Diploma of Community Services

Whilst there are no entry requirements stipulated in the training package, WMIT requires its participants to meet the following criteria: 

• 18 years or older at commencement of course.
• IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.0 or equivalent
• Completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent

Additional Requirements:

• The student must have basic computer skills to use word processing software like Microsoft Word and using internet effectively for research.
• WMIT will conduct LLN assessment of the student at the time of orientation to identify the support required by the students. This support will enable students to complete qualification successfully in required time.

Units

The completed the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services requires the completion of the following 16 units (including 8 core and 8 electives).

Training Arrangements

The delivery structure of the course consists of face to face training, self study, assessment and work placement. On Campus face to face training is organised for 20 hours in a week. The students will need to commit additional 10 hours for self study and 5 hours for homework/assessments.

A work placement of 200 hours is organised in the end of the course.

Class sessions are planned to ensure that student have a mixture of practical and theoretical components and those classes cater for a wide variety of learning styles. Additionally, workplace practices and environments will be regularly simulated and used to conduct skills based assessments in accordance with unit requirements.

Homework tasks may include research, readings from related textbooks and continuing to work on assessment tasks.

Students are provided with the Learner Guides for each unit to students to support their learning (these are included in the course fees).

Placement Arrangements   

Students are required to complete a minimum 200 hours of work placement in a regulated Community Services Organisation for successful completion of the course. This work placement is only to be conducted in the Community Services Organisation that has entered into a work placement agreement with WMIT. WMIT will organise workplaces for its students to complete work placement requirement.

Work Placement is an important component of the qualification that provide students with the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge in a community services sector. Students will complete the work placement assessment tasks as required by vocational log book. Students will be supervised by the workplace supervisor and WMIT trainer/assessor will conduct regular visit to assess student.

Additional Support

All students will complete a language literacy and numeracy assessment at orientation to determine their learning support needs. All students will be provided with a range of learning support options and resources to help you achieve competency. Where additional support needs have been identified an Individual Support Plan will be developed which may include:

• Mentoring from trainers
• Additional classes, tutorials and workshops
• Computer and technology support
• Referral to external support services
• Reasonable adjustment to assessments

Provision of additional support services will be provided where necessary to enable students to participate in the same way as any other person regardless of whether support services have been required.

Assessment Arrangements

There are a variety of assessment methods used for this qualification including:

• Written questions
• Projects
• Case studies
• Role Plays
• Research
• Reports

You will be required to complete assessments in class and there may be a need for some work to be done as homework, however this is not expected to exceed 5 hours per week.

You will be advised by your trainer and assessor about the assessment requirements for each unit at the commencement of delivery for that unit. Submission of assessment tasks will be in in person to the trainer/assessor / online via the student portal/via workplace supervisor.

Career Pathways

Once you have successfully completed the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services you can apply for jobs within the Community Services Sector, which may include:

• case worker or manager
• client service assessor
• community services worker
• early intervention worker
• family support worker
• welfare worker.

Education Pathways

The further study pathways available to students who undertake this qualification include:

• Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management Or
• Any other relevant qualification at Advanced Diploma level

Course Credit

WMIT can grant you credit towards your course for units of competency that you have already completed with another RTO or authorised issuing organisation. We can also grant you Credit for subjects or units you have completed where equivalence can be established between the unit in your course, and the subject or unit you have completed.

There is no charge to apply for Credit.

To apply, fill in the Credit Application Form and submit it as part of your enrolment.

*Please refer to your Student Handbook for more information on Course Credit. As an international student you should note that where you are granted credit this will reduce your course duration and you will be informed of this in writing.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where skills and knowledge that you have gained through work and life experience and other unrecognised training can be formally recognised.

WMIT has a process that has been structured to minimise the time and cost to applicants and provides a supportive approach to students wishing to take up this option.  You should ideally apply for RPL at the time of enrolment but you may also apply up to 2 weeks into your course.

During the entry process and interview stage WMIT will discuss with you the process and options for RPL.  Suitability is often determined on how much experience you have in a certain area, your work history and previous training. If RPL is determined as a possibility for you, you will be provided with a kit that will guide you in working through each unit to determine relevant skills and experience and identify whether you would be able to provide the required evidence.

A trainer/assessor will be available to assist you throughout this process.

*Please refer to your Student Handbook for more information on RPL.  As an international student you should note that where you are granted RPL this will reduce your course duration and you will be informed of this in writing.

Costs

Total Tuition Fee: $24,750

Total Non-Tuition Fee: $250

Payment Plan

• Non-refundable enrolment deposit (prior to commencement) – $250
• 6 – 8 equal installments of $2,000 – $3,000 before start of every term

RPL Costs:

Application Fee – $250

Charge per unit of competency – $400

Nationally Recognised Training does not occur GST.

Students will only be eligible to receive their qualification if fees have been paid in full and all course requirements have been met.

*Please refer to your Student Handbook for our Fees and Refunds Policy.

Inclusions

Unless otherwise specified, tuition fees include all the training and assessment as well as required resources and textbooks for students to achieve the qualification or course in which they are enrolling.

Additional charges apply if students require:

• Additional copies of a student’s qualification/record of results and/or statement of attainment. A cost of $50 per document applies and $70 if express post is required.
• Printing costs as may be required to complete assessments. Students may print and copy on campus for a cost of 15c per page, however they may also use other printing facilities.

Other costs (not included) to be aware of:

Please refer to the student handbook for guidance in relation to budgeting and planning

• USB drives that students are required to use to submit their assessments. Students may bring their own or purchase nearby.
• Notebooks/pens/laptops* or other general stationary required for students to complete their work.

*A note about computers:  Many homework and assessment tasks require access to a computer and the internet and therefore it is recommended students bring or purchase a laptop if possible.

If students don’t have their own they can use nearby public facilities that are listed for their convenience in the Student Handbook. It is optional for students to bring a laptop to class – some students may choose to do so to keep their notes organised, but where a computer is required for class activities the trainer/assessor will arrange to book the college computers for class sessions.