Diploma of Community Services
- Location
- Online
- Study Mode
- Online
- Awarded by
- Open Colleges (RTO: 90796)
- Qualification
- Diploma
- Course Fee
- Price may vary
- Duration
- 24 months (standard); 18 or 12 months (accelerated options)
- Start Date
- Start Anytime
- Payment Options
- Fee For Service, Payment plan, Upfront payment
About the Course
The CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services, offered by Open Colleges, is a nationally recognised qualification for students who want to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. This course is designed for people looking to build practical skills for case work, community support, service coordination, and leadership roles in the community services sector. Delivered online with work placement, the course gives students the flexibility to study around work, family, and other commitments. There are no exams and no set semester start dates, so students can begin when they are ready and work through their studies at a pace that suits them. Throughout the course, students build skills in communication, cultural safety, legal and ethical practice, counselling, case management, mental health support, crisis response, domestic and family violence support, and professional practice. The course also includes a minimum of 240 hours of work placement, supported by Open Colleges’ Guaranteed Work Placement initiative. Through its partnership with SkilTrak, Open Colleges helps organise placement for students, giving them the chance to gain hands-on experience in a real community services setting. Graduates may pursue roles such as Case Worker, Community Services Worker, Family Support Worker, Team Leader, or Community Services Manager. Please note that this is a fee-for-service course and is not government funded. Enquire to learn more. Please note: This is a fee-for-service course, it is not government funded.
What can I do after?
Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services from Open Colleges. This nationally recognised qualification may support pathways into a range of roles within the community services sector. Graduates may pursue opportunities such as Case Coordinator, Case Worker, Case Manager, Community Services Worker, Case Management Supervisor, Team Leader, Program Coordinator, or Community Services Manager. Throughout the course, students develop practical skills in communication, cultural safety, legal and ethical practice, counselling, case management, mental health support, crisis response, domestic and family violence response, child and youth support, and professional practice. The course also includes a minimum of 240 hours of work placement, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in a real community services setting. Please note that this qualification is not approved by the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). Victorian students who wish to work specifically in child protection practice should refer to the Australian Community Workers Association for guidance on suitable courses before enrolling.
What are the fees?
Payment plans are available. Please enquire for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What you’ll need
Students will need to be at least 18 years old. Students under 18 will need a parent or guardian to complete the parent or guardian declaration on the Enrolment Form. Students residing in WA/NT under the age of 18, who are not currently studying for their year 12 certificate cannot be enrolled. Students are recommended to have the language, literacy, and numeracy skills that ensure the ability to read and comprehend technical terms and communicate effectively through email. These skills are equivalent to: ACSF Level 4 OR Successful completion of a nationally recognised Certificate IV qualification or higher
Subject summary
In this CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services course, subjects studied may include: CHCCOM003 – Develop workplace communication strategies CHCDIV001 – Work with diverse people CHCDIV002 – Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety CHCLEG003 – Manage legal and ethical compliance HLTWHS003 – Maintain work health and safety CHCDEV005 – Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services CHCCSL001 – Establish and confirm the counselling relationship CHCCSL003 – Facilitate the counselling relationship and process CHCCCS004 – Assess co-existing needs CHCMHS001 – Work with people with mental health issues CHCCCS007 – Develop and implement service programs CHCDEV004 – Confirm developmental status CHCCSM014 – Provide case management supervision CHCCSM017 – Facilitate and review case management CHCCCS019 – Recognise and respond to crisis situations CHCDFV001 – Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence CHCPRT025 – Identify and report children and young people at risk CHCMGT005 – Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Why Open Colleges?
Open Colleges has been a cornerstone of Australian education for over 125 years, establishing itself as a prominent provider of online learning. With a commitment to empowering individuals, they have successfully guided over 450,000 students in acquiring the skills necessary to launch or advance their careers. Their nationally recognised qualifications are crafted by vocational experts, ensuring that graduates are equipped with job-ready skills that are highly valued across various industries. Emphasising flexibility, Open Colleges offers a learning platform that is accessible 24/7, allowing students to study at their own pace and on their own schedule. This innovative approach to education is designed to seamlessly integrate with the busy lives of learners, making it easier than ever to pursue professional development while balancing personal commitments. With Open Colleges, individuals can confidently take the next step in their career journey, knowing they have the support and resources needed to succeed. Open Colleges is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO: 90796)

