Diploma of Community Services

MODE OF DELIVERY

Blended: online real time theory tutorials with on campus skills training in a simulation environment)

The course is provided through blended mode of delivery. It will be delivered over 1410 hours including theory, tutorial,simulations and formative activities (925 hours), summative assessment (155 hours) and 400 hours of professional experience placement (PEP).Besides the above structured learning, students are advised that they will be required to do unstructured learning as assigned.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course; however, applicants should demonstrate ability to perform tasks as required by the industry.

IHNA Admission Requirements

• 18 years of age and above at the time of commencement of the course*
• Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 course or equivalent.

*Mature age students (22+) may also be considered without the minimum education requirements. Each case will be reviewed individually to ascertain the capacity of the applicant to meet course requirements.

Additional Requirements

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) requirement All students are required to undergo the LLN test proffered by IHNA for their suitability to be determined for undertaking the course successfully.

Digital Literacy

1. Basic computer skills covering the most common usages of a computer, including managing computer files, word processing, using spreadsheets and databases; creating presentations; finding information and communicating using computers; and being aware of social and ethical implications of Internet use.
2. Having own computer (desktop or laptop) to facilitate the training and assessment. Recommended Laptop requirements: Core i3 Processor, 4 GB of RAM, Operating system; Windows 7 or later version, Screen; 10” or higher, Microsoft Office or Open Office Program, Adobe Reader and Antivirus Program.

Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Requirements

• A satisfactory National Police Clearance (NCC) or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate
• Immunisation records
• Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Clearance
• Students must declare a disability or disorder (if any), or if they are on any medication which may require reasonable adjustments.

Our approach is to collect evidence on whether the student can perform to the standards of the workplace. This is based on the relevant unit of competency, and you’ll find these tools being used:

• Theory Assessment
• Simulation Based Assessments (SBA)
• Professional Experience Placement (PEP)

With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required knowledge and skills of the course.

We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.

If you’re eligible for RPL or CT you may be able to complete the course in a shorter duration with reduction to total course fees. Check your eligibility with us.

What is a L – Portfolio?

L – Portfolio is a collection of work, skills and interests (evidence) in an electronic format that showcases learning and experience over time.

When you think about your L-Portfolio and the types of evidence that it contains, it is important to think carefully about its purpose and intended audience.

Your L-Portfolio may contain all or some of the following:

• Files of various formats (text, pictures, video, etc.)
• Evidence related to courses taken, programs of study, etc.
• Writing samples (which might include several drafts to show development and improvement)
• Projects prepared for class or extracurricular activities
• Evidence of creativity and performance
• Evidence of extracurricular or co-curricular activities, including examples of leadership
• Evaluations, analysis and recommendations

Uses of L-Portfolio

Recognition of Prior Learning application:

Our RPL tool is in the form of an L-Portfolio, and allows students to put on record all their life experiences, interests and skills. Not only will their academic achievement be listed out, but also any life experiences that could potentially be taken into account for extra credit as Recognition of Prior Learning. For instance, an individual who has taken care of his or her bedridden parent has already gained valuable caregiver experience, which could be chalked up against practical expertise and added to their resume.

This L-Portfolio could be sent to employers when applying for work, to universities while applying for extra credits through RPL, or in any other ways to market their expertise.

Showcase/Professional L Portfolios

These L-Portfolios are used as a way to demonstrate (showcase) the highlights of a student’s academic and professional career.

Learning Portfolios

These portfolios are typically created by a student as part of a course as a way to demonstrate learning and the learning process. These portfolios are often shared with other students to elicit peer feedback. Learning portfolios support the idea of formative feedback as an essential part of the learning process.

1. Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
2. Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
3. Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
4. Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
5. Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.

Call us on 1800 22 52 83 for any questions regarding your application.

The 20 units included in this course have been grouped into 6 different skill sets. They are:

• Managing Community Workplace Requirements
  • CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
  • HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
  • CHCDIV001 Work with Diverse people
  • CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
• Communication Skills
  • CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interviewing skills
  • CHCMGT005 Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
• Research and Application of New Skills
  • CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice
  • CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
  • CHCCS007 Develop and implement service programs
• Crisis Management
  • CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
  • CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
• Case Management
  • CHCCSM009 Facilitate goal directed planning
  • CHCCSM010 Implement case management practice
  • CHCDEV004 Confirm client developmental status
  • CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
  • CHCCSM016 Undertake complex case requirements
• Community Service Provision
  • CHCCDE028 Work within organisation and government structures to enable community development outcomes
  • CHCDEV005 Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
  • CHCCSM013 Facilitate and review case management

The rationale for creating skill sets is to offer students exit points which may lead to gaining a specific set of skills and credit for units in relevant undergraduate-level courses.