About the course

About the course

If you want to advance your career in the community services field, our community services course will equip you with the knowledge and real-world experience to succeed.  

In our community services course, you will:

  • develop a broad understanding of the principles and theories that relate to service delivery in the community services sector
  • analyse traditional models of welfare and examine a range of contemporary theoretical perspectives
  • gain a wide range of skills and knowledge that empower your client and that are rewarding for you and beneficial to your organisation

During our course, we encourage you to form a community of learners with your fellow students to share experiences, develop critical reflective skills and enrich your learning experience. You will also benefit from taking part in practical placement and applied learning subjects, orienting you to real world experience working in and around the community services sector.  

With our community services course, you will:

  • study cultural safety with a strong indigenous focus
  • develop an extensive knowledge related to community services
  • learn to understand applicable legislation and regulation
  • practise and develop decision-making and communication strategies

Your learning experience will be closely supported by our highly qualified and experienced teaching staff. The design of our degree will provide you with a qualification of high academic integrity that is directly applicable to community services work within your selected discipline area.

Course Details

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Intake Dates & Course Length


February, July

Full time: 3 years

2 days per week, over 13 teaching weeks per semester (2 semesters each year) 

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Career & Learning Outcomes


  • Child Protection Practitioner
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker
  • Crisis Intervention Worker
  • Residential Care Officer

Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities - demonstrate practical, theoretical, sociological knowledge and skills that support community service fields delivery to achieve practical outcomes for employment within diverse disciplines of community services.

Communication - develop and demonstrate high-level professional communication skills within a range of community service situations.

Critical thinking - acquire skills in the critical evaluation of theories and philosophical approach to community services by reflecting of own skill development when engaging the principles of community services work.  

Self-management - demonstrate initiative and autonomy in planning for implementation, monitoring and evaluation to maximise opportunities for community service clients.

Teamwork - work collaboratively with others from different disciplines and diverse backgrounds by applying inclusive principles and practices to create and maintain culturally safe workplaces.

Global Citizenship - analyse and address the philosophical basis of community development and services as a method of social change within a global context while taking into consideration cultural and socioeconomic diversity, the impact of social, gender and racial inequality, and the application of professional ethical standards.

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International Alumni

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Entry and Academic Requirements


International students must have completed an Australian Year 12 or international equivalent with a pass.

Interview: applicants may be asked a series of questions relating to their suitability for the course. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding and aptitude for the course.

PLEASE NOTE: Box Hill Institute only accept enrolments from international students who are 18 years of age or above at the time of course commencement

English Language Requirements


A minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5 (Academic) with no band less than 6.0 .

A minimum TOEFL score of 83 for Internet based,  with each section no less than 20 for Listening, 19 for Reading, 24 for Writing, 20 for Speaking, or approved equivalent.

 

For other accepted tests, please visit the English Language Requirements page.

Applying


International students please apply through:

  1. an authorised representative in your country
  2. a Box Hill Institute booth at an education exhibition
  3. or direct to Box Hill Institute

See how to apply or contact the international office for more information.

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Pathways & Accreditation


After successful completion, you may be eligible to apply to study at honours or masters level at any Australian university.

This course is fully accredited by the ACWA (Australian Community Workers Association).

This course is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the qualification is aligned with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 7 and Box Hill Institute Graduate Attributes.

Contact
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Give us a call on 1300 269 445

Fees


International
Annual Tuition Fee$19,290
Annual Service Fee$268
Annual Material Fee$0
Retain Course Items (Year 1)$0
Estimated Annual Fee$19,558

Service & Amenity Fee may vary depending on course commencement and enrolment duration. Retain Course Items are purchased once by the student prior to commencing. Those items then become the property of the student. Fees listed are at 2024 rates and may increase annually over the duration of delivery. The student tuition fees listed are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. For more information please contact our Course Advisors on 1300 BOX HILL.

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Financial Support

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Course Structure


You will need to complete 24 subjects. 

