Wodonga TAFE
21 months
This nationally accredited Diploma develops professional community services skills for working with individuals, families, and communities. Ideal for those seeking specialised roles in case management, service delivery, and community development with hands-on industry placement experience.
Applicants must be over 17 years old (18 years required for field placement). Successful completion of a supervised Language, Literacy, Numeracy & Digital Assessment is required, with minimum Exit Level 3 for Reading and Exit Level 2 (Working at Level 3) for Numeracy and Writing. Applicants must obtain a Working with Children's Check, National Police Check, and may require NDIS Worker Clearance prior to field placement. Evidence of immunisation records may be required if placement occurs in healthcare or aged care settings.
The course covers 20 compulsory units including: advocacy and representation services, assessment of co-existing needs, service program development and implementation, crisis situation recognition and response, abuse identification and reporting, workplace communication strategies, counselling relationship establishment and specialist interpersonal skills, case management facilitation and review, developmental status confirmation, sociological factors analysis, domestic and family violence recognition and response, work with diverse populations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety, legal and ethical compliance, workplace debriefing and support processes, mental health support, trauma-informed care, professional reflection and improvement, and work health and safety maintenance.
Wodonga TAFE is a registered training organisation (RTO 3097) offering nationally accredited qualifications. The Diploma of Community Services has met course and campus accreditation requirements set by Community Work Australia, ensuring industry recognition and credibility. The program combines classroom learning with compulsory industry placements (400 hours total) to provide practical, real-world experience and direct employer engagement.
Graduates can pursue diverse career paths in community services, including roles as community workers, case managers, social housing workers, aged care workers, disability support workers, youth workers, family support workers, counsellors, and welfare workers. The qualification provides pathways to further university studies with potential credit recognition, allowing graduates to combine industry experience with tertiary education for career advancement in social services and community development sectors.