Qualification details

Modification History

CHC08 Version 3.0	CHC08 Version 4.0	Comments
CHC50708 Diploma of Community Development	CHC50708 Diploma of Community Development	Qualification updated in V4. ISC Upgrade to unit codes. No change to qualification outcome.

Description

This qualification applies to community development work that aims to facilitate community members working together to influence and guide the future of their community. Work includes assisting community members to develop techniques and frameworks to facilitate this process.

Work functions may include:

Building community networks	Providing advocacy services
Defining community priorities	Providing planning services
Empowering individuals and communities	Resourcing the community to meet needs
Facilitating support and social action groups	Undertaking needs assessment
Improving quality of life	Working towards social justice
Increasing people's skills	Working with self help groups

It defines the knowledge and skills for community development workers who work under broad direction from senior managers.

Occupational titles  may include:

Community builder	Neighbourhood centre manager
Community development officer	Outcomes manager
Community housing resources worker	Project manager
Economic development manager	Settlement worker

Pathways Information

Not Applicable

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not Applicable

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements 

To gain entry into CHC50708Diploma of Community Development a candidate must:

1. Be recognised as competent, through a recognised training program or recognition process, against the following core units of competency from CHC40808 Certificate IV in Community Development:

CHCCD404E Develop and implement community programs

CHCCD412B Work within a community development framework

CHCCD505E Develop community resources

CHCCOM403A Use targeted communication skills to build relationships

CHCCS411C Work effectively in the community sector

CHCINF407D Meet information needs of the community

CHCORG405E Maintain an effective work environment

HLTHIR403C Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

HLTWHS300A Contribute to WHS processes

OR 

2. Have sufficient relevant experience and knowledge of community development work to indicate likely success at this level of qualification in a job role involving:

• The application of knowledge with depth in some areas and demonstration of a broad range of technical and other skills
• A wide range of tasks and roles in a variety of contexts, with complexity in the range and choices of actions required and including work with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
• The exercise of discretionary judgement and decision making under general guidance.

Employability Skills Summary

Refer to the Topic: Introduction to the Employability Skills Qualification Summaries

Packaging Rules

PACKAGING RULES  15 units are required for award of this qualification including: 9 core units 6 elective units A wide range of elective units is available, including: Group A elective which is recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice Other relevant electives listed below Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in Community Services and/or Health Training Packages Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, up to 3 units of competency packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in other relevant Training Packages or accredited courses where the details of those courses are available on the TGA or other public listing

Core units 

BSBPMG510A Manage projects

CHCCD508D Support community action

CHCCD509C Support community leadership

CHCCD514B Implement community development strategies

CHCCD515B Communicate effectively within a community development context

CHCCD516B Work within organisation and government structures to enable community development outcomes

CHCLD514B Analyse impacts of sociological factors on clients in community work and services

CHCPOL403C Undertake research activities

AND one of the following units:

CHCCS502C Maintain legal and ethical work practices

OR 

CHCCS522B Address complex legal and ethical issues in professional practice
(Note pre-requisite CHCCS400C)

The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice

All workers undertaking community development work need foundation knowledge to inform their work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and co-workers and with clients and co-workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This foundation must be provided and assessed as part of a holistic approach to delivery and assessment of this qualification. Specific guidelines for assessment of this aspect of competency are provided in the Assessment Guidelines for the Community Services Training Package.

Group A – elective recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice 

This qualification has been structured (through the Entry requirements) to provide a specific focus on culturally diverse clients. Where work also involves a specific focus on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients or communities, candidates are recommended to select the following unit:

HLTHIR404D Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

Other relevant electives

Electives are to be selected in line with specified Packaging Rules. Employers may specify that certain electives are required to address specific workplace needs.

CHCAD504B Provide advocacy and representation services

CHCAD603B Provide systems advocacy services

CHCADMIN403D Undertake administrative work

CHCCD402B Develop and provide community education projects

CHCCD420B Work to empower Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities

CHCCD615A Develop and implement community development strategies

CHCCD618B Facilitate the development of community capacity to manage place

CHCCD619B Establish and maintain community, government and business partnerships

CHCCM503C Develop, facilitate and monitor all aspects of case management

CHCCOM504B Develop, implement and promote effective workplace communication

CHCCS400C Work within a relevant legal and ethical framework

CHCCS421B Undertake community sector work within own community

CHCCS422B Respond holistically to client issues and refer appropriately

CHCCS506A Promote and respond to workplace diversity

CHCCSL501A Work within a structured counselling framework

CHCCW503A Work intensively with clients

CHCGROUP403D Plan and conduct group activities

CHCINF505D Meet statutory and organisation information requirements

CHCLLN403A Identify clients with language, literacy and numeracy needs and respond effectively

CHCNET404B Facilitate links with other services

CHCNET503D Develop new networks

CHCORG428A Reflect on and improve own professional practice

CHCPOL504B Develop and implement policy

CHCPOL505B Manage research activities

HLTHIR404D Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

LGACOM502B Devise and conduct community consultations

PSPMNGT605B Manage diversity

The following grouping of relevant electives is provided to facilitate selection and does not necessarily reflect workplace requirements. Electives may be selected from one or more groups.

Working with people with alcohol and other drug issues 

CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector

CHCAOD510B Work effectively with clients with complex alcohol and/or other drugs issues

CHCPROM503A Provide community focused promotion and prevention strategies

Working with people with mental health issues 

CHCMH402B Apply understanding of mental health issues and recovery processes

CHCMH411A Work with people with mental health issues

CHCPROM503A Provide community focused promotion and prevention strategies

Child protection electives 

CHCCHILD401B Identify and respond to children and young people at risk

CHCCHILD505B Work effectively in child protection and out of home care for children and young people

CHCPROT424A Develop a child protection practice framework

CHCPROT429A Work collaboratively to maintain a child safe environment

Settlement work electives 

CHCSW401A Work effectively with forced migrants

CHCSW402B Undertake bicultural work with forced migrants in Australia

Social housing / homelessness electives 

CHCCH301C Work effectively in social housing

CHCCH427B Work effectively with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

CHCCH428B Work effectively within the Australian housing system

CHCCH522B Undertake outreach work

Oral health 

CHCOHC401A Inform and encourage clients and groups to understand and achieve good oral health

CHCOHC402A Support clients and groups to learn practical aspects of oral health care