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Diploma of Community Services (Mental Health)
CHC52015
Training provided by Partners in Training Australia, RTO 21837.
Course Overview
The Diploma of Community Services (with Mental Health specialised elective units) will teach you how to listen and understand people’s problems, background and circumstances, and to counsel them on the areas they are struggling with. You will also learn to help clients by setting them up with support systems and networks and develop plans which will address their immediate and long-term struggles.
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The Diploma will train you to assess clients, work out what they need and link them in with services that will meet those needs. You will learn how to monitor client progress and deal with setbacks, roadblocks and issues if they arise.
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As part of your Diploma of Community Services studies, you will also learn how to navigate, work with and manage legal and ethical compliance frameworks, policies and procedures. The Diploma will give you the skills and knowledge you need to advise and supervise other Community Service Workers’ case management practice.
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This qualification includes 160 hours of workplace experience (placement) in an approved workplace setting. You will work under supervision in a real-life industry setting to gain skills and knowledge that could help you to step directly into the workforce.
Please note you will not be studying through Fresh Futures Australia but Partners in Training a Nationally Recognised Registered Training Organisation.
Course Essentials
Qualification Code: CHC52015
Recognition: Nationally recognised - meets Australian Qualifications Framework.
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Study: Full-Time Study
Study mode: Classroom-based
Class time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Duration: 13 months
Revision: 2 x 7-hour revision sessions at which you must be able to demonstrate sufficient course progression to proceed in your course.
Assessments can include: Knowledge evidence, demonstrations and observations, presentations, projects, role plays, and case studies.
Practical Placement Hours: 160 hours (Minimum)
Admin Fee: $100 (Upfront & non-refundable)
Funded Tuition Fee: $200/ $40 (Indigenous)
Requirements
Education: There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.
Minimum Age: You will need to be at least 18 years old.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy: To assist prospective students to determine whether a course is suitable and appropriate for the individual needs, Partners in Training Australia will assess all students' language, literacy and numeracy by asking you to undertake a self-assessment review prior to enrolment. Their course advisor will discuss the outcomes of the pre-training review and make recommendations about whether the course is suitable for you and identify additional support if required.
Enrolment Application & Pre-Training Review: Done during the Information Session held face-to-face or Online via Zoom.
Equipment: You will need access to a desktop computer/laptop with internet connectivity to complete research and course assessments and to access emails sent to you from Partners In Training Australia.
Police Check & Working with Children Check: This qualification requires you to provide both of these checks in order for you to undertake practical placement.
Potential job titles:
Typical employers of community workers:
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Case coordinator, worker or manager
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Community services worker
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Program coordinator or manager
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Pastoral care counsellor or manager
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Support facilitator
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Client service assessor
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Family support coordinator or worker
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Welfare worker
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Early intervention worker
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Senior youth officer or chaplain
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Organisations concerned with particular groups (women, travellers, new communities)
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Organisations concerned with issues (unemployment, migrant rights, drugs, poverty)
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Community development groups
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Outreach & homeless facilities, houses, kitchens
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Welfare agencies
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Private businesses
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Adult service units
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Government institutions
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Community Engagement Committees
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Aged Care facilities
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Councils
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Community Corrections Offices
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The Salvation Army
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Community Libraries
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Education Departments
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PCYC
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State Emergency Service (SES)
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Triple Zero Emergency Call-Takers
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Police Academy (This course is not an entry requirement)
Responsibilities
As a community worker some tasks you could perform throughout your day can include:
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Assessing clients' needs and planning, developing and implementing support programs
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Interviewing clients and assessing the nature and extent of difficulties
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Monitoring and reporting on the progress of clients
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Referring clients to agencies that can provide additional help
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Assessing community need & resources for health, welfare, housing, employment, training and other facilities and services
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Liaising with community groups, welfare agencies, government bodies and private businesses about community issues and promoting awareness of community resources and services
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Supporting families and providing education and care for children and disabled persons in adult service units, group housing and government institutions
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Supervising offenders on probation and parole
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Assisting young people to solve social, emotional and financial problems
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Preparing submissions for funding and resources, and reports to government bodies and other agencies
Skills and Interests
As a community worker some personal attributes should be
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Excellent communication and listening skills
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The ability to build good relationships and earn trust and respect
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Initiative, enthusiasm and motivation
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Tact and sensitivity patience and resilience
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Good organisational and planning skills
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Good negotiating skills
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The ability to relate to people from all backgrounds
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Networking and negotiating skills
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Patience and perseverance, for coping with challenges and setbacks
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A non-judging attitude initiative, enthusiasm and motivation
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A creative approach to problem solving
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A good understanding of social and community issues
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Skills in researching, analysing statistics and writing reports
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Commitment to equality and diversity
What you'll learn
Throughout your studies, you will discover the knowledge of
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Case management
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Planning and conducting group work
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Providing advocacy and representations services
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The principles of recovery-oriented practice
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Communication techniques to build and maintain relationships
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Supporting people with co-existing mental health issues
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Assess promote and review emotional and physical wellbeing
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Encouraging community participation and social inclusion
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Providing individualised support
Course Units
To be awarded the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (with Mental Health specialised elective units) you must successfully complete the following 16 units of competency.
CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs
CHCCOM003 Develop workplace communication strategies
CHCCSM004 Coordinate complex case requirements
CHCCSM005 Develop, facilitate, and review all aspects of case management
CHCDEV002 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services
CHCDIV003 Manage and promote diversity
CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
CHCMHS003 Provide recovery oriented mental health services
CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS010 Implement recovery-oriented approaches to complexity
CHCMHS011 Assess and promote social, emotional, and physical wellbeing
CHCMHS013 Implement Trauma informed care
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
HLTWHS004 Manage work health and safety
Assessment
Assessment is an important part of your learning and is required in order for you to gain a nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment. Assessment methods may include (but are not limited to):
Knowledge evidence, demonstrations and observations, presentations, projects, role plays, and case studies.
Trainer Support
Partners in Training hand selects their trainers to ensure that they have the vocational competencies, current industry skills and the qualifications/skills to teach and assess adult learners. In each class session, your trainer will draw on their depth of experience to foster and create a fulfilling, engaging and enjoyable learning environment.
Practical Placement Hours
This qualification requires you to hold a current and satisfactory Police Check and Working with Children Check to undertake workplace experience. You are required to undertake a minimum of 160 hours of workplace experience through work placement in a relevant community service delivery setting involving, for example, direct client work, community education or community development. Evidence provided by your supervisor during placement contributes to assessment of your ability to work at this level.
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Some examples of where your placement will be undertaken are:
- Community Organisations
- Volunteer Community Organisations
- Health Facilities
- Mental Health Clinics
- Hospitals
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Students may need to undertake travel to their host-placement provider.
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If you are currently working in a relevant community service sector, you may be able to use your workplace to undertake your placement hours, however this will first be subject to approval by Partners In Training Australia prior to commencing placement.
Further Study
This qualification will provide you with a pathway to CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management and CHC82015 Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management.
Working with Children's Check & Police Check
These checks are compulsory to gain in order to commence your work placement. It is recommended that you apply for these a couple of months before you start placement so they are current.
The Working with Children Check assists in protecting children from sexual or physical harm by ensuring that people who work with, or care for them are subject to a screening process. If you are doing or intending to do child-related work and do not qualify for an exemption, you need a Check. Visit me for more information.
Children's Check: Approximately $130
Volunteer Card: Free
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The Victoria Police provides a service to all Victorians who wish to obtain a National Police Certificate for employment, voluntary work and occupation-related licensing or registration purposes. Information about an individual's criminal history will not be released without an applicant's written consent other than for law enforcement purposes. Visit me for more information.
Police Check (Volunteer/Student Placement): Approximately $20
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*Prices are subject to change without warning.
Skills First Funding & Eligibility Criteria
Skills First is a Victorian Government scheme that helps people access subsidised vocational education and training. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your course tuition fees.
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Eligibility criteria for Skills First government-subsidised training
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Citizenship/Residency
You must be:
1. an Australian citizen, or
2. a holder of a permanent visa, or
3. a New Zealand citizen (visa 444), or
4. an Asylum Seeker (though referral for government-subsidised training from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the Australia Red Cross), or
5. a holder of one of the below visas (VEVO verification required):
* valid Bridging visa class E, or
* Safe Haven Enterprise visa, or
* Temporary Protection visa, or
* Bridging visa class F, or
* Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) (subclass 449) visa, or
* Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) (subclass 786) visa.
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New 2023 VIC Government funding eligibility rules – what’s NEW!
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1. Your prior education no longer matters!
Now you can enrol and study any qualification at Partners In Training Australia with government funding, regardless of what level of education you’ve completed in the past. This applies to all students!
Prior to this change, you had to ‘upskill’ to get government funding.. but now you don’t.
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2. Removal of ‘2 at level in a lifetime’ limit!
NOW you can study more than 2 courses that are at the same qualification level with government funding!
Prior to 1 January 2023, you could only study 2 of the same level qualifications with government funding in your lifetime.. but now you don’t.
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3. What hasn’t changed?
You can still only be studying no more than 2 government funded qualifications at any one point in time. This is known as the ‘2 in a year’ limit.