    Core


  • CST101ATransition To Higher Education
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit supports the development of academic skills and aims to assist students understand the expectations required for studying at an undergraduate level. The focus will be upon developing and extending learning, research skills, academic writing and referencing. Learners will be supported to extend their self-directed skills, such as time management and goal setting. Teaching of critical evaluation of literature will include strategies to research key literature, develop literature reviews and analyse authors’ arguments. Students will be encouraged to plan and structure essays with an emphasis on clarity and purpose in their writing.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Essay 30%; Literature Review 30%

  • SOC101AThe Sociology Of Community Services
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit aims to introduce students to the sociological theoretical foundations of historical and contemporary community services work. The evolution of community services work will be examined through key themes of self- identity, empowerment, social justice and equity. An understanding of critical concepts that continue to shape attitudes and service provision of community services will be expanded. The role of these themes in community services work will be developed through an understanding of building social capital within Australian and global contexts. Students will be encouraged to form a community of learners to assist their studies, to share experiences, develop critical reflective skills and form industry networks.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Presentation 30%; Exam 30%

  • CSC102AEffective Communication
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit advances theoretical and practical perspectives to enable effective and high level communication in a range of settings. It addresses the complex nature of communication and processes. Skills for developing interpersonal relationships and rapport, including the importance of non-verbal communication, are demonstrated and workshopped. The unit addresses the specific communication needs of several relevant client groups, including people with intellectual or physical disabilities, children and families under stress, clients affected by drugs and/or alcohol, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds including Indigenous Australians. Leadership, conflict resolution and negotiation skills are also developed and advanced. Practical skills for delivering information in written form and managing meetings are developed.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Corequisites: CST101
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Project 30%; Paper 30%

  • CSC103BIndigenous And Culturally Diverse Persons And Community Services
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit considers the parameters of difference within the human context and what it means to be in a minority group within a society. Students will examine the impact of culture on effective delivery of community services, in areas such as communication, social relationships, attitudes towards community service intervention, and other culturally specific issues. Students establish strategies for working with cultural groups in the provision of services such as working with remote Indigenous communities. Concepts surrounding cultural safety include understanding of affirmative action, and the need for establishing culturally specific services in addition to mainstream services. Challenging cross-cultural constructs are studied though case studies that include working with refugees and Indigenous Australian culture and history. There will be a specific focus on delivery of services for Indigenous Australians and their communities, with attention to the development of culturally sensitive practices. The place of Australian Indigenous-specific services will be examined along with other cultures.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Corequisites: CST101
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Report 30%; Essay 30%

  • GW101AEffective Group Work
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit develops an understanding of working within a range of group settings. It establishes skills and knowledge for effectively planning and facilitating discussions, group activities, debriefing and support groups. Students will examine the common stages of group progression, and barriers to achieving effective outcomes. They will learn to adjust interpersonal styles to match group needs and dynamics. Practical skills for leading a group through these stages will focus on resource development, goal setting, managing individual problems within a group setting and facilitation styles. Group work in specific community services contexts, including drug and alcohol work, counselling, family conferences, training and recreation will be explored.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Group activity 30%; Development plan 30%

  • CM101A(Principles And Practice Of) Case Management
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit prepares students to undertake a case management role within community services contexts. It examines the processes involved to establish sound case work management, including legal and ethical considerations, working with clients to set goals, effective communication and risk management. Undergraduates are provided with an introduction to appropriate information sharing, strategies for referral and the use of community resources. Mandatory and best practice protocols for documentation and reporting will be introduced. The importance of identifying role boundaries, including conflict of interest, is examined through case studies. Duty of care is discussed within the context of complex or high risk situations, such as working with protective and custodial agencies and cases with high public or political sensitivity. The importance of considering family structures and dynamics, and the differences in these between cultures, especially the Australian Indigenous community is emphasised in the case management context.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Case study 30%; Portfolio 30%

  • PSY101AThe Psychology Of Community Services
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit provides an introduction to developmental psychology and an understanding of what drives or motivates human behaviour. Students will explore the theories that underpin an understanding of human development across the lifespan, including theories of attachment, cognitive and social development in the context of socio-cultural frameworks. Examination of developmental, psychological and cognitive disorders will provide a more complex understanding of human behaviour as relevant to the social services field. Students will analyse a range of strategies for supporting client behaviour across various circumstances.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Portfolio 30%; Essay 30%

  • CSLR102The Legal And Ethical Framework Of Community Services
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit develops the student’s understanding of the legislative, regulatory and theoretical requirements that underpin all community services. The intent of relevant acts of legislation will be explored as a framework for understanding the regulatory provisions for delivery. The unit considers the philosophy of ethics from a variety of perspectives as well as principles of ethical actions including autonomy, non-maleficence and beneficence. It develops in students skills in managing ethical dilemmas in professional and organisational practice, including factors associated with confidentiality, risk of harm, corruption and malpractice.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Reflective analysis 30%; Exam 30%

