Information sessions
Course description
Support your community and people experiencing hardship as you develop the knowledge needed for a rewarding career in the diverse community services industry. The Certificate IV in Community Services will give you the skill-set you need for an entry-level role as a community services worker.
You will learn the foundation skills required to provide direct support to individuals or groups, manage and coordinate programs, work collaboratively with a diverse range of people and learn to recognise and respond to crisis. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or support the implementation of specific community-based programs. You will gain an understanding of government services, community service work, and the not-for-profit community services sector.
If you're passionate about empowering communities, advocating for social justice, and challenging systemic inequalities, this qualification is your pathway to making a difference.
Wondering if this industry will suit you?
We have created a very short course quiz to help you gain a little more understanding of what is required and whether you might enjoy a role in this industry. Take the quiz here.
Possible career outcomes
- Community Support Worker
- Homelessness Worker
- Outreach Worker
- Individual Support Worker
- Welfare Worker
- Community Development
- Recreational Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Disability Support Worker
Applications & attendance
How to apply
- Follow our instructions for how to apply for a course.
- Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.
If you need help, visit Customer Service or request application support via email.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 July Geelong City Campus |
Open: 1 Apr 2025 Close: 1 Jul 2025 |
Class Day | Full Time | Start: 21 Jul 2025 | Mon & Tues 9am-4pm | Apply |
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course.
Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years and over at the time of course commencement.
- Applicants are expected to have literacy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 3 and numeracy skills at Year 10 or Year 11 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 2.
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Coure Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | CHCPRP001 | 80 |
| Facilitate the interests and rights of clients | CHCADV001 | 100 |
| Follow safe work practices for direct client care | HLTWHS002 | 25 |
| Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence | CHCDFV001 | 50 |
| Use communication to build relationships | CHCCOM002 | 55 |
| Work legally and ethically | CHCLEG001 | 55 |
| Work with diverse people | CHCDIV001 | 40 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Assess co-existing needs | CHCCCS004 | 80 |
| Facilitate responsible behaviour | CHCCCS009 | 40 |
| Manage personal stressors in the work environment | HLTWHS006 | 25 |
| Plan and conduct group activities | CHCGRP002 | 70 |
| Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | CHCDIV002 | 25 |
| Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | CHCAOD001 | 80 |
| Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness | CHCSOH013 | 85 |
| Work with people with mental health issues | CHCMHS001 | 80 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Oral or written questioning related to underpinning knowledge
- The simulated practical demonstration of activities which combine a number of learning outcomes/competencies and/or modules/units to provide depth and context to the training
- Written reports and case study responses that reflect realistic job tasks
Fees
This course is eligible for Free TAFE!
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply. Follow the link for further information and to check the eligibility criteria.
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $1.32 | per hour | 890 | AUD $1,175.00 | AUD $6,975.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $6.62 | per hour | 890 | AUD $5,892.00 | AUD $6,975.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $13.65 | per hour | 890 | AUD $12,148.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resources | AUD $300.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Education Levy | AUD $133.50 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Materials | AUD $20.00 | Once | charged at enrolment | ||
| Excursion | AUD $18.00 | Once | charged at enrolment | ||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
- CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.