Community Services

Academic requirements:

• Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent) or Adult Entry

Students over the age of 20 may be eligible for adult entry. Please refer to Entry Requirements for more information.

Literacy Skills Information: We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 3 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills, or you may prefer to begin with the lower-level course.

English requirements:
Students must also meet one of the following English requirements:

• IELTS 6.0 (no band score less than 5.0)
• PTE Academic - 50 (minimum of 36 in each band)
• Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced and B2 First) - 169

Non student visa applicants who hold a temporary visa for the full duration of the offered program will be required to meet Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 3 in across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills or equivalent.

Interview with College if you are only applying for the Diploma of Community Services.

Additional Information: Before commencing the compulsory 100-hour industry placement within the community, students must ensure they have obtained a National Police Check and possess a Working with Vulnerable Peoples card (WWVP- ACT) or a Working with Children Check (WWCC-NSW).

Inherent values and personal qualities that underpin work in Community Services

Before enrolling in a Community Services course, it's important to reflect on the inherent values and personal qualities that underpin work in this field. Community service work is deeply rewarding - but also emotionally complex and ethically demanding. The role requires not only practical skills but also emotional resilience, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to ethical, person-centred practice.

As a prospective student, we encourage you to consider whether you already possess these qualities, or if you're willing and ready to grow in these areas throughout your learning journey. Doing so can help you identify any potential challenges early and prepare for the learning curve ahead - so you can thrive in both your studies and future career in this meaningful sector.

Key Attributes for a graduate of Diploma in Community Services

Empathy and Compassion - The ability to care deeply and respond sensitively to others. Compassion motivates you to support people through hardship without burnout or judgement.

Emotional Resilience - Remaining steady, calm, and reflective during emotionally intense situations. Helps you manage stress and support others effectively.

Non-Judgement and Openness – The ability to support others without stigma or bias, regardless of their background or experience. It is key for creating safe, inclusive and culturally sensitive support environments for clients and staff.

Cultural Sensitivity - Valuing and adapting to the needs of people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Strong Ethical Compass – An inner sense of right and wrong and a commitment to doing the right thing even under pressure. This attribute is essential for working within professional boundaries, confidentiality and duty of care.

Self-Awareness - Recognising how your own beliefs, values, life experiences and emotions may impact your work.

Respectful Communication - Listening deeply and communicating clearly, kindly, and inclusively. An essential skill to effectively communicate with clients, families and other professionals.

Teamwork and Collaboration – The ability to work well with others and contribute positively to the work environment.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – Naturally seek out practical solutions to complex issues faced by clients and staff, navigate systems and link people to support.

Adaptability – Be comfortable working in a fast-changing environment with varying client needs and the ability to adjust your approach when needed.

Reliable – Being consistent, punctual and always using professional language.

Commitment to Continuous Learning - Engaging in ongoing professional development ensures that workers stay informed about best practices and emerging issues in the field.

These qualities not only support your success in the course—they are the foundation of ethical, compassionate, and effective practice. They shape how you relate to others, respond to challenges, and build trust in your future role.

In addition to these personal qualities, students will also need a basic level of digital literacy, along with regular access to a computer and reliable internet to engage with course materials and assessments.

Certificate IV: Caseworker, community services worker, community support worker, family and domestic violence worker, homelessness worker, family support worker, outreach officer.

Diploma: Upon successful completion of the Diploma of Community Services, graduates are poised to step into influential positions where they can design and deliver transformative and evidence-based programs aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of individuals and communities. These professionals are equipped to work across diverse settings, including government agencies, non-profit organisations, community health centres, and residential care facilities.

Occupational titles may include:

• Community Work Coordinator
• Community Housing Resources Worker
• Coordinator of Volunteer Work
• Team Leader
• Disability Team Leader
• Community Care Manager
• Housing Manager
• Case Manager
• Program Coordinator
• Community Recreation Coordinator
• Community Welfare Worker
• Family Services Coordinator.

Modes of study include simulated workplaces for students to practice their new skills, work experience or work placement, supervised study time with a teacher and online learning and student engagement through e-Learn.

Students must complete class work, assignments, practical components and project work throughout the course. They may then be assessed using a combination of these tasks, continuous assessment and examinations. Assessment outcomes may be based on competency, marks and grades, or a combination of all three assessment methods.

Because CIT offers nationally recognised qualifications accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), students can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to most universities within Australia and receive credit towards a degree, even where formal credit transfer arrangements are not in place; however, this is not a guarantee.

We advise you speak directly with your chosen university in relation to credit transfer, entry requirements and their application process.