Join a dynamic and growing field of work in community development encompassing many government departments, including social welfare, health, environment, economic, arts and culture and recreation services. There’s also opportunity in private enterprise, volunteering, and not-for-profit organisations as a community development officer.
The Certificate of Community Development program is a professional development course that will provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop and organise community education and development projects and programs. You will also feel equipped to work within organisational and governmental structures to enable community development.
In this online community development course, you will discover how to support community leadership and action and learn how to implement community development strategies to achieve community goals.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to work as part of a professional team to support community members working together to impact and guide the future of their community.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Develop community projects
- Develop project plan
- Involve key people and organisations
- Goals and planning
- Project life cycle
- Secure project resources
- Action plans
- Develop strategies
- Develop educational resources
- Prepare promotional materials
- Distribute resources and materials
- Encourage full participation
- Implementing recommendations
- Project adjustments
- Document project outcomes
- Law and Ethics
Unit 2 - Support community action
- Creating opportunities for the community
- Models of participation
- Research methods
- Meeting community priorities
- Critical success factors
- Formal agreements
- Facilitate community support
- Allocating resources
- Community advocacy and lobbying
- Overcoming barriers
- Involving local communities
- Using resources effectively
- Document outcomes
Unit 3 - Develop community leadership
- Identify community leaders
- Identify leadership structures
- Leadership qualities
- Engaging communities
- Parameters for involvement
- Support mechanisms
- Training and development
- Listening to communities
- Resource allocation chart
- Promote community leadership
- Leadership in the home
- Leadership benefits
- Structures, processes and practices
- Defined roles
- Learning programs
- Develop leaderships skills
- Organisation guidelines
- Training methods
- Learning and assessment programs
- Leadership activities
- Structured opportunities
- Target groups
- Human resources
Unit 4 - Develop community engagement strategies
- Community engagement
- Engagement process
- Public participation
- Collaboration and conflict
- Legitimacy
- Engagement tools
- Barriers to community engagement
- Sustainability
- Evaluation mechanisms
- Budget proposal
- Funding
- Disengaged individuals
- Promoting participation
- Evaluating media effectiveness
- Group contributions
- Group leader role
- Effective group interactions
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Communicating decisions
- Evaluation activities
- Engagement feedback
Unit 5 - Work within organisation and government structures
- Organisation structure
- Management relationships
- Law and Ethics
- Decision making
- Accountability
- Documenting processes
- Community development work
- Government funding
- Policy barriers
- Strategic alliances / relationships
- Agreements
- Influencing government decisions
- Gaining support
- Increasing awareness
- Building relationships
- Legal requirements
- Communications network
- Cause and effect analysis
- Promoting the organisation
- Targeting opportunities
- Data confidentiality and sensitivity
- Identify political, social
- Economic trends
- Portability of skills
- Compliance requirements
- Conflict resolution
- Performance management
Unit 6 - Develop community development strategies
- Build community based groups
- Community projects
- Research structures and systems
- Strategic alliances
- Seek positive change
- Community forums
- Support community action
- Evaluate goals and plans
- Personal involvement
- Management tools
- Reporting procedures
- Develop and maintain networks
- Incorporate cultural practices
- Protocols
Study Hours
Estimated duration 90 Hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% Online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
The tutors were very supportive, friendly and prompt with my queries. I enrolled in this course as I was after an introduction to the industry of Community Development. The course has been complementary to my anticipated career path. It has been satisfactory in providing a broad, expert introduction into the nature of the industry. The advice for resources and approaches to scenarios has been helpful. My experience has encouraged me to further my studies in this sector.
J. Ng, Kingsgrove, NSW | Certificate of Community Development
This was my first time studying after 37 years and found the format and process easy to follow
K. Blackwell, Rosebud, VIC | Certificate of Community Development
Everything went smoothly and I have had no issues
K. Martin, Edithburgh, SA | Certificate of Community Development
Completing the Certificate in Community Development has helped me towards my career goals, as a result of studying this I was able to secure a job in the Community Development team within my organisation by expressing my interest in the team and showing that I was committed to learning more by completing this course. In addition to this it helped solidify my knowledge and understanding of Community Development and increased my confidence for the new role. The tutor’s were always accessible and available to assist any time I reached out. Thank you very much for a positive learning experience.
A.Urbas, Byford, WA | Certificate of Community Development
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Afterpay: Within 1-2 working days
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Community Development Officer
- Community Development Coordinator
- Administration Officer – Community Development
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