Community Services Short Course
This 12-week online course provides foundational skills in cultural safety, communication, and client support, serving as a flexible entry pathway into further study or diverse entry-level community roles
This Community Service Short Course is designed to provide aspiring professionals and those seeking professional development with a foundational skillset and knowledge in community services. This introductory course comprises 8 units from our nationally recognised CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services. The course focuses on community-based support for a diverse range of people and is ideal for beginners looking to enter the community services sector or those aiming for a pathway into further education, such as a CHC42021 Certificate IV or CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services or related field.
This online, self-paced 12-week short course in Community Services offers beginners 180 hours of foundational training through pre-recorded sessions and practical exercises, preparing learners for entry-level roles in the community sector. It also provides nationally recognised units from the CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services, making it suitable for professional development or further education.
What will you learn online?
Upon completing this course, participants will be equipped to:
- To equip learners with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for working in community services.
- To develop an understanding of cultural diversity and promote cultural safety within the community.
- To enhance communication skills, including effective interaction with diverse populations.
- To provide the skills needed to recognize and respond to domestic and family violence.
- To foster an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities in community services.
- To build competence in supporting individuals with mental health issues.
- To cultivate the ability to develop and maintain professional networks and collaborative partnerships.
- To prepare learners to work effectively with individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Available Online Units
Core Units
CHCDIV001: Work with Diverse People
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively with a range of diverse individuals, families, carers and/or communities.
It applies to workers who interface with diverse people as part of their job role. It includes interacting with people from diverse backgrounds in a range of contexts. It also includes having an awareness of own personal values, attitudes and beliefs and how these may impact working with diverse people.
At the end of this unit, students should be able to:
- Engage diverse individuals, families, carers and/or communities in a way that meets their needs promote their strengths and are culturally safe.
- Communicate with diverse individuals, families, carers and/or communities using methods and language that are appropriate to their needs.
- Promote the inclusion and participation of diverse individuals, families, carers and/or communities.
- Use effective interpersonal skills to support the development of respectful relationships with diverse individuals, families, carers and/or communities.
- Reflect on personal values, attitudes and beliefs and how they may impact working with diverse individuals
It applies to workers across a range of community work and services contexts who take responsibility for their own outputs within an established framework. They work under broad supervision and guidance from others.
CHCDIV002: Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety within own job role.
This unit applies to workers across a broad range of community service contexts who work collaboratively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. They may work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals, families or communities in a direct service capacity or in an indirect service capacity.
Workers at this level maintain cultural safety by ensuring their own attitudes, knowledge, behaviours, and values do not judgementally affect service provision.
They work to ensure that the service environment and delivery are culturally safe for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients. This includes promoting the use of interpreters and other strategies to facilitate communication.
Workers may be required to provide leadership and guidance to others in promoting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety.
This unit applies to workers across a range of community work and services contexts who take responsibility for their own outputs within an established framework. They work under broad supervision and guidance from others.
CHCCOM002: Use Communication to Build Relationships
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to use communication to build relationships. It includes identifying opportunities and strategies for building relationships, using effective communication techniques, and maintaining relationships.
This unit is relevant to workers in a range of community, health and human service contexts who work with clients, co-workers and other stakeholders.
This unit is important because it will provide you with the skills and knowledge to use communication to build relationships. It is also important to be able to maintain these relationships.
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Identify opportunities and strategies for building relationships
- Use effective communication techniques
- Maintain relationships.
CHCDFV001: Recognise and Respond Appropriately to Domestic and Family Violence
This unit covers the knowledge and skills required to recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence. This includes understanding the dynamics of domestic and family violence, identifying signs of domestic and family violence, and responding safely and effectively to disclosures of domestic and family violence.
Handling domestic and family violence is a complex task. This unit will give you the skills and knowledge to safely and effectively support people experiencing or at risk of domestic and family violence.
