CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services
We'll help you to perfect your skills at providing support for people in complex circumstances.
Course essentials
Qualification Code
Entry requirements
Duration
Locations
Course overview
This qualification reflects the role of community service workers who deliver and support person-centred services to individuals and groups. Workers may provide support, advocacy or interventions to individual persons, groups or communities across a range of services. At this level, workers may be autonomous with limited responsibility within established parameters and may supervise others. Work may take place in a range of community service, case work or case management contexts.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Federation TAFE
Career paths
- Migrant/ refugee advocate
- Disability suport worker advocate
- Community services support worker
- Youth support worker
- Family support worker
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
2026 indicative fees
The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment.
Fees are subject to change annually.
| Concession Government Subsidised Place | Standard Government Subsidised Place | Full Fee Place (Not eligible for government subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| $990 | $4,949 | $11,795 |
Other important information
If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.
If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.
If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).
Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
Locations
Mt Helen (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.
Contact hours
Ballarat:
Semester 1 - 2 days per week, 9:30am – 3:30pm (Thursday and Fridays);
Semester 2 - 2 days per week, 9:30am – 3:30pm (Monday face to face classes and Tuesdays online class via teams)
Horsham:
Semester 1- 2 days per week, 9:30am – 3:30pm (Monday and Tuesday)
Semester 2 - No mid - year intake
Approximately 10 hours per week of non-supervised/independent learning.
Sample course structure
This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.
- Facilitate the interests and rights of clientsCHCADV001
- Use communication to build relationshipsCHCCOM002
- Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violenceCHCDFV001
- Work with diverse peopleCHCDIV001
- Work legally and ethicallyCHCLEG001
- Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnershipsCHCPRP001
- Follow safe work practices for direct client careHLTWHS002
- Work in an alcohol and other drugs contextCHCAOD001
- Assess co-existing needsCHCCCS004
- Implement case management practiceCHCCSM010
- Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safetyCHCDIV002
- Assess the needs of clients with problem gambling issuesCHCGMB001
- Work with people with mental health issuesCHCMHS001
- Reflect on and improve own professional practiceCHCPRP003
- Identify and report children and young people at riskCHCPRT025
- Provide First AidHLTAID011
Entry requirements
For all TAFE applications, pre-training review questions and a literacy and numeracy review are part of the application process.
As part of the process there will be an interview prior to enrolment. No placement required.
How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.
After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.
For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.
- VTAC application
- Yes
- VTAC code
- 3700510514 - Mt Helen (on campus)
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- LCO
- National course code
- CHC42021
CHC52121 Diploma of Community Services
Hear from our students
Hi, my name is Maddie and I'm studying a Bachelor of Education. I'm specialising in inclusive Ed and I'm in my third year of studies. I chose to study at Fed Uni because it is close to home and because I had a few friends who were studying here as well. I would recommend federation to those considering studying because of the placement opportunities they have here. This year as part of my diversity placement I was given the opportunity to travel to the NT to a remote indigenous community. This option was available to all students in my degree in the third year and it was made even more accessible as the majority of the accommodation and flights were funded by the Uni Arunga. The community I was placed in was the most beautiful little community with wonderful students and incredible classroom facilities. I'm so glad and proud of myself for taking that leap of faith because now I have so many more skills and experiences under my belt. This opportunity will be something I'll happily share with anyone and we'll think about forever. I really couldn't recommend this programme more.