Certificate IV in Community Services
Course Code: CHC42021
Take your career to the next level in the community services sector with our Certificate IV in Community Services.
If you're passionate about supporting others, begin your community services training journey with our accredited CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services course.
The community services industry is a crucial part of Australia's overall healthcare and social assistance industry, and it has continuously grown since 2001.
The Certificate IV in Community Services supports you in enhancing your skills and knowledge to provide person-centred services to individual clients, groups, or communities. With approximately 1.8 million people employed in this industry in 2021 and projections reaching over 2.0 million by 2025, our community service certificate sets you up for success in a rewarding career.
Enrol in CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services online today to begin your journey.
Our Certificate IV in Community Services is designed to provide advanced skills and knowledge to those working in the community services sector, seeking career progression opportunities, and looking to take their profession to the next level. The average annual salary for a community care worker at this level is $71,676.00. The Queensland State Government's ‘Higher Level Skills' program subsidises the program.
Students who successfully complete CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services can work in the following occupations:
- Caseworker
- Community services worker
- Family support worker
- Domestic violence worker
- Welfare Rights worker
- Family Support Worker
If you want to pursue a career in community service and study at a Certificate III level, you may be eligible to enrol for our Building Caring Communities and receive a nationally recognised qualification, training and vital job-ready skills at no cost.
Skill Up is funded under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist residents in finding and retaining employment.
There are no formal education entry requirements for CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services. However, successful enrolment into this course will require that you:
- are self-motivated to learn on your own
- have basic computer skills
- have a reliable internet connection
- have a working computer or laptop
- are able to apply and obtain the relevant regulatory clearances and checks relevant to this sector (see Vocational Placement section for further info).
If you are currently not working and want a pathway into the community services industry, you may be eligible to enrol for our Building Caring Communities and receive a Certificate III, training and vital job-ready skills at no cost.
Skill Up is funded under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist residents in finding and retaining employment.
Our Certificate IV in Community Services course is a 14-month online learning qualification perfect for those who are seeking flexible learning.
This means that alongside your self-paced online learning, you will be assigned a trainer who will assist and navigate you along your learning journey.
Student Support
As part of your journey with us in Certificate IV in Community Services online, you are encouraged to participate in one weekly online group session with your assigned trainer. We also provide 1:1 tutorials if you need further assistance.
Our CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services is comprised of a total of 15 units – 7 core units and 8 electives units:
| Orientation & Navigation | |
| CHCCOM002 | Use communication to build relationships |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care |
| HLTWHS003 | Maintain work health and safety |
| Block 1 – Workshop | |
| HLTWHS006 | Manage person stressors in work environments |
| CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
| CHCADV001 | Facilitate the interests and rights of clients |
| CHCDFV001 | Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence |
| CHCCCS017 | Provide loss and grief support |
| Block 2 – Workshop | |
| CHCMHS011 | Assess and promote social emotional and physical wellbeing |
| CHCCCS004 | Assess co-existing needs |
| CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues |
| CHCCCS006 | Facilitate individual service delivery |
| Vocational Placement – Minimum 80 Hours | |
For more information on the course structure, please fill out our inquiry form. Our team will contact you shortly.
As part of your CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services, you'll gain knowledge and practical experience through a community services work placement. We will assist you with finding a host employer or organisation to complete your vocational placement. Our established partnerships with local community service organisations mean you will learn practical skills while building valuable connections with potential employers.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 80 hours of direct support work in at least one aged care, home and community, disability, or community services organisation.
In addition, before commencing placement, you must have the following:
- Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
- NDIS Workers Screening Clearance
- National Police Clearance
Please note: You will be responsible for any costs associated with meeting these placement requirements.
For further information on Vocational Placement, please contact our Student Experience Officers at 1300 626 636.
We understand that everyone’s situation is unique. Our enrolment fees for our CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services are payable upfront, in payment plans, or you may be eligible for government funding.
Check out Funding Options for Students to see how we can support you through your community services training.
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Course | $3,300 |
| Recognition of Prior Learning** | |
| Administration Fee (to be paid upon enrolment) | $495 |
| Cost per unit (to be paid after preliminary application assessment | $150 |
| Subsidised training – (Higher Level Skills Program) | |
| Non-concessional | $120 |
| Concessional | $70 |
**Please discuss this option with our Student Experience Officers prior to enrolling
The Higher-Level Skills program aims to assist individuals in gaining the higher-level skills required to secure employment or career advancement in a priority industry or to transition to university to further their studies.
To be eligible for Higher Level Skills funding you must:
- be an Existing Worker in the Community Services and Health industry, which includes parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants
- a Queensland resident
- be aged 15 years or above and no longer at school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident (including humanitarian entrants) or a temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency
- not hold, or be enrolled in, a certificate IV level or higher qualification (not including qualifications completed at school and foundations skills training).
