Overview
Learning Objectives Overview
Community and family health are often under pressure from many different directions in our modern day to day lives, and this can lead to complex issues if untreated. You can support and advocate for family welfare, community health, employment, and disability services.
CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) focuses on the skills required for the community services sector and prepares you to work with people experiencing complex social issues.
You can take this course as an entry pathway into the community/social services industry.
This course is designed for people who are keen in promoting social justice and maximise human potential.Graduates of this qualification will connect people with services using a person centred approach and strive to make a positive impact in people’s lives.
Professional experience in a community service setting will provide you with useful practical experience as part of your training.


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Course Duration
18 Months
AQF Level
5
Study Mode
international
Delivery Locations
Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane
Course Start Dates
13
January
2025
03
March
2025
05
May
2025
07
July
2025
01
September
2025
03
November
2025
Additional Details
Course Overview
The Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) equips individuals with the skills to manage, coordinate, and deliver person-centred services to clients in community settings. This course focuses on case management, assessing client needs, and developing personalised care plans. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Case Manager or Community Services Worker, supporting individuals and families through tailored service delivery and advocacy in various community care settings
Why study Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) at IHNA?
- Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
- Guaranteed Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
- Monthly Intakes: New batches starting every month.
- Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
- Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments
Course Structure
20 Units are required for the award for this qualification including:
- 12 core units
- 8 elective units
CORE UNITS
CHCCCS004 | Assess co-existing needs |
CHCCCS007 | Develop and implement service programs |
CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations |
CHCCSM013 | Facilitate and review case management |
CHCDEV005 | Analyse impacts of sociological factors on people in community work and services |
CHCDFV001 | Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
CHCLEG003 | Manage legal and ethical compliance |
CHCMGT005 | Facilitate workplace debriefing and support processes |
CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice |
HLTWHS004 | Maintain work health and safety |
ELECTIVE UNITS
CHCCSM009 | Facilitate goal-directed planning |
CHCCSM010 | Implement case management practice |
CHCCSM012 | Coordinate complex case requirements |
CHCCSM016 | Undertake advanced assessments |
CHCCDE028 | Work within organisation and government structures to enable community development outcomes |
CHCPOL003 | Research and apply evidence to practice |
CHCDEV004 | Confirm developmental status |
CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills |
Mode of Delivery
Students are required to attend 20 contact hours per week physically at the campus and professional experience placements.
Professional Experience Placement (PEP)
Professional Experience Placement (PEP)is an essential component of some of the units of this qualification.IHNA Guarantees Professional Experience Placement for all its student studying Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) .Students will commence the 400 hours of placement (PEP) upon completing all theory assessments including simulation-based assessments (SBA). During the PEP, students will apply the required essential knowledge and skills to demonstrate competency for each unit of this qualification.
Students are meant to complete the work placement in 2 different organisations that cater to different types of clients.
- Placement 1: 160 hours of PEP will be completed after completing theory in semester 3.
- Placement 2: 240 hours of PEP will be completed at another institution after completing Placement 1.
An IHNA trainer and assessor will monitor the student’s progress during the PEP. All PEPs are arranged by IHNA’s designated placement coordinator. Students may arrange PEP by themselves if preferred, as agreed with and in consultation with, the course coordinator.
Note: Where a student breaches the PEP requirements as stated in the Entry Requirements, they could be excluded from their PEP. IHNA will not be responsible for any such exclusion.
Entry Requirements
IHNA Admission Requirements
General Admission Criteria:
- Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent.
- Must be 18 years or older at the start of the course.
- Pass the Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) test at ACSF level 3.
- English proficiency requirements:
- IELTS (Academic) – 6.0 overall or equivalent *
*Students are required to meet the Department of Home Affairs English language requirements for student visa applications, which may differ from the above course entry requirements. For more information:- https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language
- IELTS (Academic) – 6.0 overall or equivalent *
To learn more about Exceptions to English Language Proficiency Test requirements, click here
Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)
All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.
Digital Literacy:- Basic computer skills including file management, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, information retrieval, and understanding the social and ethical implications of Internet use.
Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Requirements:
- Satisfactory National Police Clearance (NCC) or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate.
- Required immunisations.
- Working with Children Check (WWCC).
- Valid NDIS Worker Screening Check.
(Students are encouraged to disclose any disabilities, disorders, or medications that may require reasonable adjustments to help us provide appropriate support.)
How is the Course Assessed?
Our approach is to collect evidence on whether the student can perform to the standards of the workplace. This is based on the relevant unit of competency, and you’ll find these tools being used:
- Theory Assessment
- Simulation Based Assessments (SBA)
- Professional Experience Placement (PEP)
RPL & credit transfer
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.
Credit Transfer(CT)
We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.
If you are eligible for RPL or CT, you may be able to finish the course faster and reduce the total course fees. Check your eligibility with us.
Ready to Apply?
- Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
- Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
- Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
- Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
- Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.
Call us on 1800 22 52 83 for any questions regarding your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will it take to complete this course?
Duration of the course is 78 weeks (18 Months).
- Can I study at my own time ?
If you are an International Student, your attendance is mandatory.
- Do I need to visit campus for any session ?
Yes, International students are required to attend classes on campus.
- Can I do the practical assessment or Simulation based assessment (SBA) at campus?
SBAs (Simulation Based Assessments) have to be completed on campus.
- Is there any flexibility in attending SBA ?
Ideally it would be best to attend the SBA when it is scheduled by the trainer. Some of the SBAs require an audience which may be difficult to achieve if all the students do not show up for SBA at the scheduled time.
- Do you Offer professional experience placement (PEP)?
IHNA (Institute of Health and Nursing Australia) assists students in finding placement. However, we highly recommend students to volunteer at a community service organisation which might to lead to gaining work placement or even a job.
- Is the PEP flexible?
PEP is flexible in terms of which days you complete the placement. The total number of hours to be completed and the activities to be completed are not negotiable. You can do more than the required hours but not less than the stipulated 400 hours. The first placement will occur in semester 3 for 150 hrs. Second placement will occur in 4th Semester for 240 hours. Students can complete the placement requirement of 10 hours for HLTWHS003 during semester 1 at IHM or In semester 3 or 4.
- Are the SBA and PEP mandatory?
Yes, SBA and PEP are mandatory.
- How many days I must attend class? Is there any flexibility in attending class?
Classes are scheduled on Monday to Wednesday from 9am 1 pm AEST and 1:30 pm to 5:30pm AEST. Lecture and tutorial classes run on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday from 9am to 1pm is support session. Student engagement is mandatory in all three days. It can be captured through attending classes, completing activities in canvas and completing assessments in student hub.
- Can I fast track this study?
You can fast track if you have RPL or credit transfer for some of the units.
- Can I get RPL or credit transfer?
RPL and credit transfer is possible provided you have the proper evidence to prove you have the relevant knowledge and skills.
- Can I complete the course fully online without attending class?
International students are required to come to campus for all the classes and cannot complete it online.
- Is there any pre-recorded session?
Pre-recorded session for all units are available to students in canvas.
- Is there any problem if I missed 01 – 02-hour class on a scheduled day?
Students will be able to catch up if they miss a one or two hours. However, its ideal not to miss the first couple of hours.
- What software proficiency I will learn in SBA?
You will be using 3 different platform to complete the course, Student hub, Canvas and MS office suite.
Pathways
Relevant Courses for Comprehensive Learning.
- CHC62015 – Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
- BCHC51015 – Diploma of Counselling
- CHC53315 – Diploma of Mental Health
- CHC50421 – Diploma of Youth Work
- BSB50420 – Diploma of Leadership and Management
- HLT54121- Diploma of Nursing
- Bachelor of Human Services
Explore opportunities
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Senior Youth Worker
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Aboriginal Housing Worker
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Community Development Worker for Social Housing
-
Assistant Community Services Worker
-
Community Work Coordinator
-
Support Facilitator (Disability)
Fees
Know about Fee Structure and Fundings in
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
Total tuition cost for CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) is AUD $18,000 for international students.
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
Total tuition cost for CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) is AUD $18,000 for international students.
