GOTAFE
8 weeks
A mandatory 8-week skill set for residential care workers in Victoria that combines trauma-informed care training with practical workplace experience. Designed for professionals working with children and youth in out-of-home care, child protection, and family intervention services.
Applicants must be currently employed in a child protection or residential care setting and have the ability to be exposed to working with Child Protection clients during 120 hours of workplace placement. You must hold either a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention or a relevant degree (Level 7+) or diploma in fields such as Community Services, Youth Work, Social Work, Mental Health, Nursing, Allied Health, or related disciplines. You must be at least 18 years old before commencing placement. Access to a laptop/computer, digital camera or video camera, and general stationery is required for assessment tasks.
The course comprises four core units delivered through blended or online learning. Students learn to facilitate responsible behaviour in residential care settings, applying evidence-based strategies to support positive outcomes. The trauma-informed care unit develops understanding of how trauma impacts children and young people, and how to create safe, supportive environments. The out-of-home care support unit focuses on providing person-centred services to children and youth in residential, kinship, or foster care. The final unit addresses working with children and young people experiencing complex trauma and attachment difficulties, equipping workers with specialized skills to support healing and development.
GOTAFE is a government-accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) delivering nationally recognized qualifications across Victoria. As a leading TAFE provider, GOTAFE offers Free TAFE eligibility for this mandatory skill set, making professional development accessible to residential care workers. The provider combines workplace-integrated learning with expert instruction, allowing students to consolidate skills in their actual work environment while receiving structured support from experienced trainers.
This mandatory skill set is essential for residential care workers in Victoria working in youth and family intervention, child protection, family services, and child and youth placement and support roles. Completion enhances career prospects and professional credibility in the community services sector. Graduates can progress to further qualifications such as the Diploma of Community Services, Certificate IV in Disability Support, or other specialized community services credentials. The skills developed support advancement into supervisory or coordination roles within residential care and child protection services.
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