At the end of this unit, you will be able to:
- Understand the dynamics of domestic and family violence
- Identify signs of domestic and family violence
- Respond safely and effectively to disclosures of domestic and family violence
- Refer clients who disclose domestic and family violence to appropriate services.
CHCLEG001: Work Legally and Ethically
This unit covers the legislation and professional, ethical frameworks governing the mental health industry. Learners will be able to identify and apply appropriate legal and ethical principles in the provision of mental health services.
This unit is important because it ensures that workers in the mental health industry are providing services in a legal and ethical manner. It is crucial that all workers in this industry understand the relevant legislation and professional, ethical frameworks in order to provide safe and effective services to their clients.
At the end of this unit, you will be able to:
- Identify and apply relevant legislation and professional, ethical frameworks in the provision of mental health services
- Understand the implications of non-compliance with legal and ethical requirements
- Access and interpret mental health legislation and professional, ethical frameworks
CHCMHS001: Work with people with mental health issues
This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide services and interventions to young people with mental health issues. Workers at this level have a diploma-level qualification and work independently under broad directions from senior management.
This qualification is designed for people working in youth work and other community contexts who provide direct support to young people with mental health issues.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will have the skills and knowledge required to:
- Work with young people with mental health issues
- Develop and implement support plans
- Provide crisis intervention
- Liaise with other agencies and professionals
- Promote the recovery model
- Reflect on and improve your own practice.
CHCPRP001: Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships.
It applies to workers who work with young people in a range of contexts.
At the end of this unit, students should be able to:
1. Develop partnerships
- Determine purpose of developing partnerships
- Develop networks and linkages
- Identify potential partners
- Develop partnerships
2. Maintain partnerships
- Maintain networks and linkages
- Evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships
3. Develop collaborative relationships
- Develop collaborative relationships
- Implement collaborative relationships
4. Maintain collaborative relationships
- Maintain collaborative relationships
- Evaluate the effectiveness of collaborative relationships
5. Facilitate community participation
- Facilitate community participation
- Evaluate the effectiveness of community participation
6. Advocate for community development
- Advance the interests of community development
- Evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy activities
7. Foster community self-reliance
- Evaluate community needs
- Encourage community initiatives
- Evaluate the effectiveness of fostering community self-reliance
CHCSOH013: Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Acquire the skills to support individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Learn to assess needs, provide appropriate interventions, and connect clients with essential services to promote stability and well-being.
Elective Units
What career could I have?
Graduates of this course will create employment pathways toward roles such as:
- Neighbourhood Centre/Community Centre Worker
- First Nations Youth Worker
- Accommodation Support Worker
- Residential Support Worker
- Assistant Community Development Officer
- Youth Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Disability Support Worker
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Have completed their education to a level which is equivalent to an Australian Senior High School Year 12 or Learners are required to pass an online LLN assessment test at or above level 3 in reading, writing and numeracy.
- Have suitable language, literacy and numeracy skills to read and comprehend learning materials and perform tasks related to recording workplace documents including reading and writing detailed reports, case notes, reports and other documents, interpreting workplace policy and procedure and reporting hazards.
- Have sound computer skills to navigate simple software to complete the online component of this course and must be able to use intermediate level Word features in order to produce and present word-processed documents/reports.
- Have access to a laptop and internet to complete this online course.
- These entry requirements will be confirmed through information collected on the online application and during the enrolment interview.
This online course offers a flexible, self-paced learning environment, allowing you to balance study with other commitments. The course includes pre-recorded teaching sessions, providing an interactive and engaging learning experience. You will also have access to real-world case studies and support from experienced instructors.
Accreditation
Upon successful completion, learners will receive a statement of attainment recognising the units of competency completed. These units can be used to credit transfer to create a pathway into further education, such as a CHC42021 Certificate IV or CHC52021 in Community Services or related field.
Hader Institute provides support to all learners through the trainer and the Hader Institute of Education Learner Support Officer.
The online learning program includes:
- Pre-recorded teaching sessions, providing an interactive and engaging learning experience.
- Access to real-world case studies and support from experienced instructors.