Training is subsidised by the Queensland government and is paid to the RTO providing the training. There is a necessary co-contribution fee from the student for enrolment and training. For further information on eligibility and funding details, follow the link to the Queensland Government’s page on the eligibility and funding details.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is about the skills and knowledge you've gained through work and life experiences. Your skills will be assessed against industry standards. Our assessor does this. You may be asked to:
- perform tasks or jobs
- talk about and explain how you do those jobs
- provide samples of your work.
A credit transfer recognises the study you've already done at school, college, TAFE, or university. You can have credit from a relevant earlier course transferred to your current studies. You must have certified copies of your certificates, awards, or qualifications. There is no fee for a credit transfer. During your onboarding, this will be discussed with you to determine eligibility.
For further information, please get in touch with our Student Experience Officers at 1300 626 636.
* Subject to eligibility requirements
Are you interested in studying Certificate IV in Community Services?
To secure your spot in the next intake of our CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services, please complete our registration form below, and a team member will contact you.
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Certificate IV supports students in developing diverse skills required for supervisory and management positions, enabling them to thrive in their professional journey.
For more information on Certificate IV, you may find the article “Difference Between Certificate III, Certificate IV & Diploma” helpful.
A certificate III and IV serve different purposes based on the student's career aspirations and desired level of proficiency in a particular field. Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) and Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) provides fundamental skills and knowledge for disability and aged care. While Certificate IV offers a more comprehensive understanding of community services.
To understand the differences between Certificate III and IV, you should read “Difference Between Certificate III, Certificate IV & Diploma”.
The main difference between a Certificate IV and a Diploma of Community Services is the depth and complexity of the skills and knowledge they offer, as well as the duration of the study.
A Certificate IV is considered equivalent to six to twelve months of degree study, while Diplomas typically require one to two years to finish.
To understand the difference between Certificate IV and Diploma, please read “Difference Between Certificate III, Certificate IV & Diploma”.
The Certificate IV in Community Services training programs offered by Carers Queensland is designed to accommodate the needs of learners by providing flexible study options. The duration of Certificate IV Community Services can vary based on your capacity to study and work with your lifestyle commitments.
Part-time Program
- Duration: 12 months
- Study Mode: Part-time
- Schedule: The part-time program allows learners to balance their studies with other commitments, such as work or personal responsibilities. The program is structured to provide a manageable workload, typically involving fewer weekly study hours.
- Course Completion: Upon completing the part-time program, learners will be awarded the qualification per their chosen training program. This qualification acknowledges their dedication and acquiring and developing the necessary skills in their specialisation.
Full-time Program
- Duration: 6 months
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Schedule: The full-time program offers an accelerated learning experience, allowing learners to complete their studies in a shorter timeframe. This intensive program requires a higher level of commitment, as learners engage in more concentrated study hours per week.
- Course Completion: Upon completing the full-time program, learners will receive the qualification for their chosen training program. This qualification acknowledges their comprehensive understanding and competency in the field of their specialisation.
Please note that the duration of the program may vary slightly depending on factors such as specific course requirements, study pace, and individual progress. Carers Queensland aims to provide a supportive learning environment and personalised guidance to help learners succeed in their chosen program, regardless of the study mode selected.
Prospective students should consult Carers Queensland's enrolment and student support team for more individualised information regarding the specific duration and schedule of the training program they intend to undertake.
There are no specific entry requirements for Certificate IV in Community Services training programs. However, we highly recommend some general prerequisites you may require:
- a strong interest in caring for and supporting others
- language, literacy, and numeracy skills appropriate to a Certificate IV course
- some employers will require a current police check or a Working with Children Check
- basic computer skills and access to Internet facilities
- a commitment to undertake any course practical or work placement components.
Additionally, this certificate will require a component of the course in practical or vocational placement. This means you will need to be physically capable of doing the work and be able to arrange your own transport to the placement site.
Whilst there are NO specific prerequisites or prior qualification required for Certificate IV in Community Services qualification, participants should consider the following points before enrolment into one of the courses:
- minimum education level of Year 10, Year 12, or equivalent, or mature age entry is typically required
- sound language, literacy, and numeracy skills
- some RTOs might require you to hold a relevant Certificate III or have significant work experience in the field
- given the nature of the community services sector, a current police check may be necessary for most employers.
Enrolling directly into our Certificate IV in Community Services program is fine without first completing Certificate III.
It should be considered, however, that Certificate IV in Community Services is designed to give you more advanced skills and knowledge than those developed at a Certificate III level. While completing a Certificate III first may be beneficial, it is not a requirement.
Some students may prefer to go directly into our Certificate IV in Community Services program if they have the following:
- relevant work experience in community services or a related field
- other relevant skills or experiences in the community services sector
- demonstrated competency in language, literacy, and numeracy skills
- however, holding a Certificate III or having equivalent experience can be extremely helpful in achieving success in the Certificate IV program.
The assessments for Certificate IV in Community Services can vary depending dependant on the units of competency requirements of the program. The following information is a general overview of the types of assessments.
- Case studies
- You may be given hypothetical scenarios or real-life cases to analyse and provide appropriate responses. This type of assessment tests your problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and knowledge of community service principles.
- Project work
- Assessments may involve working on individual or group projects related to community service delivery. This could include developing community programs, designing support plans, or creating resources for specific target groups.
