Diploma of Community Services

The Diploma of Community Services at the Australian Health and Science Institute is a two-year qualification for people who want to work directly with individuals, families and communities. You'll learn how to assess client needs, plan and deliver support, run casework, and connect people to services such as housing, mental health, family support and emergency relief. The course covers community development, counselling skills, legal and ethical responsibilities, and how to work safely with people in crisis.

Australian diplomas are built from units of study, each with a set credit point value, and you'll usually study them across semesters or trimesters. Most of your learning happens in the classroom or online, but community services qualifications always include practical placement, supervised hours in a real organisation such as a neighbourhood centre, family services agency or homelessness service. That placement is where you put casework and communication skills to work with actual clients. Some providers also include a final project or portfolio that pulls together what you've learned across the course.

You'll finish with skills in client assessment, referral, advocacy, group work, record keeping and working within legal and ethical frameworks. You'll also learn how to look after yourself in a job that can be emotionally demanding. The diploma sits at AQF level 5, so it's practical and job-focused rather than academic. It's a good fit if you're starting out in the sector, changing careers, or already working in a support role and want a formal qualification. It also gives you a pathway into a bachelor degree in social work or community services, often with credit for the units you've completed.

If you're an international student, you'll need to meet English requirements, for social work and community services, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is common, though some courses ask for 7.0–7.5. The Student visa has its own English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. While you study, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 089593A. Confirm all details with the institute before you apply.

• Community services worker
• Case worker or case manager
• Support worker in family services, housing or homelessness services
• Youth worker
• Mental health support worker
• Community development officer
• Client intake and referral officer
• Welfare support worker in aged care or disability services

These roles are found in not-for-profit organisations, government departments, community health centres, women's refuges, youth services, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations across Australia.