- Written assessments.
- Multiple choice questionnaires.
Accreditation
Upon successful completion, learners will receive a statement of attainment recognising the units of competency completed. These units can be used to credit transfer to create a pathway into further education, such as a CHC42021 Certificate IV or CHC52021 in Community Services or related field.
Related Courses
CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services Online
CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services Online
* In-person or Virtual Meeting
Your Contact Details
I’ve been studying with Hader Institute for the past year and am currently completing my Diploma in Youth Work. My experience so far has been nothing short of outstanding.I’ve had the absolute pleasure of having Viki as my lecturer. She consistently delivers rich, detailed education throughout our online classes. Viki is approachable, enthusiastic, and always eager to answer any question—never with judgment, always with encouragement.Hader Institute itself is incredibly supportive. They regularly check in with phone calls to see how I’m progressing and to offer any additional support I might need. That level of care is rare and genuinely appreciated.The learning environment is both supportive and informative. Compared to other institutions I’ve studied at, I can honestly say I’ve never felt so comfortable, accepted, and encouraged in an educational setting. The sense of being valued as a student makes a huge difference.Highly recommend Hader Institute to anyone looking to further their education in a welcoming and empowering environment.
I'm really glad I chose to study at Hader. A big shoutout to my lecturer Blake for being so encouraging and always taking the time to explain things clearly. Also, thank you to the learner support team, they’ve been super helpful whenever I needed a hand
I’ve been working in Community Services for the past six years. I got into this work because I love helping people, not because of my studies. When I finally decided to study, I spent a lot of time looking for the best option that would fit my life. I was working full-time as a youth worker, married, and had a newborn at home. I couldn’t go to face-to-face classes, so studying online was my only choice.I’m over 40 and hadn’t studied in more than 20 years, so starting again was really hard. Learning how to use a new website, understanding how the classes and assessments worked, and even things like what “RPL” meant were all new to me. After a long week at work, keeping up with classes felt overwhelming. I think it’s tough for any adult to go back to studying after so long.Even though it was a big challenge, the Hader Institute supported me all the way. They guided me, kept me on track, and made me feel like I was part of something. But the real difference for me was Viki Hannah. Her kindness, patience, and encouragement really helped me move forward. She saw the experience I already had and helped me believe in myself during some really hard times. I feel like I found a mentor without even looking for one — and that’s something special.I truly hope I can keep in touch with Viki, and it’s good to know I can always reach out to Hader Institute again if I ever need support.
Viki Hannah was an absolute great help to me during my course, provided me with one on one support every week to help me get through all my roleplay assessments, I alway felt that Viki went out of her way to make sure that I was supported in every way that I needed to be able to complete my study.had a great experience during my final work placement observation. Charlotte’s instructions to help me prepare for the assessment were very clear and helpful, and she also supported me with a job I am applying for. I’m very grateful for the guidance and support I received from Hader Institute of Education!
My Trainer was Viki Hannah, what I liked most about our work together in classes and assessment support was how approachable and supportive you were. You always explained things clearly and took the time to make sure I understood, especially when I felt unsure about certain parts of the work. Your encouragement really helped boost my confidence. You made a real positive difference to my experience. For example, during my assessment preparation, you gave really helpful one-to-one guidance that made the tasks feel more manageable. I felt more organised and motivated because of your help. Thank you
A great place to study with, and a massive thank you to Cayan! An absolute awesome educator with sound knowledge and always happy to go above and beyond to get his students across the line. A top bloke as well. Couldn't be happier with the way he conducts himself professionally.
I want to thank Hader for hearing my special need's for my cert 4 AOD course and connecting me with Viki Hannah.Viki has dedicated her time with me to answer any concerns and question's regarding my studies. Viki has always been attentive to help me understand where I may be having trouble understanding. Viki does this by using her amazing skills in communication, compassion, empathy, experience and wisdom.I would also like to thank the amazing Duane for doing the same while facilitating our weekly 3 hour class. Hader has a great team of dedicated people and I feel happy that I chose Hader.