- Written assessments
- These may include multiple-choice, short-answer, or essays to assess your understanding of theoretical concepts related to your specialisation and program. These assessments focus on communication skills, understanding individual and community service needs, and providing community service support.
- Practical assessments
- These involve demonstrating your skills in a practical setting, simulated work environment or a real workplace. You may be required to perform community care, assistance, and communication tasks. Practical assessments evaluate your ability to apply and demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge in real-life situations.
- Workplace-based OR observation assessments
- Some assessments may require applying your skills and knowledge in a real workplace environment. You might be asked to complete tasks or projects that align with the community service context under the supervision of a workplace supervisor or mentor.
There are vocational or work placements for Certificate IV in Community Services. Our qualifications delivery model includes a mix of online & classroom-based learning and practical skills development. The hands-on vocational experience element allows you to apply the knowledge and skills you've learned in a real-life setting.
- These courses typically require around 200 hours of practical placement, often in a community services workplace setting.
- During your placement, you'll be supervised by a qualified worker and have the opportunity to practice tasks like supporting clients, implementing community development strategies, following safety procedures, and a range of other skills development.
- Please note that you'll need to be able to arrange your transport to the placement site, and most employer organisations will require a police check or other clearances prior to placement.
The Certificate IV in Community Services qualification can prepare you for work in a range of community service contexts, such as case management, client support, social housing, and more. Career opportunities might include:
- Community Services Worker
- Welfare Support Worker
- Outreach Officer
- Case Manager or Case Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Youth Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Drug and Alcohol Worker
Further study or specialisation can provide additional job opportunities and the potential for more advanced roles in these fields. It's important to note that these job roles often require a current police check and may require other checks or clearances (such as a Working with Children Check) due to the nature of the work.
Yes, after completing a Certificate IV in Community Services, there are many pathways for further study or industry specialisation. Here are some potential next steps:
- Higher-Level Certificates and Diplomas
- You could consider progressing to a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. These higher-level qualifications can offer more in-depth knowledge and skills and prepare you for more industry-specialised or supervisory roles.
- University Study
- Some universities in Australia may offer credit for completed vocational education and training (VET) for Certificate IV. This could potentially shorten the length of a bachelor's degree in a related field, like social work or human services.
- Industry Specialisation
- There are many specialisations available within the community services and individual support field. You could consider further training in areas like aged care, disability support, mental health, child youth and family intervention, or alcohol and other drugs, among others.
- Professional Development
- Even after obtaining a formal qualification, continuing professional development is key in the community services sector. You could consider skill sets, short courses, workshops, or seminars in areas of interest or where you wish to deepen your knowledge.
- Membership in a Professional Body
- Joining a professional body in your field can provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and staying up to date with the latest trends and research.
Remember that the best pathway for you will depend on your career goals, interests, and previous education and experience. It’s a good idea to seek out advice from career counsellors, academic advisors, or professionals in the field to help you plan your pathway.
The course costs for Certificate IV in Community Services, offered by Carers Queensland, may vary depending on each individual’s personal circumstances. Carers Queensland holds a VET Investment Contract that provides funding for this qualification. Under the program, there are several funding and incentive programs in place. These include:
- Higher Level Skills
- This program provides eligible individuals with a government subsidy for Certificate IV, diploma, or advanced diploma qualifications.
- Explore the Queensland Government’s Higher Level Skills program funding.
These programs’ eligibility will depend on individual factors like age, residency status, previous qualifications, and employment status. Specific conditions can vary, so it's important to discuss this with our team at Carers Queensland.
Carers Queensland also offers fee-for-service options on all our skill sets: short courses & full qualifications. Speak to one of our friendly team to discuss prices and payment options.
Yes, Carers Queensland RTO offers flexible study options for Certificate IV in Community Services. This makes it possible for students to balance their studies with work or other life commitments. Here are some options that might be available:
- Part-time Study
- This allows 12 months to complete your course requirements, including your study and vocational placement elements, over one year.
- Full-time Study
- This allows you 6 months to complete your course requirements, including your study and vocational placement element, over a 26-week duration.
- Online Learning
-
- Many RTOs offer online or distance learning options, which can provide flexibility to study at your own pace and in your own time.
- Blended Learning
- Some courses may offer a combination of online and in-person classes, giving you the flexibility to manage your time more effectively.
- Day or Evening Classes
- As part of our commitment to supporting our students and providing flexibility, Carers Queensland RTO offers a number of its classes both within and outside of traditional working hours.
Remember, Certificate IV in Community Services will include a practical/vocational placement component involving you working in a workplace. You would need to be able to commit time to this component of the course as well.
Certificate IV in Community Services is a nationally recognised qualification in Australia. This means they are part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which standardises and regulates education and training services in Australia. Nationally recognised courses are developed under the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to ensure high quality, consistent training and assessment across Australia and allow for the recognition of qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other RTOs. When a course is nationally recognised, it means that the qualification you receive is acknowledged by industry and other educational institutions throughout Australia.
