Start a Career in Community Services
Thinking about a career in community services? This course shows you how the work is done. How to listen, judge what someone needs, and where to send them next.
Course Snapshot
- ✓Nationally recognised training
- ✓No mandatory work placement
- ✓No traditional exams
- ✓Interest-free weekly payments
Why Do This Course
Start Without Experience
You do not need a background in the sector. You need to be 18 or over, and to pass a short reading, writing and maths check before you enrol. The rest is taught.
Turn What You Know Into A Qualification
Some people come to this already doing the work, at their job or in their own life. This puts a nationally recognised Certificate IV behind it.
Study Around The Job You Have
One class a week, in the evening. The rest you fit where it suits. There is no placement to organise, so nothing has to come out of your work week.
Where These Skills Could Take You
Community Support Worker
Case Worker
Family Support Worker
Outreach Officer
Welfare Worker
Early Intervention Worker
Information and Referral Worker
Court Support Worker
Domestic Violence Worker
Roles where these skills are useful, not promised outcomes. Every service is different, and some roles ask for more study or experience.
What You'll Learn
What You’ll Get
In the Course
- ✓Advocacy and rights, speaking up with someone, not for them
- ✓Domestic and family violence, how to recognise it and respond
- ✓Loss and grief support, for the days that need it
- ✓Homelessness, getting people to housing and help
As a Student
- ✓A live evening class, three hours a week with a trainer
- ✓Mentoring each month, an hour, by video or phone
- ✓Trainer replies, within 72 hours on weekdays
- ✓Job-Ready support, from the day you start studying
What Makes It Different
Here is what stands out in this course.
There is no mandatory work placement. You practise through simulated activities and role plays in the live classes instead.
You are assessed on written tasks, case studies, projects and practical demonstrations. Your assessor also watches you work in the live sessions.
A three hour class each week, plus an hour of one on one mentoring each month by video or phone. Trainers reply within 72 hours on weekdays.
What You'll Earn
CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services
Nationally recognised training · RTO 45162
A Nationally Recognised Certificate IV
CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services sits at AQF Level 4.
Delivered By A Registered Training Organisation
The course is delivered by a registered training organisation, RTO 45162.
A Step Into The Diploma
From here you can go on to the CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services, and then the CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management.
How It Works
Ask About the Course
Send an enquiry. A course advisor comes back to you with start dates and what the course covers.
Do the Short Quiz
A quick online quiz looks at your reading, writing and maths, so you get the right support from the start.
Have the Pre-Training Chat
A phone call confirms you are eligible, and that the class times work for you.
Start, and Finish Qualified
You get your logins and your class times, and 12 months later you finish with a nationally recognised Certificate IV.
How to Get Started
Common Questions
Do I need experience to start?
You do not need experience in the sector. You need to be 18 or over, and to pass a short reading, writing and maths check before you enrol.
What will it cost me?
Plans start from $48 per week, interest-free. You can pay fortnightly instead, or pay the full fee upfront for less. Your course advisor can walk you through the schedule of fees.
How long does it take?
12 months, online. If you have done related study or work, you can apply for recognition of prior learning, which can shorten it.
How much time will it take each week?
One three hour class in the evening, plus about 15 hours of your own study. There is also an hour of mentoring each month.
Is there a work placement?
There is no mandatory work placement. You practise in the live classes instead, through simulated activities and role plays.
What computer gear do I need?
A laptop or desktop with reliable internet. You also need sound computer skills, including intermediate Microsoft Word, because you write your assessments in it.
Is this course government funded?
This course is not government funded. The college is a private online provider, so state subsidies and VET Student Loans do not apply. Interest-free payment plans are there to spread the cost.
Will this make me a case manager?
It gives you the frontline foundation: working out what someone needs, and helping coordinate the support around them. That can lead to case worker roles. Formal case management sits one step up, in the CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services, and this is the way in.
Is this a recognised qualification?
Yes. CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services is nationally recognised training at AQF Level 4, delivered by a registered training organisation, RTO 45162.
What if I change my mind?
You get a full refund of fees if you give notice to cancel before, or within 3 days of, being accepted. After that there is no refund, and you stay liable for the full course fee if you withdraw. If the college cannot deliver what it agreed to, you are refunded for the part not delivered.
About the College
This course is delivered by Hader Institute of Education, a registered training organisation, RTO 45162.
The college teaches online from 615 Dandenong Road, Armadale 3143 VIC, and runs courses in community services, youth work, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and criminology. Across all of its courses it holds a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from more than 850 Google reviews.
Your Future Starts Today
In 12 months you could be qualified and working in community services.