Grow with care in Australia —
Massive job opportunities in the care & social assistance sector
*Employment Outlook - Projecting Employment to 2035,
Jobs and Skills Australia, Australian Government
Victoria’s care and social assistance sector is growing fast — and it needs qualified leaders.
Build the advanced skills needed to work in supervisory and case management roles across community services, family support, housing, youth work and disability sectors.
Turn your passion for helping others into a professional career!
Delivery Mode and Times
25
hours/ week*
Self-directed Study
200+
Hours
Work Placement
& Tutorials/ Support
24
Weeks
Holidays
104
Weeks
Total Course
Duration
Up to
Minimum
Up to
Delivery Mode: Online Self-paced Learning / Blended In‑person Placement & Training
This course is accessed online via our user friendly learning management system.
*Students are expected to undertake a minimum of 25 hours of self-directed study per week
Location
-
Self-paced Online Learning;
-
Various facilities: tutorials support at Focus Vocational College in Melbourne CBD and placement sessions at our partner's center for placements.
Course Fees
Special Launch Offer:
$3,390
+
$660
For Placement
Arrangement
For other special offers and course fee details, send us an enquiry now!
Entry Requirements for Domestic Students
Prerequisites
There are no pre-requisite requirements for this qualification.
Education and Skills
- Completion of High School or equivalent to Australian Year 12 is recommended.
- Completion of a Pre-Training Review (PTR), and meet the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Assessment standards for this program level, and demonstrate they are a suitable candidate for this program.
Inherent requirements
Students must be able to meet inherent physical, emotional and cognitive requirements suitable for direct care work (manual handling, PPE, communication, resilience, responding to challenging situations/behaviours, etc.).
Regulatory
All candidates require a Unique Student Identification (USI) number. If you do not have a USI number you can apply for one online via the USI website, or you can give our staff permission to apply on your behalf.
Digital Technology
Students must have sufficient digital literacy skills to access online content, respond to written questions, and communicate with trainers via email and the learning management system. Additionally, students should have access to the internet and a laptop or computer with webcam/ microphone, with Microsoft Teams (or the video-conferencing platform used by FOCUS) to successfully participate in this program.
Industry Requirements
Candidates may be required to provide evidence of the following for work placement (all evidence must be current at the time of placement) at the student’s expense, unless otherwise advised: - National Police Background Check - Working with Children Check - NDIS Worker screening Check - Flu or COVID-19 vaccinations - First Aid and CPR Certificates - Other: requirements may vary according to employer's policies.
Prior experience
Credit Transfer (CT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are available. Credit Transfer is free of charge, while RPL applications are subject to fees.
Students with Disabilities (and medical conditions)
FOCUS welcomes all people with disabilities, learning differences and medical conditions. Students must declare any disability, learning difference, medical condition or support need prior to course commencement (including any changes that arise before the course starts) so that needs can be discussed in the Pre-Training Review and reasonable adjustments and support strategies can be considered and implemented where applicable. Acceptance in this program is subject to candidates’ ability to undertake all program requirements as discussed in the Pre-Training Review, with reasonable adjustments where applicable.
Learning & Career Outcomes
Career Prospects
This nationally recognised qualification prepares you to step into supervisory and leadership roles in community services, family support, youth services, disability, and related sectors.
Typical Job Outcomes:
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Community Services Case Manager
-
Case Coordinator
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Community Care Manager
-
Program Manager (in non-profit organisations)
-
Supervisor of workers and volunteers
-
Welfare Support Worker
-
Support Worker for Family Services, Disability, Ageing
-
Community House Worker/ Manager
-
Support Facilitator (Community Services)
Higher Education Study Pathways
Graduates may be eligible to credit waivers when progressing to higher education courses:
-
Bachelor of Business (Up to 8 units credit waiver*)
-
Bachelor of Social Work
-
and other higher education courses
*For the institution list, please contact us.
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What You'll Learn
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Manage complex cases and support diverse client needs
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Lead and supervise staff and volunteers
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Design and coordinate community programs
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Apply trauma-informed and strength-based practices
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Navigate legal, ethical and human rights frameworks
12 Core Units
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CHCLEG003 - Manage legal and ethical compliance
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CHCDFV001 - Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
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HLTWHS003 - Maintain work health and safety
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CHCDIV002 - Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
-
CHCCCS007 - Develop and implement service programs
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CHCCSM013 - Facilitate and review case management
-
CHCCCS019 - Recognise and respond to crisis situations
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CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
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CHCCCS004 - Assess coexisting needs
-
CHCDEV005 - Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services
-
CHCPRP003 - Reflect on and improve own professional practice
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CHCMGT005 - Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes
8 Elective Units
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CHCDIV003 - Manage and promote diversity
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CHCCOM003 - Develop workplace communication strategies
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CHCFAM003 - Support people to improve relationships
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CHCCCS038 - Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
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CHCCSL001 - Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
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CHCCDE027 - Implement community development strategies
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CHCCSM012 - Coordinate complex case requirements
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CHCDEV004 - Confirm developmental status
Course Structure
How Will You Learn?
All 12 core and 8 elective units are structured over a 10-week study period, followed by one week of work placement and two weeks of holidays, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments. You will complete units term by term, enabling you to showcase your completed subjects to potential employers and enhance your chances of employment.
Work Placement
To attain this qualification, you must complete 200 hours of mandatory work placements. FOCUS will arrange your work placement with one of our supported home and community care services providers. Alternatively, self-sourced placements are permitted with prior approval from the College.
Assessment Methods
The assessment for this course includes written tasks, long and short answer questions, multiple choice quizzes, group tasks, oral presentations, role plays, case studies, practical/simulated tasks, work placement journals, logbooks, portfolios and projects. All assessment is designed to meet the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence.
Required Equipment and Digital Skills
Students must have access to a computer or laptop and reliable internet, and be able to access online content, complete and submit assessments, attach/upload documents, and communicate with trainers via email, the student portal and the Learning Management System.