Optimum Training Academy (RTO#46534 | CRICOS #04432K) offers the nationally recognised CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services qualification with qualification with quality content and robust training programs aimed at endowing individuals with the requisite skills. 

Where can it take your career?

The CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services is the latest nationally accredited qualification reflects the
role of community services workers involved in the delivery, management and coordination of person- centred services to individuals, groups, and communities.

Perfect for learners who want to be:

• Community Care Manager
• Support Facilitator
• Community Development Worker
• Case Coordinator

How is the course delivered?

Training is delivered via Blended + Vocational Placement

Course Duration: This course is designed to be completed up to 104 weeks (including holidays).

Expected Study Hours: Typical learners are expected to spend approximately 2110 hours depending on existing knowledge, skills, and experience.

Note: Please read the Optimum Training Academy Student Handbook and other policies and procedures including Refund Policy, Complaints and Appeals Policy, RPL Procedure prior to enrolling.

What will you learn?

This course is designed to develop your expertise in community services. Among others, you will learn to:

• Develop and implement service programs
• Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
• Recognise and respond to crisis situations
• Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services
• Provide advocacy and representation services

How is the course structured?

All learners will be assessed through:

• Observation during on-the-job or role play/simulation
• Questioning may include self-assessment, verbal answers, written questionnaires, activity modules or interview
• Third party
• Structured Activities may include Projects, Case studies, presentations, role play, demonstration, progressive tasks

What are the entry requirements?

There are no pre-requisites required to enter this training program for CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS). However, Optimum Training Academy screens learners according to the following criteria:

• must be 18 years or older
• Have sound language, literacy, and numeracy skills* (at least Year 10 English, or equivalent)
• Have basic computer skill
• Must hold a current Student Visa
• (From non-English speaking background) are required to provide any one of the following evidence of upper intermediate proficiency in English:
  • IELTS total band score of at least 5.5 with no band less than 5.0, or equivalent.
  • Occupational English Test (OET), TOEFL Ibt, Pearson Test of English, Cambridge English Advanced with scores equivalent to IELTS 5.5 and no less than 5.0 in each band.
  • The English test must have been taken within two years before the application is made.

*Learners who do not meet the LLN requirements may still enrol into the course provided the enrolment has been endorsed by the trainer and corresponding additional support strategies have been put in place.

What are the resources needed to complete the course?

To support you in your new course with Optimum Training Academy, we will provide the following:

• CHC52021 learning and assessment suite which includes:
  
  • Learner Guides
  •  Assessment Workbooks
  • Templates for Projects and other activities;
  • Simulated resources to provide students with simulated assessment pathways (not applicable to all assessment tasks specially those to be done during vocation placement)
• Additional course readings and resources recommended by trainers.

To complete your course, you will need ongoing access to the following:

• Computer/laptop with relevant software such as, but not limited to, the following:
  
  • internet access preferably through Google Chrome
  •  MS Word and PowerPoint
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader

Vocational Placement

Mandatory Vocational Placement

Learners are required to undertake a minimum of 400 hours of vocational placement within a registered and approved community service centre. This must occur after the student has satisfactorily completed all the other units/subjects in this qualification.

• The qualification requires the candidate to complete at least 200 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.
• CHCCSM013 activities must be performed during a period of at least 100 hours of work within the workplace. These hours cannot be completed concurrently with hours specified in any other unit of competency.
• CHCDEV005 activities must be performed during a period of at least 100 hours of work within a workplace. These hours cannot be completed concurrently with house specified in any other unit of competency.

During this time, the learners are required to complete a skills workbook.

Learners have the option to:

• Source their own Vocational Placement providers (Optimum Training Academy to check suitability) or
• Have Optimum Training Academy assist them in arranging Vocational Placement providers near their area or
• Do their vocational placement through Optimum Training Academy’s network
  
  • Spry Support Services Pty Ltd
  • Dynamic Care Pty Ltd

Optimum Training Academy will continuously look for and form partnerships with community services providers in South Australia and in other states in the future.

Optimum Training Academy will provide learners a Vocational Placement Pack that outlines all the requirements for finding a suitable Vocational Placement provider that will facilitate the required workplace assessments and allow the learner to complete the required vocational placement hours.

Learners are recommended to initiate contact with potential vocational placement providers as soon as enrolment is confirmed to allow sufficient time for Optimum Training Academy to confirm the workplace’s safety and suitability.

Vocational placement providers must allow access to:

• Vocational workplace supervisor(s) to supervise and confirm completion of the required tasks included in the Skills Workbook. The workplace supervisor must:
  
  • Have adequate knowledge and understanding of the provision of community services
  •  Have the ability to effectively supervise and manage community services
  •  Have the necessary experience and qualification(s) in the area of individual support specialising in community services (e.g. you have the relevant VET qualification/s, Diploma of Community Services or higher)
• Use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
  
  • client information
  •  information relating to peak bodies, network groups and web-based network services
  •  use of peoples information on which to base assessment
  • individualised plans and any relevant equipment outlined in the plan
  •  assessment tools and processes
  • opportunities for engagement with real people, and their carers and families and modelling typical workplace conditions and contingencies, including:
    
    • interactions with people with a range of needs
    • interactions with users of the service and coworkers from a range of diverse backgrounds
    • typical workplace reporting processes
    • group facilitation
    • presentations to groups of at least 3 people
    • realistic, in-depth, validated industry scenarios and simulations of crisis situations
  • use of presentation media
  • current workplace policies and procedures relevant to:
    
    • work health and safety (WHS)
  • use of case management plans and case plans
  • links to other local service agencies or organisations
  • Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and public policies impacting on community development processes
• For CHCDIV002: assessment must involve person approved of by relevant local community elders

What are the CHC52021 course units?

This course covers 20 units of competency (12 core units and 8 elective units)

What are the course fees?

The CHC30121 course is available for only $15,000.00.

Initial deposit of $7,500 followed by 11 scheduled monthly payments of $681.82

Please see Fees and Refunds Policy for more information.

What are the Qualification Pathways?

Learners may also consider additional training to complement your skills in community services, with courses such as:

• TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment*
• CHC52121 Diploma of Community Development*
• CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management*

^{*These courses are not offered by Optimum Training Academy}

Is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available?

Optimum Training Academy has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy, to ensure that an individual’s prior learning, achieved through formal and informal training, work experience or other life experiences, is appropriately recognised. This recognition may assist Learners to progress faster through a unit of competency, or allow the student full credit.