Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)

Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) - CHC52015

VOCATIONAL

Would you like to support youth and families in social, community and welfare organisations? Then this course is for you.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

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*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

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Next intake:
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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This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 1, 2024.This may result in changes to the program structure, duration,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

The Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) has been designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a variety of roles in the community services sector.

The ideal launchpad for an incredibly rewarding career helping others in the community, this diploma will prepare you to work in a range of settings doing case work, providing client services, and supporting youth and families in a range of social, community and welfare organisations. You will learn how to provide everything from day-to-day support to individuals, to the implementation of specific community-based programs.

During your study and through your industry placement activities, you will have the opportunity to participate in site visits and interact with groups and individuals within the community services sector.

Why choose community services at RMIT?

Hands-on learning

Participate in site visits, and interact with individuals and groups within the sector.

Work-focused

Apply the relevant skills and knowledge learnt in this course directly to your workplace.

Professional recognition

This qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.

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Jobs guaranteed

Through the Jobs that Matter initiative by the Victorian Government, this diploma guarantees a job in the social service sector to students who graduate between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2024.

Learn more and register

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

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Changes to Free TAFE

*Free TAFE numbers are now capped with limited places for this course.

Free TAFE opportunities in the Diploma of Community Services Case Management) (CHC52015) are limited, your free place is only guaranteed once you have enrolled. We encourage all prospective students to enrol as soon as possible to secure a Free TAFE place.

Please note: this diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

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Learning and teaching

Classes are designed to provide maximum class interaction, discussion and development of ideas and skills.

Specialist guest speakers will provide insights into current workplace practices and emerging issues. Extensive online resources are available to support learning and networking opportunities with fellow students.

Support is available for students to develop language, literacy and numeracy skills required to succeed in the course assessment that is designed to prepare you for work-ready performance or further study.

Assessment methods

Assessment in this diploma incorporates a range of methods to assess performance and the application of the required knowledge and skills, including:

  • research projects
  • individual and group presentations
  • simulations
  • knowledge tests
  • case studies.

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.

RMIT’s community services discipline has a reputation for delivering high quality vocational education courses designed and developed in partnership with industry.

The course content is work focused, and allows you to apply skills and knowledge learned in the course directly to your individual work place.

As part of this course you are required to undertake a minimum 100-hour self-sourced work placement which will provide current workplace experience.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

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

In addition to eight core subjects and eight electives, you will also complete between 100 and 140 hours of practical work placement to allow you to further develop your learnings in a professional context.

Through your subjects and classroom work, you will gain the skills to develop, implement and manage service programs and all aspects of case management, apply specialist interpersonal and counselling skills and manage relationships, and assess co-existing needs.

You will also learn how to work with forced migrants, recognise and respond to domestic and family violence, manage cases within a child protection framework, and coordinate complex cases. 

Finally, you will develop key professional skills, including the ability to reflect and improve on professional practice, facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes, and manage work health and safety.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
Program code: C5345
National curriculum code: CHC52015
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5345
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5345
CRICOS
View plan

Career

The community services sector covers a wide range of service delivery roles in aged care, disability, mental health and other areas.

Your career could take you in any number of directions—such as providing support, advocacy or interventions to individuals, groups or communities; working under the direction and supervision of others; or managing programs and services directly.

You may also seek employment in community education or development projects.

Typical job titles include:

  • Assessor
  • Case worker or manager
  • Client service assessor
  • Community services worker
  • Early intervention worker
  • Family support worker
  • Pastoral care counsellor or manager
  • Senior youth officer or chaplain
  • Welfare worker

Non-government organisations often require this diploma for the development of their community services workforce.

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This nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.

Admissions

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

You must:

  • have completed a Certificate IV in Community Services or a related field (Youth Work, Disability and Alcohol and Other Drugs)

OR

  • have sufficient relevant experience and knowledge of community service work

If you are applying on the basis of your experience your application must include a current CV reflecting your experience in the Community Services Industry.  

Entry requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program.

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

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

Additional information

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You will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check and a valid Working With Children Check prior to undertaking practical placements.

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

Working With Children Check*

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.

Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.

National Police Record Check*

Applicants will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check for professional placements as part of this program. National Police Record Checks are conducted via fit2work.
An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the 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

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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.

Explore the pathway finder
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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

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.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Fees

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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.

Tuition 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.

  • 2024 government subsidised place: AU$6,500* per annum
  • 2024 full-fee place: AU$11,250* 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$351maximum fee for 2024.
  • 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

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

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 2024 is $351.  

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.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

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

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The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$XX,XXX.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$XX,XXX.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

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.

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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.

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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.

More information