Diploma of Community Services

There are no mandated training package entry requirements for this qualification. There are no mandatory Open Colleges entry requirements. It is also recommended that students:

· Are 18 years old at the time of placement.

· Have language, literacy and numeracy skills that ensure the ability to:

o work independently and initiate and use support from a range of established resources,

o Locates, analyses, integrates and applies relevant information from a range of sources Applies research skills to obtain specific information using a range of documents, then summarises the data collected to produce a written report

o reads and discusses data from simple charts or tables provided

o These skills are equivalent to those that would be required to successfully work at and ACSF Level 4 or have previously completed a Certificate IV level qualification.

· Access to a modern computer with high-speed internet

· Access to Microsoft office or equivalent

· Basic computing skills including the ability to make a short video.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

It is recommended that a student achieves the following ACSF levels to successfully complete this course and be able to learn effectively in an self-paced online environment:

· Reading, Writing – Working at a Level 4

· Numeracy – Working at a Level 3

If students are concerned about whether they have the skills to complete the course, they will be referred to admissions as part of the enrolment process to complete a formal LLN assessment through BKSB. If the student does not achieve the recommended ACSF levels their application will be sent to the Education Manager to determine if Open Colleges has the required level of support services available to support the needs of the student. In some cases, the student may be referred to an external provider such as their local TAFE to complete additional foundation skills training before being enrolled into the course.

Additionally, if a student does not indicate that they may need an LLN assessment, students will also be referred by Enrolment Consultants for an LLN assessment for any of the below identified triggers:

· Does not meet the recommended entry requirements for study

· Has not completed any study in the past

· Puts another person on the line to talk on their behalf

· Not able to answer questions without being prompted by a third party in the background

· Having difficulty understanding questions asked of them

· Responding to questions with answers that don’t match the question asked

· That they need help with English or is unsure if they need help with English

· Chooses “Not very well”, “Not at all”, or “Not provided” to the “English Proficiency” question

· Student has concerns they may not understand the course content doing it online

· Student found the training and/or assessment component of a course at the same AQF level or lower difficult to complete · They needed a lot of one-on-one time with their trainer during previous study

· They needed their trainer to explain concepts to them before they were able to understand.

Physical Requirements

Have the physical ability to kneel down on the floor and apply CPR.

Tools and Equipment

To successfully complete their studies, learners will need access to the following resources and equipment.

· computer with access to the internet.

· digital recording device to record simulated role-play tasks for submission.

· tripod to provide a stable and secure platform to mount the digital recording device.

· a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions for role-play with suitable facilities and equipment including tables and chairs for meetings.

· up to 3 people to support you in the role-play. For some role-play scenarios, this may include people from diverse backgrounds. It is the responsibility of the learner to find suitable role-play participants.

· persons approved of by relevant local First Nation community elders.

· opportunities for engagement with real people utilising community services

Additional Work Placement Requirements

Students who are not currently employed at an appropriate workplace are required to find a host organisation to undertake work placement. Depending on the nature of the individual workplace, the student may need to undertake this at more than one workplace.

While undertaking their training and assessment in industry, the student must abide by the policies and procedures of the workplace. The workplace may require the student to meet workplace specific requirements. These will vary by state and by organisation. Some of the statutory checks and requirements the student may need to provide to commence work placement are:

• Police Check 
• NDIS Worker Screening 
• Working with Children Check 
• Occupational Assessment 
• Screening and vaccination against infectious disease, including COVID-19 
• Signing of Codes of Conduct and Confidentiality Agreements
•  First Aid Certificate 
• Psychological testing

Students are able to link their NDIS worker screening and blue card to Integrated Care and Management Training. Students are provided a link on how to do this in Open Space in the FAQs.

The cost of obtaining any of above is at the cost of the student and will vary based on the student’s location and their personal circumstances. The costs will range between $50 – $250 per requirement.

PLEASE NOTE – Open Colleges is a privately-run Registered Training Organisation (RTO), not government-run like a TAFE. Therefore, Open Colleges cannot offer government funding. Please check eligibility requirements before beginning an enrolment with Open Colleges.

Fees for this course depend on the payment method and any existing promotions available with Open Colleges.

Always remember to enquire about any:

• Discounts
• Payment Plans

which may be available.