Charles Darwin University (CDU TAFE)
1-2 years
Gain industry-ready skills to support vulnerable individuals and communities as a community service worker. This nationally accredited Certificate IV prepares you for diverse roles in case management, advocacy, and person-centred service delivery across health, welfare, and community sectors.
Candidates should have completion of Year 10 or equivalent and a general command of spoken and written English to meet industry standards for communication. A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify areas where additional support may be needed. Students undertaking work placement must obtain a Working with Children Ochre Card and Police clearance. No mandatory occupational licensing or legislative requirements apply at the time of publication.
The course comprises 7 core units covering client advocacy and rights, communication and relationship building, domestic and family violence recognition and response, working with diverse populations, legal and ethical practice, and professional networking. Eight elective units allow specialization in areas including alcohol and other drugs support, mental health work, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety, homelessness services, wellbeing promotion, professional reflection, and workplace stress management. Total nominal hours: 960.
CDU is the Northern Territory's largest training provider with expert lecturers from various sectors of social work practice. The institution offers first-class facilities, recognition of prior learning to qualify faster, and pathways into higher education. CDU brings social work to life through practical, industry-focused training delivered by experienced professionals committed to developing community-ready graduates.
Graduates can pursue diverse career paths including Support Worker, Family Support Worker, Case Worker, Domestic Violence Worker, Welfare Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Outreach Officer, Health Education Officer, Court Support Worker, Homelessness Intervention Worker, and Community Legal Officer. The qualification provides pathways to further study, including the CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services, and opens opportunities across government, non-profit, and community service organizations.