CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services
(with alcohol and other drugs electives)

To be awarded this qualification, you must successfully complete 14 of 15 units of competency, 7 core units and 7 elective units.  For this qualification you will need to provide us with your Statement of Attainment for unit HLTAID011 Provide First Aid from another education provider for the purpose of Credit Transfer. The electives for this course have been selected by Partners in Training Australia through industry consultation.

Core units

• CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
• CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships
• CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
• CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
• CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
• CHCPRP001 Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
• HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care

Elective units

• CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
• CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
• CHCAOD006 Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
• CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
• CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
• CHCCCS014 Provide brief interventions
• CHCSOH013 Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Entry Requirements

• There are no mandatory prerequisites to enrol in this qualification.
• Applicants must attend a course information session and then to determine suitability, complete a:
  • Pre-training Review (PTR)
  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy and Digital skills assessment (LLND)

Class Attendance

• Students must attend one class per week, choosing between:
  • Online (virtual classroom), or
  • Face-to-face (onsite classroom).

Class Times:

• Day classes: 9:00AM – 4:00PM (7 hours).
• Additional time is required each week for private study, research, and completing assessments outside of scheduled class hours.

Technology Requirements

• You will need access to:
  • A computer, laptop, or tablet with a stable internet connection.
  • Zoom application, headphones/speakers, microphone & webcam capabilities for virtual classes.
  • A laptop or tablet for onsite classroom session to access your course materials and assessments via our online Learning Management System (LMS).

Work Placement

• This course requires a minimum of 80 hours of placement in a relevant community service delivery setting.
• Before starting placement, you must obtain:
  • A current and satisfactory Victorian Working with Children Check.
  • Additional clearances (e.g., Police Check) may be required depending on your placement provider.
  • Technology for Placement
    • Placement assessments are completed online via Cloud Assess
    • You will need to take a suitable device (phone, tablet or laptop) to placement
    • If using a mobile device, you’ll need to download the Cloud Assess app
    • Where a workplace restricts device use, you can:
      • • request access to a workplace computer; or take notes on paper and transfer them to Cloud Assess outside of placement hours

Skills First funded course fees apply to eligible students who study this course in our regional locations through classroom-based training.

If you choose to study via our online evening course, different fees apply depending on where you live. Please request the Online course information sheet and refer to the Postcode List on our student information page for eligibility details.

*Aboriginal and/or Torres Straight Islanders pay the course Administration Fee but do not pay any Tuition fee.

* There are no materials fees when you study with us.

*Download Our Course Info Sheet– a comprehensive course brochure includes everything from course content to payment plans, refund policies, and fees for students not eligible for government funding. Its your first step toward flexible, affordable, and career-focused training.

*To check your eligibility for Skills First Funding click here

Potential Study Pathways
Graduates of this qualification may pursue further study in the following courses:

• CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
• CHC53315 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
• CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management.

Employment Opportunities
Graduates may seek employment within the community services sector setting in roles such as Community Support Worker, Outreach Worker, Court Support Worker, Health Education Officer and Early Intervention Worker

Employment Outlook
Community Services is an exciting and growing profession with many opportunities for specialisation.
Employment in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry grew significantly and is projected to grow by 301,000 (or 15.8%) by November 2026. Employment for Social Assistance welfare workers is expected to grow by 25.2% to 94,700 persons employed by 2026.

Why Study with Partners in Training Australia (PTA)?

At PTA, we specialise in delivering high-quality training for the Health and Community Services sector across Regional Victoria and Metropolitan locations.

Flexible Learning That Fits Your Life

We understand that traditional classroom schedules don’t suit everyone. That’s why we offer flexible study options—including online and blended delivery—designed for people with busy work lives, family commitments, or limited access to TAFE. Our nationally recognised training is also government-subsidised, making it more affordable and accessible than many other providers.

Strong Industry Connections

We work closely with local employers to ensure our training is practical, relevant, and aligned with industry needs. These partnerships also provide:

• Work placement opportunities
• Customised training for staff
• Pathways to employment for our graduates

Expert Trainers with Real-World Experience

Our trainers are experienced professionals who are actively engaged in the industry. This means you’ll learn from people who understand current practices and expectations – ensuring your training is up-to-date and job-ready.

Come and see how we do things differently, and let us be your ‘partner in training’!   

As part of the application of enrolment process, we ask you to attend an Information/ Enrolment Session that will involve a written Pre-Training Review with an Enrolment Officer who will be available to support you through the process. Our pre-training review is designed to make sure the course is the most suitable and appropriate training option for you.

Information/Enrolments sessions are held at each of our campuses and via Zoom, which makes it easy for you to attend.

We look forward to discussing this course and the study options with you, then arranging an information session for you to attend.