Diploma of Community Services

Qualification description

This qualification reflects the role of community services workers involved in the delivery, management and coordination of person-centred services to individuals, groups, and communities.

At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously within their scope of practice under broad directions from senior management.

Workers support people to make change in their lives to improve personal and social wellbeing and may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers. They may also undertake case management and program coordination.

To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 200 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.

The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

Packaging rules

20 units must be completed:

  • 12 core units
  • 8 elective units, consisting of:
    • at least 6 units from amongst the electives listed in Group A, B, C, D or E below
    • up to 2 units from the electives listed below, any endorsed Training Package or accredited course.

Where appropriate, electives may be packaged to provide a qualification with a specialisation.

Packaging for each specialisation:

  • at least 4 Group A electives must be selected for the award of Diploma of Community Services(Case Management)
  • at least 3 Group B electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Community Services (Social Housing)
  • at least 3 Group C electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Community Services (Child, Youth and Family Welfare)
  • at least 3 Group D electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Community Services (Responding to Family Violence).

 

Where two or more specialisations are completed, this should be noted on the testamur when awarding the qualification. For example, Diploma of Community Services (Case Management, Social Housing and Child, Youth and Family Welfare).

All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

 

Course Duration

104 WEEKS

 

Delivery Method

face to face /online/ self-paced

 

Common Job Titles

  • Case Manager: Coordinate complex care plans and act as the primary point of contact for vulnerable clients.

  • Program Coordinator: Plan and implement person-centered community programs and service initiatives.

  • Youth Worker: Support young people with social, emotional, or behavioral challenges in shelters and schools.

  • Social Housing Coordinator: Assist low-income individuals in securing and maintaining safe, affordable housing.

  • Family Services Coordinator: Lead teams providing support for domestic violence recovery and family wellbeing.

 

Top Industries

  • Non-Profit Organizations: Delivering outreach, advocacy, and crisis support programs.

  • Government Agencies: Working in social housing, child protection, and youth justice departments.

  • Aged Care & Disability Services: Managing senior care plans and NDIS support coordination.

 

Growth & Pay

  • Starting Salary: Approximately $75,000 – $85,000 AUD for fully qualified diploma holders in 2026.

  • Next Step: Upgrade to an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management or a Bachelor of Social Work to reach senior leadership or clinical roles.

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