The best staff and study experience. Really positive environment and helping nature of everyone listening to the queries and everything. I am glad I made the right decision. My trainer Viki is the most supportive and emotionally intelligent woman. She is someone you can always rely upon.
My experiences with Hader has been wonderful and they have made me feel right at home in my studies in cert IV mental health.Cayan has been the teacher for our Wednesday night classes and he has been amazing in his delivery of the units we have completed and is always readily available with any help or advice we need.He is a very valued part of the institute of education and comes highly recommended.I would also like to give a shout out to Vicki who has been ready to answer any queries I have had and provide any extra guidance I have needed.My Initial contact person Sasha was amazing in explaining the ins and out of the course structures and so on and is also always available to answer any of my questions.I have also had conversations with Mika, a learning support officer who has been, and is a treasure trove of information and has been a fantastic support throughout.Whether you are starting out your education journey or trying to get back into the workforce in a second career through further learning, Hader Institute has you covered in all angles and will ensure you succeed in whichever career path you choose.Best wishesMartin O'Connor
I am delighted to provide a referral based on my experience studying with the Hader Institute. After much contemplation, I began my studies in late October, enrolling in the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD). At the age of 55, I initially worried that I might be “too old” to return to education. To my surprise and delight, I’ve nearly completed my first course and have even progressed to the AOD Diploma.Choosing the right educational institution was a significant decision for me. The affordability of Hader’s fees and the flexible content delivery were key factors that made it stand out. I’ve found the option to attend Duane’s incredibly informative online classes when needed invaluable, while also having the freedom to request extra modules so I can study at my own pace.The support I’ve received from the trainers has been exceptional. Mika, in particular, has been wonderfully encouraging, and Sasha’s patience and wealth of knowledge have made navigating my studies much easier, even as I ask countless questions. As someone who isn’t particularly comfortable with technology, I’ve also greatly appreciated the simplicity and user-friendliness of the Axcelerate portal—it’s been such a relief.Embarking on this journey was a big decision, but I am now immensely grateful that I chose Hader Institute. The support, flexibility, and resources provided have made all the difference, and I’m thrilled with the progress I’ve made so far.
I’ve been studying with Hader Institute for the past year and am currently completing my Diploma in Youth Work. My experience so far has been nothing short of outstanding.I’ve had the absolute pleasure of having Viki as my lecturer. She consistently delivers rich, detailed education throughout our online classes. Viki is approachable, enthusiastic, and always eager to answer any question—never with judgment, always with encouragement.Hader Institute itself is incredibly supportive. They regularly check in with phone calls to see how I’m progressing and to offer any additional support I might need. That level of care is rare and genuinely appreciated.The learning environment is both supportive and informative. Compared to other institutions I’ve studied at, I can honestly say I’ve never felt so comfortable, accepted, and encouraged in an educational setting. The sense of being valued as a student makes a huge difference.Highly recommend Hader Institute to anyone looking to further their education in a welcoming and empowering environment.
I'm really glad I chose to study at Hader. A big shoutout to my lecturer Blake for being so encouraging and always taking the time to explain things clearly. Also, thank you to the learner support team, they’ve been super helpful whenever I needed a hand
I’ve been working in Community Services for the past six years. I got into this work because I love helping people, not because of my studies. When I finally decided to study, I spent a lot of time looking for the best option that would fit my life. I was working full-time as a youth worker, married, and had a newborn at home. I couldn’t go to face-to-face classes, so studying online was my only choice.I’m over 40 and hadn’t studied in more than 20 years, so starting again was really hard. Learning how to use a new website, understanding how the classes and assessments worked, and even things like what “RPL” meant were all new to me. After a long week at work, keeping up with classes felt overwhelming. I think it’s tough for any adult to go back to studying after so long.Even though it was a big challenge, the Hader Institute supported me all the way. They guided me, kept me on track, and made me feel like I was part of something. But the real difference for me was Viki Hannah. Her kindness, patience, and encouragement really helped me move forward. She saw the experience I already had and helped me believe in myself during some really hard times. I feel like I found a mentor without even looking for one — and that’s something special.I truly hope I can keep in touch with Viki, and it’s good to know I can always reach out to Hader Institute again if I ever need support.
