Diploma of Community Services
Walk alongside Community and help Mob confidently navigate systems – with support from us, every step of the way.
COURSE CODE
CHC52021
At a glance
Duration
18 months
Class type
Face-to-face classes held once a month. Tuesday – Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Enrolling on behalf of your team?
Course Overview
When someone’s facing housing issues, family pressure or health concerns, what they need most is someone in their corner – steady, clear and culturally strong.

he Diploma of Community Services gives you the tools to become that person. You’ll build your skills in case planning, crisis response and service coordination – while learning how to keep Community at the centre of everything you do.
With a focus on real-world practice and self-determined support, this course prepares you to step into challenging spaces and walk alongside Mob as they navigate complex systems. Compassionately. Confidently. And with cultural safety your number one priority.
You’ll graduate ready to take on greater responsibility within ACCOs and community services settings – whether you’re deepening your practice in SEWB, stepping into a coordination role, or bringing a more structured approach to the healing and support work you’re already doing.
Who is this course deadly for?:
Graduates can work in roles across the ACCO and mainstream sector, such as:
- ommunity Services Worker
- Case Manager
- Intake and Assessment Officer
- Family Support Worker
- Program Coordinator
Course Details
How you will learn
This course combines classroom learning with real-world experience:
- Face-to-face training (3 days per month)
- Group discussions and peer support
- Case studies from real Community contexts
- Workshops led by industry experts, including Elders and Community leaders
- Scenario-based learning and role plays
Clinical placement
200 hours of placement required.
You’ll complete supervised placement in a relevant workplace – applying your skills with real clients and Community members.
Further study pathways
Graduates may continue their studies with:
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor of Community Services
- Graduate Diploma in Community Services
Assessment methods may include:
- Written questions
- Observation/demonstration
- Case studies
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- provide person-centred, culturally appropriate case management
- advocate for clients navigating complex service systems
- assess needs, develop care and service plans, and monitor progress
- work collaboratively across health, justice, housing and welfare services
- respond to trauma, crisis, and mental health challenges with confidence
Course fees
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria can access the Aboriginal access fee waiver – no tuition fees required.
Travel and accommodation costs may be subsidised through the AbStudy funding program if you’re eligible.
See Yagilaith Djerring Course Fees for more information.
Course Structure
To graduate, you must complete the required units of competency:
Core Units
CORE UNIT NAME
CORE UNIT CODE
- Work with diverse people CHCDIV001
- Manage legal and ethical compliance CHCLEG003
- Maintain work health and safety HLTWHS003
- Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services CHCDEV005
- Work effectively in trauma informed care CHCMHS007
- Recognise and respond to crisis situations CHCCCS019
- Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence CHCDFV001
- Assess co-existing needs CHCCCS004
- Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety CHCDIV002
- Reflect on and improve own professional practice CHCPRP003
- Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes CHCMGT005
- Facilitate and review case management CHCCSM013
Elective Units
ELECTIVE UNIT NAME
ELECTIVE UNIT CODE
- Develop and implement service programs CHCCCS007
- Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing CHCMHS011
- Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide CHCCCS003
- Establish and confirm the counselling relationship CHCCSL001
- Undertake advanced assessments CHCCSM016
- Provide case management supervision CHCCSM014
- Implement case management practice CHCCSM010
- Coordinate complex case requirements CHCCSM012
Why study at Yagilaith Djerring?

Self-determined
training
Training is co-designed with ACCOs and the Aboriginal health sector to ensure your learning is connected to current sector needs.
Expert
educators
Subject matter experts with current industry experience and Community leaders will shape your learning.
Support every
step of the way
A dedicated support team will walk with you throughout your journey – from enrolment to graduation.
Culturally safe
learning
Training that respect and reflects your cultural identity and lived experience.
Entry Requirements
Below are the entry requirements for this course:
To enrol, you must:
- be 18 years or older at the time of enrolment
- complete a Learning, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment and Pre-Training Review (PTR) to assess your suitability, leadership readiness, and workplace access requirements
- have wide-ranging skills and knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of living
- have basic digital skills, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
You must also be:
- working or volunteering in a relevant role providing support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, or
- working or volunteering for an Aboriginal health organisation, or
- able to access an appropriate workplace to complete practical assessments.
At your work placement employer’s discretion, you may need to provide evidence of the following documents:
- A National Police Clearance
- Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- Evidence of some vaccinations is also a requirement including but not limited to influenza (flu) vaccination and COVID vaccination.
If you’ve completed similar units or gained relevant skills through work or study, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer. Our team can guide you through this process during enrolment.
This training is delivered under the Skills First Program and may be free for eligible students.
Eligibility is assessed individually before enrolment, and tuition fees may vary depending on your circumstances.
Additional Information
Yagilaith Djerring (RTO No. 20739) is responsible for the quality of training, assessment and the issuing of nationally recognised certification.
Completion of this course does not guarantee employment.
Yagilaith Djerring supports inclusive education and welcomes learners from all backgrounds, including people with a disability.
Ready to empower Community?
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) today – and take the first step in your Community Services journey.
