Diploma Of Community Services

Overview

The Diploma of Community Services is a qualification developed by the Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) with a specific focus on person-centred practice in the disability sector. It is developed based on the values of inclusion, and on John O’Brien’s five valued experiences – community participation, promoting choice, supporting contribution, encouraging valued social roles and community presence. There are a total of six themed modules in this diploma programme.

This diploma was developed due to changes in contemporary disability service delivery and the demand for practitioners in the disability field to be fully trained and equipped to deliver person-centred services.

Accreditation and Recognition

This programme is taught by the Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) and offered by the Australian Employment Training Solutions Registered Training Organisation TOID 21912. It is accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a Diploma in Community Services.

This accreditation may allow learners to apply for advanced standing at universities in Australia within the terms of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). This, however, is at the discretion of individual universities.

Pre-requisites

As part of the requirements from the Australian accrediting authority, candidates are to complete a pre-enrolment review test at SSI to assess their suitability for the programme.

Target Audience

Social service professionals working in the disability sector can apply for enrolment. Potential learners should preferably possess a minimum of three GCE ‘O’ Level passes that includes a pass in the English Language.

The skills and knowledge required for this course are as follows:

  • Two years of relevant work experience.
  • Possess employment as a training officer, teacher aide, life skills coach, job coach etc. in the social service sector.

However, applicants who do not meet the target criteria mentioned above can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of delivering quality person-centred services to people with disabilities.
  • Demonstrate skills in supporting people with disabilities and their families, using the best possible practices.
  • Apply a wide range of well-researched, evidence-based techniques to support people with disabilities.
  • Advocate and lead the promotion of person-centred practices within the workplace.

Assessment Requirements

Lecturers from CDS will facilitate tutorials and conduct individual supervision in the workplace. There will be an independent study component that includes prescribed readings, research and the completion of an assessment task.

Course Details

Programme Duration: 12 months
Timings: 6.30pm to 9.30pm (Weekdays) and 9.00am to 5.00pm (Saturday)
Full Fees: $10,920 (Exclusive of GST)
Nett Fees: $3,276 (Inclusive of GST, after SSG subsidy1). A non-refundable application fee of $53.50 (including GST) is required.

Other Subsidies Available:
Successful applicants to the Diploma of Community Services may apply for the SkillsFuture Study Award1 for the Social Service Sector. You may visit this link to find out more.

Module 1: Knowing Self - Becoming a Person-Centred, Responsive, Ethical, Reflective Practitioner

Module 2: Person-Centred Advocacy and Decision Making Support

Module 3: Promoting a Person-Centred Workplace

Module 4: Positive Behaviour Support and Supporting People with Complex Needs

Module 5: Society and Community

Module 6: Social Skills and Communication

Upcoming intake:
Opening Date for Registrations: 13 Aug 2019

Click here to download the pre training form
Click here to download the SSI application form.

Submit both forms to apply for the course.

1 This is subjected to successful completion and achievement of a “Competent” grade for all in-class assessments/assignments. Learners eligible for SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) funding must achieve at least 75% attendance per module and be certified “Competent” in all the assessment components. Individuals or Organisations will have to bear the full course fees in the event that learners fail to meet the attendance/assessment requirements and terms and conditions for SSG funding eligibility. Please refer to this link for more information on SSG funding.