Diploma of Community Services

The Diploma of Community Services is a one-year qualification for people who want to work directly with individuals, families and communities in Australia. You study how to assess client needs, plan and deliver support, run casework, and connect people to services such as housing, mental health, family support and emergency relief. The course covers community development, counselling basics, legal and ethical requirements, and working with people from different cultural backgrounds. You also learn how to keep case notes, manage risk, and work within the Australian community services system.

How the course is structured

This diploma is delivered over one year of full-time study. Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. You complete a mix of core units and electives. Most community services diplomas include a work placement unit, where you spend time in an organisation such as a neighbourhood centre, family support service, or homelessness service. That placement is where you practise the skills you have learned in class. Assessment is through written tasks, practical demonstrations, projects and your placement supervisor's report.

What you learn

You learn to communicate with clients, conduct interviews, and develop support plans. You study how to work with people in crisis, how to refer them to the right services, and how to advocate on their behalf. You also learn about the legal and ethical frameworks that guide community services work in Australia, including privacy, duty of care and mandatory reporting. Group work, community development and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are often part of the course. By the end, you should be able to manage a small caseload under supervision and contribute to a team.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want to start a career in community services or who already work in the sector and want a recognised qualification. It is also a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor's degree in social work or community services. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while you study. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. English requirements for this course are higher than for many other diplomas because you will be communicating with clients in complex situations. Check the official CRICOS page for current tuition, intake dates and English requirements.

• Community services worker
• Case worker
• Support worker
• Family support worker
• Youth worker
• Housing support worker
• Mental health support worker
• Community development worker
• Client services officer
• Team leader in a community organisation (with experience)

These roles are found in community health centres, family support services, homelessness services, youth services, disability organisations, aged care providers, and government departments. The diploma is also a step towards a bachelor's degree in social work or community services.