Viki Hannah was an absolute great help to me during my course, provided me with one on one support every week to help me get through all my roleplay assessments, I alway felt that Viki went out of her way to make sure that I was supported in every way that I needed to be able to complete my study.had a great experience during my final work placement observation. Charlotte’s instructions to help me prepare for the assessment were very clear and helpful, and she also supported me with a job I am applying for. I’m very grateful for the guidance and support I received from Hader Institute of Education!
My Trainer was Viki Hannah, what I liked most about our work together in classes and assessment support was how approachable and supportive you were. You always explained things clearly and took the time to make sure I understood, especially when I felt unsure about certain parts of the work. Your encouragement really helped boost my confidence. You made a real positive difference to my experience. For example, during my assessment preparation, you gave really helpful one-to-one guidance that made the tasks feel more manageable. I felt more organised and motivated because of your help. Thank you
A great place to study with, and a massive thank you to Cayan! An absolute awesome educator with sound knowledge and always happy to go above and beyond to get his students across the line. A top bloke as well. Couldn't be happier with the way he conducts himself professionally.
I want to thank Hader for hearing my special need's for my cert 4 AOD course and connecting me with Viki Hannah.Viki has dedicated her time with me to answer any concerns and question's regarding my studies. Viki has always been attentive to help me understand where I may be having trouble understanding. Viki does this by using her amazing skills in communication, compassion, empathy, experience and wisdom.I would also like to thank the amazing Duane for doing the same while facilitating our weekly 3 hour class. Hader has a great team of dedicated people and I feel happy that I chose Hader.
The best staff and study experience. Really positive environment and helping nature of everyone listening to the queries and everything. I am glad I made the right decision. My trainer Viki is the most supportive and emotionally intelligent woman. She is someone you can always rely upon.
My experiences with Hader has been wonderful and they have made me feel right at home in my studies in cert IV mental health.Cayan has been the teacher for our Wednesday night classes and he has been amazing in his delivery of the units we have completed and is always readily available with any help or advice we need.He is a very valued part of the institute of education and comes highly recommended.I would also like to give a shout out to Vicki who has been ready to answer any queries I have had and provide any extra guidance I have needed.My Initial contact person Sasha was amazing in explaining the ins and out of the course structures and so on and is also always available to answer any of my questions.I have also had conversations with Mika, a learning support officer who has been, and is a treasure trove of information and has been a fantastic support throughout.Whether you are starting out your education journey or trying to get back into the workforce in a second career through further learning, Hader Institute has you covered in all angles and will ensure you succeed in whichever career path you choose.Best wishesMartin O'Connor
I am delighted to provide a referral based on my experience studying with the Hader Institute. After much contemplation, I began my studies in late October, enrolling in the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD). At the age of 55, I initially worried that I might be “too old” to return to education. To my surprise and delight, I’ve nearly completed my first course and have even progressed to the AOD Diploma.Choosing the right educational institution was a significant decision for me. The affordability of Hader’s fees and the flexible content delivery were key factors that made it stand out. I’ve found the option to attend Duane’s incredibly informative online classes when needed invaluable, while also having the freedom to request extra modules so I can study at my own pace.The support I’ve received from the trainers has been exceptional. Mika, in particular, has been wonderfully encouraging, and Sasha’s patience and wealth of knowledge have made navigating my studies much easier, even as I ask countless questions. As someone who isn’t particularly comfortable with technology, I’ve also greatly appreciated the simplicity and user-friendliness of the Axcelerate portal—it’s been such a relief.Embarking on this journey was a big decision, but I am now immensely grateful that I chose Hader Institute. The support, flexibility, and resources provided have made all the difference, and I’m thrilled with the progress I’ve made so far.