  • CD201ACommunity Development And International Aid
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit assists students to gain an advanced theoretical knowledge of the role of government, community groups and aid organisations in building capacity and providing domestic community services, supports, and international aid. Students will examine the nature of social disadvantage and marginalisation of groups such as women, refugees, persons with disabilities, unemployed, homeless, elderly and Indigenous Australians. Examples of innovative community development programs in public housing, disadvantaged areas and cultural communities will be studied. This unit also explores practices such as collaboration, advocacy and strategic community planning in improving support provision combined with building the capacity of marginalised groups.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101A Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Project 30%; Essay 40%

  • CFV201Family Violence
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit provides students with a thorough overview of family violence in an Australian context. The content prepares the learner to encounter and respond safely and effectively in a community service role. It addresses critical topics such as drivers of family violence, risk factors, complex assessments, responding effectively to disclosures, identifying red flags, safety planning and avoiding collusion when working with people who enact harm. The unit will also address legal reporting responsibilities, making appropriate referrals in the Victorian family violence sector, and importantly, self-care for workers. Students will engage with topics both theoretically as well as practically through the use of case studies and the completion of the MARAM (Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework) comprehensive risk assessment forms.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101A Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Written report 30%; Written exam 30%

  • CP201A(Principles And Practice Of) Child Protection
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit will advance and create knowledge to promote and improve the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, families and communities. Using a critical inquiry approach, students will evaluate current legislative, ethical and best practice requirements of working in child protection. They will build their capabilities in integrating theories of child development, trauma, evidence-based practice and major models to lead practice and service delivery in Child Protection. Using a case study approach, students will prepare a case for the Children’s Court to facilitate the “Child’s Voice” in child protection practice and management.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101A Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Written essay 30%; Written exam 30%

  • GS308AGender Issues
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit will take an interdisciplinary and intersectional lens in its exploration of gender studies, examining the paradigms that hold sway in the current socio-political climate. Restrictive discourses which contribute to the marginalisation and disenfranchisement of non-normative persons and communities as well as the ones that offer more liberating notions of gender, boy sexuality identity are explored.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101A Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Literature review 30%; Written analysis 30%

  • PSY301AComplex Assessment And Referral
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit addresses modalities and theories behind conducting an individual assessment where multiple and complex issues are present. Students will examine several kinds of assessment, including intake, domain-based, norm-based and competency-based assessment. Modalities including strength-based assessment are used to identify the client’s range of diverse needs. Students analyse appropriate language and interpersonal skills related to the assessment process. Analysis of the most effective and least restrictive strategies to enhance the client’s learning and well-being is explored. There will be a strong focus on identifying potential risk.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101 Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Written essay 30%; Written report 30%

  • EDD301AClients With A Dual Diagnosis
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit orientates students to the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and Mental Health Sectors. Students will gain high level skills in assessing the needs of clients with complex AOD and mental health issues using a variety of assessment tools, in an evidence-based practice context. They will gain an understanding of the interrelated nature of dual diagnosis, and will develop tools to address challenges related to clients with complex needs. Practices such as assessment, referral, models of rehabilitation, and networking with other services to improve outcomes will be examined and practiced. There will be a focus on providing integrated services that address multiple presenting needs.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101A Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Assignment 30%; Written Essay 30%

  • PPC333AMulti-Disciplinary Practicum
    6.0 points

    226.0 hours

    Practicum is the practical demonstration of the understanding of the theoretical components of the course work. Throughout the sequence of the practicum the Bachelor of Community Services student is to demonstrate increasing skill and leadership in the delivery of the community services programs. Throughout the practicum the student will demonstrate increasing knowledge and application of community services work. They will also demonstrate purposeful engagement with clients and understanding of the multiple roles involved in providing community services. The application of sound ethical practice is reflected through their own practice as a key focus of the practicum.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101A Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Evidence of Professional Reflective Portfolio and completion of 200 hours of practical placement.

  • PPCP202CCommunity Services Practicum
    6.0 points

    226.0 hours

    Practicum is the practical demonstration of the understanding of the theoretical components of the course work. Throughout the sequence of the practicum the Bachelor of Community Services student is to demonstrate increasing skill and leadership in the delivery of the community services programs. Throughout the practicum the student will demonstrate increasing knowledge and application of community services work. They will also demonstrate purposeful engagement with client and understanding of the multiple roles involved in providing community services. The application of sound ethical practice is reflected through their own practice as a key focus of the practicum.


