At a glance
Kick start your career in the social sector with this entry level qualification that will get you working with your community faster.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Varied Community Support Worker Roles
- Individual Community Support Worker
- Neighbourhood Centre Worker
- Community Services Worker
COURSE OUTCOME
CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services
Course overview
Get out amongst the community sooner with this entry level qualification. This course is perfect for people who want to work in community services, or those looking for the foundation skills necessary to complete further studies in the field.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working in community and welfare support is expected to grow strongly in the coming years. This large occupation has strong job prospects with around 30,000 job openings anticipated over the next five years.
This qualification will give you core skills in managing personal stressors in the workplace, working with diverse people, and the communication skills required for operating in community services organisations. Our team of highly qualified, industry experienced teachers will equip you with the tools you need to succeed in the field, while connecting you with potential future employers.
Successful completion of this course will give you the practical skills and confidence you need to seek employment as a community services, migrant support, or neighbourhood centre worker. It will also give you a solid foundation for further studies at a diploma level or higher.
This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding, meaning it could be free for eligible school-leavers, young people and job seekers looking to develop new skills. Training is proudly delivered by TAFE Queensland and jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government. Learn more >
Online students who select the virtual classroom delivery mode will have access to Sunkirsten town — a virtual campus designed specifically for community services students to participate in a range of simulated activities. The online platform provides a rich, holistic learning experience that complements your real-life vocational placement. Learn more
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete 5 core and 7 elective units from the list below.
Online study only
You will also be required to undertake 80 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| North and Far North Queensland | ||
| BSBWOR301 |
Organise personal work priorities and development | |
| CHCADV001 |
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | |
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCCOM001 |
Provide first point of contact | |
| CHCGRP001 |
Support group activities | |
| CHCLEG001 |
Work legally and ethically | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| Greater Brisbane (excluding Springfield) | ||
| BSBWOR301 |
Organise personal work priorities and development | |
| CHCADV001 |
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | |
| CHCCDE003 |
Work within a community development framework | |
| CHCCOM001 |
Provide first point of contact | |
| CHCGRP001 |
Support group activities | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| CHCSET001 |
Work with forced migrants | |
| Wide Bay Burnett and Sunshine Coast | ||
| BSBWOR301 |
Organise personal work priorities and development | |
| CHCADV001 |
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | |
| CHCCCS009 |
Facilitate responsible behaviour | |
| CHCCOM001 |
Provide first point of contact | |
| CHCDFV001 |
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | |
| CHCDIV002 |
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| Gold Coast | ||
| BSBWOR301 |
Organise personal work priorities and development | |
| CHCADV001 |
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | |
| CHCAOD001 |
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | |
| CHCCOM001 |
Provide first point of contact | |
| CHCDIS003 |
Support community participation and social inclusion | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
| HLTAID003 |
Provide first aid | |
| Darling Downs and South West (including Springfield) | ||
| BSBWOR301 |
Organise personal work priorities and development | |
| CHCADV001 |
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | |
| CHCCDE003 |
Work within a community development framework | |
| CHCCOM001 |
Provide first point of contact | |
| CHCGRP001 |
Support group activities | |
| CHCLEG001 |
Work legally and ethically | |
| CHCMHS001 |
Work with people with mental health issues | |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes. Learn more
What you need to know about studying online
Intake
You will be able to access your learning materials from the first day of the study period. You must be enrolled to be able to access your learning materials. You will be expected to undertake additional self-directed study in order to complete the course requirements.
At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more
What you need to know about apprenticeships and traineeships
Eligibility
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).
COST
Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.
Get In touch
Find out how we can tailor a training package specifically for you.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways
Payment options
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Upfront payment
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Important Information
Placement
Online study only
If you are studying online and not currently employed or volunteering in the community services industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.
You will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 80 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.
Depending on your placement arrangements, prior to placement you may need to complete a Criminal History Check (yellow card) and apply for a Blue Card (working with children check).
Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application. For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services.
If you're unable to obtain a Blue Card or your police check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Vocational Placement Coordinator for further information.
You will be responsible for any costs associated with meeting these placement requirements, which may include an additional cost of approximately $45 for a Criminal History Check.
Resources required
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
Assessment Methods
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
How to apply
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways 