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 learn how to assess client needs, plan and deliver support, run case work, and connect people with housing, health, legal and financial services. Typical study covers community services work, case management, counselling and communication skills, working with diverse groups, legal and ethical requirements, and workplace safety. You also learn how to document cases, write reports and work within the Australian community services system.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. The Diploma of Community Services usually runs over two years full time, split into semesters or trimesters. You complete core units in case work, advocacy, community development and client support, plus electives that let you focus on areas such as mental health, youth work or family support. Most diplomas include a work placement or industry project, because community services employers expect you to have spent time in a real service before you graduate. Assessment is a mix of written tasks, practical demonstrations and supervised fieldwork.

Skills you gain

You finish with the ability to interview and assess clients, develop support plans, advocate for people dealing with housing or income problems, and work safely with people in crisis. You also build the record-keeping and teamwork skills that community organisations rely on. The course suits people already working in the sector who want a formal qualification, career changers who want to move into community services, and school leavers who want a practical path into social work and human services without starting a degree.

Studying in Australia

This qualification sits on the Australian Qualifications Framework at diploma level, which is below a bachelor degree but above a certificate IV. It is delivered by Solis College and Athena College Australia, and is listed on the CRICOS register under course code 118834M. International students need to meet English requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate courses, but social work sits higher at 7.0–7.5. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the institution's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. While studying, a student visa normally allows 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Check the official page for current details.

• Community services worker
• Case worker or case manager
• Support worker in housing, disability or aged care
• Youth worker
• Family support worker
• Client intake and assessment officer
• Community development assistant
• Advocate for people accessing health, legal or income support

These roles are found in community health centres, not-for-profit organisations, local government, housing services, family support agencies and disability services across Australia.