Diploma of
Community Services

February

Note: We have experienced a marked increase in student satisfaction while delivering our programs remotely during Covid.  To that end, our 2021 intake will remain blended so we can maximise on the benefits and lesson learned throughout 2021.  If you enrol in this course, you will be allocated to the campus closest to your residential address, however, the majority of your classes will be conducted remotely, with a teacher via MS Teams (similar to Zoom).  

We are happy to report that our current students who have moved to this remote delivery model are very happy with the changes we have made to support their learning.  As a prospective student it is important for you to know that when you enrol in the Diploma of  Community Services (remote delivery) you will:

• speak to your teacher prior to commencing the course. We want to get to know you and help you set yourself up correctly at home so that participation in our classes is seamless
• meet your classmates regularly through our online classrooms (similar to Zoom sessions)
• have the opportunity to engage in interactive and lively discussion (as you would in a classroom)
• acquire new skills that are completely relevant to the changes currently being experienced in the Community Services Sector
• receive all the support that a student on campus would receive. For example, access to our library team, guest speakers, learning support, student counsellors and technical support 

We are looking forward to working with you and sharing in your success!

Full time: 18 months (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9.30am - 3.00pm)

This is a blended delivery course which will include a combination of online, remote and face to face delivery. Blended learning can involve a range of online programs and resources including StudentWeb, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Skype, specific industry platforms, pre-recorded sessions, assigned reading, tutorials, discussion boards, and online activities. Blended learning also involves face-to-face attendance at classes or practical placements.

For information regarding dates such as enrolment, orientation and study breaks please visit the Academic Calendars page. 

This course will provide a variety of employment opportunities in roles such as being a:

• community services worker
• early intervention worker
• group facilitator
• youth officer
• support facilitator
• case worker

Employment opportunities exist in a wide range of community services organisations.

The Diploma of Community Services is accredited through the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Students that successfully complete the qualification may apply for ACWA membership.

You must be at least 18 years of age

Working with Children Checks and Police Record Checks are a requirement for Industry Work Placement and future employment in this field

PRE-TRAINING REVIEW

To assist prospective students to determine whether a course is suitable and appropriate for the individual needs, Box Hill Institute will assess all students’ language, literacy and numeracy and digital literacy by asking you to undertake a self-assessment review prior to the enrolment.

A course advisor will discuss the outcomes of the review and make recommendations about whether the course is suitable for you, and identify additional support where required.

Direct entry

Recognition of Prior Learning is available.

This course has a guaranteed pathway into the Bachelor of Community Services at Box Hill Institute (direct entry into second year with a credit grade or above in the Diploma).

Completion of this course will also enable you to negotiate up to 8 credit points (equivalent of one year full-time study) of credit for the following programs at Deakin University:

• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Psychology with Honours

This course is government accredited and has national recognition

The qualification is aligned with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 5

• Government Subsidised Place
• Payment Plan
• VET Student Loans

This training is provided to eligible individuals with funds made available by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments

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 2021 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.

This course is delivered over 18 months within 3 teaching semesters (Stages 1 to 3). 

To be assessed as competent in this qualification, you are required to undertake placement in stages 2 and 3 of the program. You will need to undertake 400 hours of work placement (200 hours in each of Stage 2 and Stage 3)

Feedback provided by a workplace supervisor will contribute to assessment of your ability to work at this level.