Certificate IV in Community Services

Certificate IV in Community Services - CHC42015

VOCATIONAL

Equip yourself with the essential skills needed in the community services sector.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 1, 2024.

This may result in changes to the program structure, duration, content and fees.

Overview

Make a meaningful impact with your career, starting with the Certificate IV in Community Services.

As part of your studies in this certificate, you’ll learn to design and deliver person-centred services to individuals and/or groups. As a community services worker, you provide support, advocacy or interventions to individual clients, groups or communities across a range of services.

The Certificate IV in Community Services is designed to give you entry level knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of roles in the community services sector as well as further study.

You will be qualified to work in the sector in a broad range of roles in community service organisations.

*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Why study community services at RMIT?

Expert academics

Learn from experienced educators with broad-ranging networks.

Industry input

This course has been developed in consultation with industry partners.

Work relevant

Hear from specialist guest speakers and undertake practical simulations.

Details

RMIT offers you a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, presentations and group discussions. 

You will learn through:

  • classes on the City Campus that are designed to provide interaction, discussion and development of ideas and skills
  • specialist guest speakers to provide insights into current workplace practices
  • extensive online resources and support of both the content areas and the study skills to support learning
  • both group and individual opportunities for learning and assessment
  • support for students to develop language, literacy and numeracy skills required to succeed in the program
  • assessments that are designed to prepare you for work-ready performance and/or further study

The curriculum will enable you to gain skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to workplace practices.

Assessment tasks will include:

  • individual and group presentations
  • demonstration of practical skills in a range of formats including simulations
  • case-studies
  • written reflections

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The community services industry plays a key role in the wellbeing of communities across Australia.

Community services workers are known for providing welfare and support services that attend to the needs of the most vulnerable people in the community. Roles in the sector fall under two main categories:

  • Direct community service activities provided to individuals and families
  • Community sector activities, including working with groups and communities, social planning, advocacy and social action, assistance to other organisations.

Our community services discipline has a reputation for delivering high quality vocational education programs designed and developed in partnership with industry.

This certificate has been designed in consultation with industry partners including:

  • Anglicare Victoria
  • MacKillop Family Services
  • AMES

You will engage with industry through:

  • guest speaker presentations
  • excursions
  • simulated work-based assessments
  • teachers who have extensive industry experience and networks within the industry.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

To be awarded the Certificate IV of Community Services you will need to complete 15 units of competency.

Seven of the subjects are core requirements of the national qualification. The other eight have been selected as electives, in consultation with industry partners, due to their relevance to the community services sector.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate IV in Community Services
Program code: C4363
National curriculum code: CHC42015

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Community Services
City Campus
1 year full-time
C4363
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C4363
CRICOS

VTAC Code

If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

  • Plan C4363 - 3200310134

Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.

Career

Upon successful completion of this this certificate you will be qualified to work in the sector in a broad range of roles as a:

  • Case worker
  • Health education officer
  • Community services worker
  • Outreach officer
  • Community support worker
  • Support worker
  • Domestic violence worker
  • Welfare support worker
  • Early intervention homelessness worker
  • Welfare worker
  • Family support worker.

Job Outlook projects that work opportunities for welfare support workers are set to increase by 22.7% to 2024. Job Outlook also estimates that the most common annual salary for a child safety officer in Australia is between $65,000 and $85,000.

The community services training package has been developed in consultation with the community services industry. As this Certificate is nationally recognised, upon graduation you may work anywhere in Australia.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements for this program.

Personal statement

You must submit a personal statement with your application outlining: 

  • your reasons for wanting to study this course 
  • your intended career path 
  • the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

If you are applying to RMIT via VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.

If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Additional information

Additional immunisations may be required in response to changes in Government regulations or at the request of the placement host organisation.

If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.

Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

National police record check*

You will be required to present evidence of a successful National police record check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

When you successfully complete this certificate, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options or browse our courses.

Fees

Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

2023 fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2023 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$1,000.00* per annum
  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$5,000* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$10,000* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.