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
Total tuition cost for CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) is AUD $18,000 for international students.
- *Speak to our team to know about current scholarships.
Total tuition cost for CHC52021 – Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) is AUD $18,000 for international students.
Attention Students
We would like to inform you about a recent surge in cyber scams. Your security is of utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure that you stay safe from potential threats.
Scammers have been employing sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and steal sensitive information. It’s essential to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with online communications and transactions.
For IHNA’s students, it’s good to know that IHNA’s bank account details are not shared through email. Instead, the information is accessible through the secure Student Hub under Student Invoice & Payment. This method ensures that only authorised users with secure login credentials can access and view the information.
Additionally, making payments through the IHNA website provides another secure option for transactions, ensuring that personal and financial details are handled in a safe and protected environment.
For any questions or concerns related to payments or account details, students should reach out to IHNA directly through official contact channels (accounts@ihna.edu.au) to ensure the highest level of security and privacy.
Testimonials
Stories of Satisfied Students
I learned many things during my course . i am very glad i had choose to studying in IHNA , this course is very interesting In community services.I am very glad I had to choose this studying in IHNA . i found really interesting course in community services . i got more knowledge and learn more interesting things from this course . some time this course too hard for me and give me some challenge but that are very interesting i were facing and sort out the challenging during this course i knew to different – different people’s culture and their life style it was very interesting i learn how to communicate with client and manage case plan etc the staff in school were so helpful they all the time help me and solve my problem . in the other hand my trainer is also help to every student and sort out the problem .my tracey is very helpful lady she always available and help to everyone . she gave us helpful knowledge and teach us more interesting things regarding my course. her teaching way is very interesting . and IHNA administration is also cooperative and helpful. i like studying in IHNA it was a very good experience to apply my skills and knowledge which i had got and learned from IHNA.
Gursharan Kaur
Diploma of Community Services
Have always been passionate in providing care to vulnerable community having been working in the industry for over 5 years but I always felt I need to upskill. Luckly IHNA was offering online course, having heard of their reputable training was so happy to enroll with them. During the course I got extraordinary support from educators especially with online and simulated based assessments. Educator Roohi was always available to assist students. For example, they offered one-on-one appointments for any extra support with theory and on one flexibility. Online assessments were great in the sense that they helped me develop my knowledge in Client assessment through researching and improved my communication skills. IHNA classes are Multicultural oriented and very inclusive which was great benefit for me and my learnings. Great experience. Am so grateful, for all the resources and knowledge I have been impacted with and is enabling to be more professional at work and with great interpersonal skills. IHNA has inspired me and given me the drive to pursue further education.
Naom Maina
Diploma of Community Services
I found really interesting to study in community services. In this course we had learned all the knowledge about how to communicate with clients and how to manage the case plan etc. It was so challenging but also so interesting to study like this. I am so glad I had choose studying in IHNA. The staffs in school were so helpful, they had arranged work-placement for me efficiently. It was a very good experience to apply all my knowledge which I had learn from IHNA.
Laiwa Chan
Diploma of Community Services
I started studying at IHNA in March 2020. I started my Cert IV in Ageing Support, unfortunately my class mates and I were only able to attend the campus for 2months, then Melbourne went into lockdown and the classes were done online through Microsoft teams. I was a bit concerned about this change at first (from face to face to online classes), but luckily my trainer was very supportive, finding various ways to make the online classes as interesting as possible, she also provided a lot a support, not only knowledge base support but also emotional support due to the difficult times we were all going through (lockdown, isolation, etc.) I managed to complete my Cert IV, did my placement and fortunately got a job in an Aged Care Facility. I then decided to pursue further studies with IHNA. I am now completing a Diploma in Community Services (Case Management). The Diploma is also conducted online. My current trainer is also very supportive and helpful. She finds the best ways to make the class interesting. Providing us with a lot of additional readings and sometimes videos related to our modules. Our trainer also provides us with a lot of flexibility. The trainers support us a lot, they help us on our assessments and we feel welcomed to ask questions. IHNA helped me in developing new skills, and learn new things about myself that I did not know before. My first course at IHNA, Cert IV in Ageing Support, offered me the opportunity to work in an Aged Care Facility. During my first day of work at this aged care facility, my colleagues were very impressed by the knowledge that I already had about how to provide care. One of the modules that really touched me in my Cert IV Ageing Support was the one about Dementia. I work with people with dementia at work, and what I learned during my course is really helpful to me in knowing what to expect, how to react, what to do, how to help someone leaving with dementia. The course I am currently enrolled in, Diploma of Community Services, helped me in better understanding others, how to work as a team more efficiently, the importance of cultural diversity, how to plan a project, etc. All the modules are in some ways related to my current job situation which is also very helpful. I still have some months left before finishing my Diploma so I know that I am going to learn more. In overall, I am very pleased to be a student at IHNA and would absolutely recommend it to people seeking further studies. Tracey is a very good teacher. She is always available whenever we need extra support. We can see her passion and dedication about her job through her teaching skills. I am really satisfied with my trainer this year.
