This qualification will be delivered over 1620 hours including 200 hours of practical placement.

The actual duration of the program is dependent on the learner’s progress and prior knowledge/experience as well as their literacy and numeracy skills. Generally, the program is delivered and assessed over a 2-year period including term breaks, and Easter, Christmas and New Year Holidays, as this allows time for students to practice their skills and knowledge.

Variations may occur as per individual training plan. Some students may be able to complete a course in a shorter duration, if they are eligible for Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of prior learning (RPL). Extensions may be provided, based on CEO/ Director of Studies approval.

Please note: The course duration may vary for individual students based on their current academic and work experience. All students will be assessed on an individual basis for their ability to meet the course requirements within an extended or reduced time frame.

This qualification will be delivered using a combination of classroom-based delivery and other student participation methods. This will include classroom theory delivery, supervised assessment assistance, supervised learning, unsupervised directed learning, skills training, placement to build on participant’s knowledge and skills on-the-job.

A variety of presentation types may include eLearning resources and classroom-style delivery for those students requiring assistance. Such methods are well suited to present fundamental and theoretical knowledge.

The effectiveness of the training sessions involving student participation is encouraged, including class sizes from 5 to 25 students. These restrictions will maximise trainer/student interaction during training.

There are no specific pre-requisite requirements for entry to the qualification as per the Training Package.

The following are not entry requirement, but may need to be considered prior to understanding this course.

• The minimum age for eligible applicants is 18 years. Applicants must have successfully completed the equivalent of Year 11 according to the Australian Qualifications Framework.
• Proficiency in English is required to meet Industry standards.
• Although LLN test is not an entry requirement, students may be asked to undertake the same so that appropriate academic support can be ensured throughout the course of study.
• Must have the ability to undertake a work placement at a community mental health, aged care, home and community care, disability care or community service organisation
• A Pre-training Review is conducted with the Learner to identify Language, Literacy and Numeracy levels, any disability that may affect your learning and to ascertain support that may be required during your study period.

189-191 Plenty Road, Preston, VIC 3072. Practical placement projects locations as negotiated by ALACC with individual Providers.

Successful completion of this qualification will enable you to progress to other courses, such as Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management.

You may be interested to combine other qualifications:

We offer the opportunity to combine the Qualification with another Qualification. By taking advance of common and imported units, you can complete two qualifications for less.

• Diploma of Mental Health
• Diploma in Leadership and Management
• Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
• Advanced Diploma of Leadership Management
• Diploma of Work Health and Safety

This qualification reflects the role of community services workers involved in the delivery, management and coordination of person-centred services to individuals, groups, and communities.

At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously within their scope of practice under broad directions from senior management.

Workers support people to make change in their lives to improve personal and social wellbeing and may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers. They may also undertake case management and program coordination.

To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 200 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.

The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

View Course Units

This course is available to anyone who may be working in or interested in working in the Community Services Sector specialising in service delivery, client work, community education and development projects.

ALACC entry requirements require that applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years’ old
• Have satisfactorily completed Year 11 or equivalent
• A proficiency in English equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (Overall) is required for all International applicants.

The following are not an entry requirement, but may need to be considered prior to undertaking this course:

• Basic foundation skills and computer literacy skills may be required for learning activities related to the course. Where relevant, adequate student support is available.
• Fitness to undertake manual handling tasks and meet the requisites of the job role and other relevant industry standards is preferable.
• Students will also be required to provide a current Police check and evidence of flu shot prior to undertaking placements.

Please note: Proficiency in English is required to meet Industry standards.

Students will be undertaking Pre-Training Review and LLN test prior to enrolment. The LLN test is not an entry requirement, students are asked to undertake the same so appropriate academic support can be ensured throughout the course of study.

ALACC has a explicit & methodical RPL process which is outlined in detail in the RPL policy, Student Prospectus and on ALACC website, are encouraged to apply if you believe that they may be eligible.

Students may be able to shorten the length of their studies through the recognition of experience and qualifications gained elsewhere.  Applications can be made for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). These will be assessed according to the College’s policy to determine if and how much advanced standing will be granted.

Formative and summative assessments will be conducted to determine the achievement of competency-based learning outcomes. Assessments may include student questions, written assignments, case studies, projects, written reports, online workshop attendance practical activities, skills demonstration and job role environment and practical placement environment.

All assessments will be undertaken following the ALACC Assessment policy noted on the website and course handbook. Students will be advised of the assessment requirements at the beginning of each unit. Individual Unit outlines also contain assessment information. As this is a competency-based qualification, assessment continues until the participant achieves competency in the assessment tasks or a further training need is identified and addressed.

To achieve this qualification, the learner must have completed 200 hours of work placements as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the Units of Competency. The work placements allow students to apply knowledge and develop their skills as part of the course requirements. The placements may occur in aged care, disability, or other aged care and community settings in Melbourne or Regional areas as organised by ALACC and according to the course requirements.

ALACC takes the responsibility to provide work placements and negotiate with individual providers and ensure an Agreement is in place. Alternatively, Alternatively, students have the choice of organising their placement at an approved facility, subject to a valid agreement between ALACC and the placement providers; and a supervisor to sign off their work experience documentation. Students who wish to organise their placement at an approved facility work if relevant to the course, they must discuss with ALACC course coordinator and provide evidence of current work as per our placement process. ALACC will negotiate with the Placement Provider and organise agreement signed between both sides before the student attends work placements. For security reasons, students cannot undertake their work placements without a valid Agreement between ALACC and the Placement Providers. All placement arrangements must be approved prior to commencing placement.

Students going on work placements will be required to provide relevant documentation to enter the facility such as police check, mandatory immunisation and COVID booster vaccination. Students allergic to the latter must provide evidence.

Placements dates will be provided by the placement provider and can be subject to change depending on the appropriate Placement Provider’s ability to take students at a specific given period. Students may need to be flexible with these dates and ensure they can attend the placements as soon as it is available.

The cost for the practical placement is included in the course fee. However, if a student does not attend the allocated placements, then the student will have to pay for the costs set by the practical placement providers for cancelling their placements, unless a medical certificate is provided. The student placement may be delayed allowing time for the Placement coordinator to find another work placement.

Please ask us about credit transfers.