    Prerequisites: CST101 Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Evidence of Professional Reflective Portfolio and completion of 200 hours of practical placement.


  • Electives


  • COU201AApplied Counselling
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

  • CIT202Advanced Counselling
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

  • DOC201Online Counselling
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

  • CSM201AManagement And Leadership In Community Services Work
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    In this unit students will examine and analyse theories and issues of leadership and management in the dynamic community services sector. The unit requires students to engage with and reflect on the meaning of leadership in the context of their own professional practice, ethics and identity and relationships. The unit explores contemporary issues regarding leadership and change, and the implications for management. It extends the theoretical informants related to a range of organisational demands and higher-level approaches to management in the community services sector. Particular emphasis will be on human resources and management challenges specific to community services. The unit aims to enhance managerial competence through applied management principles and practices that create sound and effective management of service organisations.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101A Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Self-assessment matrix 30%; Written essay 30%

  • SOC202Sociological Aspects Of Ageing
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit examines the interface of sociological aspects of ageing to lead advocacy and practice in aged care whilst exploring the global demographic phenomenon of an ageing population and examining sociological theories of ageing and their implication on culture, society and social changes. Further examination into the effects of ageing will be explored in regard to retirement policies, status, and family relationships. The study of hegemony as a result of institutionalised ageism and the negative cultural representation of older adults will demonstrate issues such as major barriers for greater social inclusion for older citizens. Further examination of topics in social sustainability, age, identity, demographic change, generational identity and collective memory will be explored. Students will examine and critique social attitudes towards ageing and the impacts of ageism, this will involve reflecting on their own views, values and beliefs. The final assessment enables practice of skills in critical analysis and advocacy, interpreting policy and practice on ageing and analyse ageism in the public domain, such as news, current affairs, entertainment media, government policy, gerontological literature, research and public debate.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101A Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Written essay 30%; Written report 30%

  • WWY201Youth Work In Practice
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    This unit provides an overview of youth work principles, values, ethics, models and practice in both Australian and a global perspective. This unit explores the meaning and different concepts of youth and adolescence, their identity formation within welfare and wellbeing and describes the contemporary socio-economic and political context of adolescent welfare due to social structures and processes. It locates young people's experience in a context of social change, investigating the interface of Youth Work and Community Service in practice whilst exploring how political, economic, social and digital technologies influence both social possibilities (e.g., broader access to information and services, new types of self-expression, new forms of social connectedness, etc.) and social problems (e.g., privacy, security, online hate crimes, etc.) in the current century. On completion of this unit students will have developed knowledge, skills, attitude and capabilities to work with young people as the primary consideration within a young person’s social context.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101A Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Written essay 30%; Project 30%

  • CSS201ARole Of The State, Family And Individual In Society
    6.0 points

    39.0 hours

    The unit will examine the impact of the welfare state, and the role and responsibilities of families and communities in supporting development of groups and individuals. Students will explore the range of community sector organisations that operate in Australia, sources of funding provided by local, state and federal governments, and the challenges associated with increasing competition for funding between organisations in the community sector. An analysis of the social inequality of difference, whether by culture, gender, age, social mobility, unemployment, and the inequitable distribution of access to wealth, employment opportunities, health services and education across Australia will lead into an exploration of community welfare in practice. This will include how various government and non-government agencies respond to issues of difference and social disadvantage. Students will also research the political influences on the community sector including economic rationalism and the privatisation of health and education. The strategic direction of government policy will be explored.

    Subject contact hours (per week): 3h/wk


    Prerequisites: CST101A Transition to Higher Education
    Assessment: Tutorial tasks 40%; Written report 30%; Essay 30%


Contact
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No question is too big or small.
Give us a call on 1300 269 445

Admissions Data & Indicative Enrolments


Applicant background

Semester one / Full year intake - 2023

Number of students

% of all students

(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)

<5

NP

(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study

<5

NP

(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)

<5

NP

(D) Recent secondary education:

Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

NA

NA

Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

NANA

Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

00%

International students

<5

NP

All students

7

100%

Notes:

  • <5 - less than 5 students
  • NA - students not accepted in this category
  • NP - not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

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