• Completion of CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services or equivalent industry experience is preferred prior to commencing this course.  
• If you do not meet the entry requirements of CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services, we recommend applying for CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services
• Students must be at least 18 years old to commence this course, or
• Have prior work or study experience in Community Services
• Must be currently employed in the industry.

Have you got what it takes to be successful in this career? Our Core Skills guide lists the skills and attributes necessary to study and work in this field.

See the Core Skills required (459 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)

Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.

SM TAFE actively promotes the employment availability of course graduates to key industry partners and organisations. We also seek expressions of interest from organisations for the placement of our students into work experience. In addition, this course involves work placement, giving you further opportunity to develop relationships with potential employers. We endeavour to assist students into a career pathway, but please be aware that employment is not guaranteed by us.

To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.

Become a specialist in your field with university study

The information about university credit points and tuition costs provides a general guide only. SM TAFE recommends students discuss credit points with the university or college of their choice at the time of graduation.

Murdoch University

This course has a study pathway to Murdoch University(opens in a new tab) as of January 2021.

• Bachelor of Arts(opens in a new tab) (B1356) in Community Development(opens in a new tab) , or Sustainable Development(opens in a new tab) , or International Aid and Development(opens in a new tab) - 24 credit points

Attendance in class

You will need to attend class for 2 semesters when studying full-time, the days and times differ between campuses.  

As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete a minimum 1 day of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.

You will need to have the basic technical requirements(opens in a new tab)  for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers(opens in a new tab)  during library hours.

Students will need to bring their own devices (i.e. laptop or tablet) to class. 

What you need for your first day of class

On your first day, you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID and stationery (pen and exercise book). Clothing suitable for an office workplace must be worn.
 

Work placement

This qualification requires the completion of a work placement of approximately 240 hours. If you live in the local area of Perth you will be assisted to find a placement if you are unable to find one. Your work placement requires you to be available to attend during weekdays and you may need to rearrange personal or work commitments to be able to attend.
 

Online study

Students completing the online study option will complete 2 units at a time, with progress monitored by their lecturer. This can be done at a pace suitable to you but for each group of units you have 4 months to complete, so we recommend you use our schedule provided to you at enrolment to assist you in avoiding having to re-enrol in the unit.

Students must be able to demonstrate practical skills to achieve this qualification when studying fully online. For each unit there is a requirement to demonstrate performance tasks and skills, these will need to be simulated, recorded and submitted for assessment.

The nature of online study can involve a significant investment of time and the ability to be a focused, self-motivated learner. You should consider your personal circumstances and past study history before committing to study online. Find out more in our online study info pack below.

Online study info pack (334 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)

Work placement - online studies

This qualification requires the completion of a work placement of approximately 240 hours, to be arranged by yourself. Your work placement requires you to be available to attend during weekdays and you may need to rearrange personal or work commitments to be able to attend. 

Existing workers

Diploma of Community Services for existing workers is part-time over 4 semesters, 1 night a week at Bentley campus. It is designed for people who are currently working in the Community Services industry who wish to upskill or formalise their qualifications.

It is expected that students will utilise case studies from their own workplaces and will study additional hours to enhance the workshop learning. Applicants will need to provide a resume and current job description to determine suitability.

To study online and on campus, you should be prepared to commit to independent study and to attend our campuses. To help you understand what it takes to study online and on campus at SM TAFE, download our info pack below.

Online and on campus study info pack (337 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)

All students enrolled in Community Services, Youth Work and Mental Health are encouraged to obtain First Aid training (HLTAID011 is preferred). On campus students will receive first aid training as a unit in the recommended study plan. Online students will need to organise and pay for the training as their own responsibility.

You may be required to obtain a Working With Children Check and National Police Clearance prior to a supervised work placement. This will depend on the organisation you arrange your work placement with.

For more information visit:
https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au(opens in a new tab)
https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Police-Direct/National-Police-Certificates(opens in a new tab)

Important COVID-19 update

This course requires you to undertake a mandatory work placement with an employer associated with an industry outlined in the COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy. This means that you must be at least double vaccinated prior to your work placement. Please note that some work placements may request triple vaccination. For the latest information on vaccine requirements for students visit our COVID-19 update page. Students will also be required to have a current season flu vaccination to be eligible to go out on a hospital, aged care or community placement.