Course Fees & Payment Plans
If you are eligible for Skills First funding, your course fees are:
$100 Administration Fee (Upfront & non-refundable) + $200 Tuition Fee/ $40 Tuition Fee (Indigenous)
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Payment Plans: For eligible students, payment plans are available for the Tuition Fee via fortnightly payments of $50 + $50 + $50 + $50.
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If you are not eligible for Skills First funding, you can still undertake the course as a Fee For Service Student. Fee For Service students can seek help via Centrepay or Ezidebit. Your course fees are:
$100 Administration Fee (Upfront & non-refundable) + $6000 Tuition Fee.
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Payment Plans: You can enter into a deferred payment plan for your tuition fees, with the amount being subject to approval by the finance department at Partners In Training Australia.
Centrelink
Please note that some Centrelink Payments may be affected by undertaking study. We strongly advise you speak to your Centrelink Coordinator to see if you are affected. Fresh Futures Australia accepts no responsibility or liability for affected payments.
Meet your Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Partners in Training Australia is an ASQA registered vocational training organisation that has been providing high-quality education to students across Australia for over 16 years. They have campuses in Shepparton and Sale and train students from all over Melbourne and Regional Victoria as well in interstate as they offer courses via blended learning and/or classroom based training.
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They have a Victorian Skills First funding contract with the Department of Education which means they can offer eligible students low-cost tuition fees. Their flexible course training modes means that you can balance studying with the demands of your work, family and social life.
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Partners in Training Australia have industry expertise in the Community Services and Health Care sectors, which includes; Nursing, Aged Care, Disability, Leisure and Health, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Education Support and Early Childhood Education.
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Their Trainers & Assessors have ongoing professional links with the industry sectors they train, which means they know what industry expects from job-ready graduates of this nationally recognised Diploma of Community Services qualification. The course curriculum is mapped to real-life job requirements so that you get the skills and knowledge to hit the ground running when the time comes to apply for employment and/or pursue further educational pathways.
Enrolment Process
1. Fill out our Student QuestionnaireThe Student Questionnaire is designed for me to get to know you a little better before I pass your details over to the RTO conducting the course. This doesn't guarantee your acceptance into the course nor does it form part of the enrolment with Partners In Training Australia.
2. Speak to one of our Student Liaison Coordinators
Once you have completed your Student Questionnaire, one of our Student Liaison Coordinators will give you a courtesy call to:
- Further discuss your eligibility.
- Ensure you have read over the study details.
- Speak further about your career goals and suitability for the course.
- Give you additional information and answer any further questions you may have.
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If you decide that you would like to proceed with the application process after speaking with one of our Student Liaison Coordinators then we will request that a Partners in Training Enrolment Coordinator will give you a call next.
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3. Information Session
This Information Session is your opportunity to speak to Partners in Training Australia’s friendly team and listen to valuable information about the course, complete your application form and enrol. To complete the enrolment forms, you will need the following:
- Unique Student Identifier (USI) - Create your USI here.
- Victorian Student Number (VSN) - Only required for students who have attended a Victorian school since 2009
- Evidence of Citizenship/Residency and Age such as Drivers Licence and Medicare Card.
Please have these documents with you during the information session. Completion of the Enrolment Application Form does not guarantee enrolment. A Partners in Training authorised delegate will review your form and determine the progression of enrolment.
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What will be covered
- General information about Partners in Training, industry areas and delivery locations
- Vocational Education & Training, learning pathways, course choice and industry based trainers
- Student Support
- Entry requirements, LLN Quiz, funding eligibility
- Course details, expected hours of study, student handbook, refund policy
- Practical placement (WWCC & Police Records Check)
- Fees and payment options
- The enrolment session – you can enrol on the day
- Your suitability for the course
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4. First day of class
Please note that the Information Session is compulsory for you to complete before your first day of class. If you miss your Information Session this may delay your course commencement date. All of your First Day details will be confirmed during the Information Session and reminders will be emailed and SMS to you.
In an effort to keep classes commencing on time, we need a little help from you. If you choose to submit your Student Questionnaire, we at Fresh Futures Australia take that as a sign you'd like to continue along the path of enrolment. If you are a little unsure then please ask away by filling the form at the bottom of the page with any further questions you may have.
In order for classes to commence, we need 15+ students. This allows a healthy classroom environment for everyone. If we are trying to give you a call and you see a missed call, voicemail or text message from us or the RTO please be courteous and give us a callback, even if it's just a notification that you are no longer interested. Our feelings won't be hurt.
We look forward to receiving your Student Questionnaire and speaking to you further about your career path.