Health, Education and Community Services

About the course

In this course you will learn how to assist people with a wide range of financial difficulties. You will develop specialist skills and knowledge to support clients in decision-making processes, facilitate the financial counselling process, develop and use financial counselling tools and techniques especially in regard to credit and debt issues affecting clients and their rights and obligations. You will also gain an understanding of working with culturally diverse clients and co-workers within the community sector in the provisionof client services.

The Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling) is only delivered (totally) online.

Students who are not WA citizens residents are required to pay a commercial fee rate per unit, for more information please email us.

Please note this qualification does NOT:

• relate to the work performed by Financial Planners or Financial Advisors whose role is to provide clients with strategies to address their investment options.

• refer to therapeutic counselling. Psychological issues which affect individuals, families and groups such as gambling, substance abuse, child abuse and mental or physical health problems require referral to an appropriately qualified professional.

Where this course can lead you

With one or more of the Community Services qualifications from Central, your opportunities are endless. You could find yourself working in community services, financial counselling, youth work, aged care, disability, children's services and/or juvenile justice. This industry is currently experiencing a skill shortage so employment prospects after you finish your studies are positive.

Your Diploma of Community Services Work prepares you for roles such as:

• Financial Counsellor

• Youth Worker

• Community Worker

• Aged Care Worker

Skills you will gain from this course

Central's community services qualifications provide you with skills that are relevant to current industry trends and practices.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Work as a financial counsellor

• Support clients in decision-making processes

• Facilitate the financial counselling process

• Use financial counselling tools and techniques

• Understand credit and debt issues

• Work with socially disadvantaged and marginalised families and individuals in the community
  

Connected with industry

We ensure our industry partners are involved in the development of our courses and curriculum, so the skills you obtain are relevant in the workforce. We work with over 100 community services agencies throughout the metropolitan area. They include youth support centres, women’s refuges, drug and alcohol support services, mental health support agencies, aged care and disability agencies, family support services, migrant support services, prison and outcare services and support groups.

Central's focus on industry relevancy means practical course content geared towards getting you a career. It also means you have an opportunity to network with real professionals who could increase your chances of employment during or after study.

At Central, experienced community services workers are our lecturers. So you’ll be gaining the best experience possible from the people who have done exactly what you want to do. We have also assessed the practices this industry uses and replicated it within Central so when you leave, you'll be working in a familiar environment.

University Pathways

Central's university pathway arrangements mean your Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling) will provide you with the opportunity for direct entry and an advanced standing in a University of Southern Queensland course.

University of Southern Queensland

Bachelor of Human Services, Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
Recognition of Prior Learning: 8 unspecified units.

Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling major)
Recognition of Prior Learning: 4 unspecified units.

Fee information

The cost of this course is yet to be calculated so are not publishable at this time, however, you will be advised of your exact fees upon enrolment. For an estimate of costs, you may wish to contact our call centre on 1300 300 822.

Paying your fees

You will be  expected to pay your course fees in full at the time of enrolment.

Fees can be paid at our student services offices at any of Central’s campuses. You can also pay by credit card over the phone, however, if you wish to pay by instalments, you will need to make your first payment in person and sign the payment plan terms and conditions.

Assistance may be available for those students experiencing financial hardship.

Find out more details about payment options

Course Structure

Available Groups

Title: GROUP 01 - CORE UNITS

Description: Central Institute of Technology offer the units listed below. Please note: previously completed units may count towards this qualification. Please discuss with the teaching area to determine eligibility.

Title: GROUP 02 - ELECTIVE UNITS

Description: Complete six (6) elective units. Below is an example

Getting into this course

Entrance Requirements

Candidates may gain entry into this qualification by demonstrating sufficient relevant work experience in a job role involving:

• self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth
• exercise of independent judgement and decision making
• application of technical & other skills

Success at this level of qualification may also be shown by completion of relevant studies (eg D284 Certificate IV of Community Services or D287 Certificate IV of Community Services Advocacy or equivalent)

The Application Process

The process for applying for a course at Central depends on whether you are a local or international student and the way that you will be studying: full time, part time, as an apprentice or trainee.

Our future students area of the website includes a handy guide to help you through the process depending on what type of student you are, and how you are planning on studying.

Visit our apply, enrol and pay guide

Applications to study this course in Semester 2, 2013 are now open

Apply online today to begin your study this year.

Recognition of Prior Learning

There are specific requirements and a customised RPL tool for candidates requiring recognition of prior learning for this course. If you wish to apply for RPL please request a Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling) Application Pack by emailing: financialcounselling@central.wa.edu.au