Diploma of Community Services

The Diploma of Community Services is a two-year qualification for people who want to work directly with individuals, families and communities in Australia. You study case management, client assessment, referral, advocacy, group work, community development and the legal and ethical side of community services. There is a strong focus on working with people in crisis and on understanding how the Australian service system fits together, housing, health, child protection, disability, family support and multicultural services.

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set credit point value, delivered across semesters or trimesters. This one runs for two years. You will complete a supervised work placement in a community services organisation as part of the course, because the field expects graduates to arrive with real client contact behind them. Assessment is usually a mix of written tasks, practical demonstrations, projects and placement performance rather than exams alone.

Skills you build include conducting client interviews, developing case plans, keeping accurate records, working within legal and organisational requirements, managing risk, and communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds. You also learn how to look after yourself in a job that carries emotional weight, reflective practice and professional boundaries are part of the training.

This course suits school leavers, career changers and people already working in care or support roles who want a recognised qualification to move into case management or community development. It is also a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in social work or community services, with credit for units already completed. International students should confirm English requirements, tuition and intake dates on the official CRICOS register and the institution's page, and note that the Student visa has its own English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. While studying, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream.

• Community services worker
• Case worker or case manager
• Support worker in housing, homelessness or family services
• Youth worker
• Disability support coordinator
• Community development officer
• Client intake and referral officer
• Team leader in a community organisation (with experience)

Employers include not-for-profit community organisations, local councils, state government departments, housing and homelessness services, family and youth services, disability providers, aged care organisations and multicultural settlement services. The diploma also gives you a route into a bachelor degree in social work or community services if you want to go further.