Marie Alice Virginie Andre
Diploma of Community Services
My experience studying Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) at IHNA has been amazing. As I had no previous experience in Community Service, the structure of the course was easy for me to follow and build on my knowledge. The online aspect of the class also helps with a good work-study-life balance, since this is especially important to me as an international student. I can study in the comfort of my own house, while reaping the full benefits of a classroom with collaborative and dynamic discussions. You can access all information, videos, references and assessments easily on the Student Hub. The units in the course were useful and informative. There is assessments and group work relevant to the real workplace. We learn not only theory but also practical knowledge that be utilized in the industry. Units such as Diversity teach us a lot about how to be inclusive and open, and how to communicate with people from different walks of life. While units such as Work Health and Safety teach us regulations and polices. Personally, the focus on diversity and differing values and beliefs and how we can navigate our work as community service workers based on empathizing with this was one of the key skills I learnt. In addition, I have learnt a great deal about Australian law, regulations and policies. It was also all encompassing and I feel like we did not miss out on any skill or knowledge. Work placement is another great part of this Diploma. Through our work placement, we get real life work experience that may even lead to paid jobs in the industry. IHNA and our student placement officers organizes our placement, so we do not need to worry about finding one. This is especially helpful if you are new to community service, or if you are struggling to find a placement. This can give you a head start in the industry. My placement in disability was a great experience and without it I would not have learnt so many skills. My trainer, Tracey Carli, is also extremely helpful and understanding to us. She gets us through assessments and units with focus on our understanding and knowledge. She has always been there to answer our questions, even in after work hours. This has further added so much value to my education here since we have a teacher who actually cares about us. My overall experience with IHNA and my trainer and classmates has been positive and added to my growth professionally.
Kritika Lama
Diploma of Community Services
It’s amazing experience to study with IHNA. My experience with online learning was so good. And not the last I want to add it was my good luck that we had a great teacher named Sara Reddy And Roohi Haq who taught me Diploma of mental health and Diploma of community service (Case management).I have no words how to describe Sara and Roohi as they both are much more than my words can say in this testimonial. They are not only a good teacher and mentor, but also a great person, a great human being who is not only teaching the right subject (Mental Health and case management which they are passionate about it but also making a difference in the lives of people who are around her. Thanks Sara and Roohi an amazing personality, I am so proud that I am your student and IHNA Institute give me an opportunity to know both of you as a person. I have no words how to thank you. Both of you will be always an important person in my life. You are always there when I need it. Thank you so much Sara Reddy? Roohi Haq?
Stuti Vyas
Diploma of Community Services
I love studying at IHNA because of their caring and understanding nature. They really want their students to pass and succeed in life by providing assistance where needed. They consider any circumstance and difficulty that a student is going through and provide a strategy of how to go around your circumstance and manage to be up to date even if it means one on one assistance from your lectures. I received so much help from Tracey my lecture and I am grateful. If you are thinking of studying, join IHNA, they are the best.
Cathy
Diploma of Community Services
Awards Received by IHNA
Celebrating Accomplishments and Achievements.
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