially completed qualifications completed in or recognised in Australia If you do not hold a USI Number or have forgotten your USI Number, please visit the link provided below: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-usi
Fees & Funding
- Course Fee – $2850
- RPL assessment – total assessment fee $1500, then if applicable , $100 per unit of gap training capped at 10 units
A $250 deposit is required prior to commencing training and assessment, with weekly, fortnightly and monthly payment plans to pay the remaining fees.
Course Structure
This qualification is made up of 15 units of competency (7 core, 8 electives) which reflect the needs of the industry.
Core Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CHCADV001 | Facilitate the interests and rights of clients |
| CHCCOM002 | Use communication to build relationships |
| CHCDFV001 | Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically |
| CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care |
Elective Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CHCCCS006 | Facilitate individual service planning and delivery |
| CHCCCS004 | Assess co-existing needs |
| CHCCCS010 | Maintain a high standard of service |
| CHCCOM001 | Provide first point of contact |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues |
| CHCCCS020 | Respond effectively to behaviours of concern |
| HLTWHS006 | Manage personal stressors in the work environment |
| CHCCCS009 | Facilitate responsible behavior |
