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Chaplaincy & Community Services

CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (RPL)

Harness your extensive experience in community services to achieve formal recognition and further enhance your impact. The Diploma of Community Services (RPL) at Alphacrucis offers a unique opportunity to transform your practical experience into an accredited qualification, opening up new opportunities and empowering you to drive meaningful community transformation.

Course Duration
1 Semester
Study Modes
Online Intensive, Live Intensive
Study Locations
Online
Start Dates
Term 2 (Apr), Aug (S2)
Fees
Please enquire about fees.
Subjects/Units
16
Speak to enrolment advisorDownload Course Guide

What is the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (RPL)?

The Diploma of Community Services (RPL) is a streamlined program designed for individuals with significant experience in community services. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows you to have your prior training and experience formally recognised through evidence submission and required gap training. This 5-day intensive program draws upon your extensive community engagement experience and provides quality training based on the latest best practices in community engagement. Endorsed by the ACC NSW President, Pastor Paul Bartlett, and grounded in the TGIM Community Engagement Model, this diploma is specifically tailored for experienced community workers and those involved in church-based community services work.

Who is this for?

Experienced Community Workers: Have you accumulated significant experience in community services and seek formal recognition?

Church-Based Community Service Practitioners: Are you involved in community services within a church context and want to enhance your qualifications?

Outcomes

Graduates of the Diploma of Community Services (RPL) will find their qualifications refreshed and their skills sharpened, opening up new possibilities in their careers. With years of experience already under their belts, this course will prepare you to take on even more impactful roles within your community. Career opportunities include Community Agency Worker, Volunteer Coordinator, Community Service Entrepreneur, creating and running services such as soup kitchens, op shops, or refugee support programs. Additionally, roles such as Case Manager, Social Services Director, Program Developer, and Community Outreach Specialist are well within reach, ensuring graduates are not only up-to-date with their qualifications but also inspired and ready to make an even greater impact.

Studying at AC showed me how we can open up new opportunities for our church to reach our communities.

Caleb Dwyer, Senior Pastor - Generosity Church, NSW

Accreditation

The Diploma of Community Services is endorsed by the ACC NSW President Pastor Paul Bartlett, and is based on the TGIM Community Engagement Model, outlining the latest best practice in community engagement. It is specifically designed for experienced community workers and those who have experience in church based community services work.

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
8 Units
Reflect on and improve own professional practice CHCPRP003
Students explore the critical skills and knowledge requried to assess and elevate one's own practice by actively reflecting on experiences, engage in professional supervision, ongoing professional development to ensure relevance and effectiveness when working as a chaplain or pastoral care provider.
Learn More
Electives
8 Subjects

No subjects found in this category.

To be awarded the Diploma of Community Services, students must show competency in 8 core and 8 elective units, or satisfy RPL requirements.

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.
*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

What people say

  • AC really equipped me to start Chaplaincy Australia in its early years, and empowered me to develop things (key to its success) like its values and organisational structure.

    Anne Iuliano

    Founder, Chaplaincy Australia, Senior Pastor, LifeSource Christian Church

  • The Diploma of Community Services RPL is a nationally accredited qualification you can undertake while you work. Underpinned by a Christian worldview and presented in a dynamic learning environment, it will help you gain skills, strategies and confidence; understand the uniqueness of your community; build credibility through networking and engagement; and enrich the lives of others. 

    Paul Bartlett

    ACC Community Engagement National Leader

  • The Diploma has given me more confidence to work and develop programs in the field. It has also increased my credibility when I work across the community with different agencies. 

    Jill Whalan

    Chaplaincy

    • Learning Outcomes

    Not applicable to VET courses.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Community Experience

    Demonstrate a minimum of 4 years experience in community work.

    Applicants must submit a copy of their CV with a cover letter outlining how they meet the above criteria, or equivalent.

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 5.5.

    How to Apply

    • Get Started

      Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

    • Apply

      It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

    • Offer

      We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

    Key Dates
    Semester 1
    Term 1
    February / March
    Term 2
    April
    Semester 2
    Term 3
    July / August
    Term 4
    November