CHC52025 · Diploma
Diploma of community services
Replaces CHC52021 — same qualification, updated training package.
Case management, advocacy and program leadership across aged care, disability and community sectors.
- DurationAbout 18 months
- Placement100 hours
- DeliveryDay classes · Evening classes · Online
- Next intakeMonthly intakes
Overview
Work that genuinely matters.
Fuel Your Passion to Help Others: Explore the CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
Are you driven to make a positive impact in your community? The CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services equips you with the expertise to support individuals, families, and groups facing challenges. Become a change maker and develop the skills to empower others and advocate for social justice.
What you'll learn
Practical skills, and the judgement to use them well.
- Person-centred supportWork with people’s goals, preferences and dignity at the centre.
- Safe practiceManual handling, infection control and WHS the way employers expect.
- Communication that worksWith clients, families and the team — including the hard conversations.
Delivery & duration
Day or evening. Built around a life that’s already full.
Day classes
Online live classes or one on one support with your trainer during school hours.
Evening classes
Online live classes or one on one support with your trainer after hours for working professionals.
Online + placement
Theory online with the same trainers; practical and placement in person.
How long does it take?
Most students finish in about 12 months full-time, or 18-24 months part-time. Placement is arranged with you.
Course fees
Most students are surprised by what they don’t pay.
Eligible Queensland residents are subsidised and pay only the student co-contribution; students in other states study fee-for-service or with a payment plan. Everyone else can still study — with a payment plan if that helps.
Refunds. Full refund if you withdraw within the 14-day cooling-off period. Government-funded students receive a full refund of the student contribution if enrolment is cancelled before training starts. Fee-for-service students: after the cooling-off period the full course fee is payable, even if you withdraw before completing — your payment plan continues. The full policy is in the Student Handbook.
Funding is subject to individual eligibility under Queensland Government Career Boost rules. Fees shown are the student contribution for 20 units.
Full Career Boost eligibility rules — read the details. Prefer to earn while you study? See Traineeships & Apprenticeships.
Funding eligibility
Don’t assume you’re eligible. Don’t assume you’re not.
Most Queensland residents qualify. One 60-second call confirms your rate — and whether a past qualification affects it.
You may qualify for Career Boost funding if you:
- Are 15 or older and no longer at school
- Live permanently in Queensland
- Are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa
- Aren’t currently enrolled in another Queensland Government-funded qualification (even on hold or deferred)
- Haven’t completed a Certificate IV or higher (including tertiary/university qualifications) in the last 10 years — school qualifications don’t count against you
Not eligible for funding? The fee-for-service rate is $4,500 ($225 per unit), with payment plans available. Group or employer booking of 4 or more? Ask about fee-for-service discounts.
Career outcomes
Roles this qualification leads to
- Case Manager
- Program Coordinator
- Community Services Worker
Job titles and requirements vary between employers.
Before you enrol
What you need to know.
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this course; however, it is recommended that you:
- are at least 18 Years old
- have sound language and literacy skills
- must be employed in a regulated aged, disability or community centre
- must be able to obtain a federal police check
Course Structure
UNITS OF COMPETENCIES
Core Units – 12
| No | Unit Code and Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs |
| 2 | CHCCCS007 Develop and implement service programs |
| 3 | CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations |
| 4 | CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management |
| 5 | CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services |
| 6 | CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence |
| 7 | CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people |
| 8 | CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
| 9 | CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance |
| 10 | CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes |
| 11 | CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
| 12 | HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety |
*Case management Specialisation
**100 Hours of vocational placement
Electives – 8
| No | Unit Code and Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | CHCCCS009Facilitate goal-directed planning |
| 2 | CHCCSM010Implement case management practice |
| 3 | CHCCSM012Coordinate complex case requirements |
| 4 | CHCCSM014Provide case management supervision |
| 5 | CHCMGT003Lead the work team |
| 6 | CHCPOL002Develop and implement policy |
| 7 | CHCPRP001Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships |
| 8 | CHVDIV003Manage and promote diversity |
| 9 | CHCCCS033Identify and report abuse |
| 8 | CHCMHS001Work with people with mental health issues |
Please note that the choice of elective units may differ based on employment outcome and mode of study.
Frequently asked
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a government subsidy?
Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria for Higher Level Skills, you will be eligible to receive a government subsidy for this course with Sage Education Australia.
Who will organise my vocational placement?
If you’re already employed in the relevant industry, we may be able to use your current and previous work hours as placement hours. If not, we will organise your vocational placement when you’re ready to do so. You must complete in-class practical skills training before you can go on placement. We may not be able to secure placement for you if you’re studying online or via distance learning. We will notify you when you enrol with Sage Education Australia.
Do you guarantee a job?
No. We do not guarantee a job. However, this industry has a massive demand for workers, and you will likely secure employment if you’re committed. We will guide you in building a resume and refer you to some of our employers.
How long does it take to complete this course?
The course duration will depend on your mode of study and previous experience in the relevant industry. We will review your application and generate a suitable training plan when you’re ready to start.
Can I get a government subsidy?
Yes, for many of our courses. Sage is a Queensland Government Skills Assure Supplier, delivering subsidised training under Career Start (Certificate III) and Career Boost (Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma and skill sets). Eligible students pay a small co-contribution. Some courses, including First Aid, aren’t subsidised. Talk to our team to find out what you qualify for.
Can I study online?
Yes, we do offer online delivery of some of our courses. However, you may need to attend a workshop to acquire practical skills mandatory for vocational placement.
We assess your situation at the time of enrolment and suggest an appropriate study mode.
Do you guarantee employment?
We do not guarantee employment. However, historically, most of your graduates secure employment as soon as they complete their course.
There is overwhelming employment demand currently, and you are very likely to secure a position if you follow our guidelines.
Who will organise my vocational placement?
We will organise your vocational placement when you’re ready to do so. However, please note that you must meet all requirements and acquire practical skills before your vocational placement is confirmed.
Google reviews
What our students say.
Related courses
Where this can lead.
Enquire
Ten minutes with an adviser. A real one.
We’ll check your funding eligibility, talk through campuses and timetables, and give you the next intake date. No pressure, no jargon.
- 1You send the formTakes 30 seconds. Only the details we need to call you back.
- 2An adviser calls youWithin one business day — a real person from one of our centres.
- 3You get a clear answerYour exact fee, next intake, and the campus that suits you.
- RTO 5989
- 4.9★ Google
- Est. 1998
