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
72
Weeks
Study
200
Hours
Work Placement
24
Weeks
Holidays
104
Weeks
Total Course
Duration
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face Classes & In‑person Placement & Training
Location
Various facilities: Classes at Focus Vocational College in Melbourne CBD and placement sessions at our partner's centers.
Course Fees
Enquire now for
a Special Launch Offer!
For the special offers and more information on the fees for tuition, enrolment, materials or work placement, send us an enquiry now!
Entry Requirements for International Students
English Language requirements
Candidates must meet one of the following: - IELTS band score of 6.0 or an equivalent internationally recognised exam result in line with Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regulations - Satisfactory completion of an ELICOS program at advanced level from Focus Language School, or other English language centre with English Australia Membership - Certificate of completion equivalent to, or higher than, an Australian Year 11 qualification from an English-speaking country - Completion of FOCUS’s English Placement Test with an overall score equivalent to IELTS 6.0, or above - Other English language proficiency tests, such as TOEFL and OET, will also be considered. *Candidates who have completed 1 year of study in Australia in English within the past 2 years at Certificate IV or AQF level 4 and above are exempt from submitting Australian Year 11 completion certificate or equivalent and Evidence of English Proficiency.
Prerequisites
There are no pre-requisite requirements for this qualification.
Education and Skills
- Completion of High School or equivalent to Australian Year 12 - 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.
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 possess adequate 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 equipped with Microsoft Teams 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
FOCUS welcomes all people with disabilities, learning differences and medical conditions. 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
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Case Coordinator
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Community Care Manager
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Program Manager (in non-profit organisations)
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Supervisor of workers and volunteers
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Welfare Support Worker
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Support Worker for Family Services, Disability, Ageing
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Community House Worker/ Manager
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Support Facilitator (Community Services)
Higher Education Study Pathways
Graduates may be eligible to credit waivers when progressing to higher education courses:
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Bachelor of Business (Up to 8 units credit waiver*)
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Bachelor of Social Work
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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
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CHCCCS007 - Develop and implement service programs
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CHCCSM013 - Facilitate and review case management
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CHCCCS019 - Recognise and respond to crisis situations
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CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
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CHCCCS004 - Assess coexisting needs
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CHCDEV005 - Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services
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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.