Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management builds advanced skills for experienced practitioners in community services. Delivered across three deliveries, it aligns with Recommendation 209 of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, supporting employment opportunities in that sector.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Upgrade your skills
- Specialist family violence practitioner capability
- Advanced case management
- Ethical and inclusive professional leadership
Stretch your career further
- Specialist Family Violence Case Manager
- Men’s Behavioural Change Practitioner
- Senior Case Manager
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Strong industry connections and co-creation
No to Violence (NTV)
Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS)
Otherwise, students are connected through the organisations they already work at.
Why Swinburne?
Industry-aligned curriculum for real-world skills
Actor simulations for realistic skill development
Clear pathways to further study options
Admissions
A minimum three-year tertiary qualification in an associated field OR equivalent significant work experience in a community sector role involving assessment and case management.
Tertiary Qualification must include work integrated learning with the community service sector
Submission of a resume/CV detailing roles, duties, position descriptions, duration of posts, and copies of qualifications and academic transcripts.
ACSF Exit Level 5 (working at Level 4), in literacy and numeracy ACSF Exit Level 3 (working at Level 2), as determined by completion of literacy and numeracy testing via the Basic Key Skills Builder ((BKSB) testing system as part of the application process.
Applicants are required to demonstrate digital competencies.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Other requirements
Applicants will be required to attend an interview. Access to a computer with an internet connection, a microphone and a webcam.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential tasks that define a job and must be performed for successful execution.
These skills are crucial for career progression in the field. The Inherent Requirements information helps applicants assess their ability to successfully participate in and complete the course.
Clear communication is critical for supporting clients and coordinating services. Without it, client needs cannot be accurately identified, and interventions may fail. Community service workers interact with diverse individuals, families, and professionals, requiring adaptable and respectful communication.
You must be able to:
• Speak clearly and provide information promptly.
• Interpret and use non-verbal cues to enhance understanding.
• Build trust and rapport through effective communication.
• Adjust your style for different clients and contexts.
• Demonstrate empathy and respect in all interactions
- Write clear case notes, court reports, and budget reports.
- Accurately record and interpret numerical data for budgets and service planning.
- Perform basic maths (addition, subtraction, percentages, ratios) for funding and resource management.
- Read and understand client histories, legal documents, and professional reports.
- Contribute to online client records and prepare professional documentation.
You must be able to manage multiple demands with focus and composure, engage respectfully with clients and colleagues, and respond appropriately to feedback. Community Services work often involves sensitive or confronting content, requiring resilience, objectivity, and professional boundaries.
You’ll develop essential digital skills to succeed in the sector, including:
- Microsoft Word – create professional reports, case notes, and documentation.
- Microsoft Excel – manage budgets, track data, and analyse service outcomes.
- Microsoft Outlook – communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders.
- Online systems – update client records and collaborate across teams.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Graduate Certificate of Counselling
-
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science
-
Master of Counselling
Course structure
To gain the Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management qualification, students must complete and be deemed competent in 10 units, this includes seven core units and three elective units.
This course is offered through three delivery streams, each structured around a shared set of learning themes:
- Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Services (BWAHS) – First Nations cultural and family-centered violence response
- Cross Sector – Promoting change and accountability in child- focused, culturally safe family violence practice
- No to Violence (NTV) – Accountability and group work in family violence with a focus on working in men’s behaviour change programs
What your course could look like
This course is offered through three delivery streams, each structured around a shared set of learning themes. The three streams are: Cross-Sector, No To Violence (NTV) and Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS).
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Lead and influence ethical practice
Core unit |
BSBLDR806 |
|
Facilitate goal directed planning
Core unit |
CHCCSM001 |
|
Implement case management practice
Core unit |
CHCCSM002 |
|
Work with carers and/or families in complex situations
Core unit |
CHCCSM003 |
|
Undertake advanced client assessment
Core unit |
CHCCSM008 |
|
Manage and promote diversity
Core unit |
CHCDIV003 |
|
Lead own professional development
Core unit |
CHCPRP006 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Establish change promoting relationship with users of domestic and family violence
Elective unit |
CHCDFV009 |
|
Promote accountability and assist users of domestic and family violence to accept responsibility
Elective unit |
CHCDFV010 |
|
Plan and conduct group activities
Elective unit |
CHCGRP002 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Provide domestic and family violence support in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Elective unit |
CHCDFV004 |
|
Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work
Elective unit |
CHCDFV008 |
|
Establish change promoting relationship with users of domestic and family violence
Elective unit |
CHCDFV009 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Provide domestic and family violence support in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Elective unit |
CHCDFV004 |
|
Establish change promoting relationship with users of domestic and family violence
Elective unit |
CHCDFV009 |
|
Work with a child-focused approach
Elective unit |
CHCFAM002 |
Study requirements
Cross Sector
Timetable
- Classes are run two evenings, with approximately 6 hours of online attendance per week.
- Actor simulations are assessed at our Hawthorn campus for Themes 2 and 3.
- Students must access online resources and attend online classes to consolidate learning.
- Practical skills are taught and assessed in a simulated environment.
- Students are expected to engage in approximately 10 hours of self-managed study outside of scheduled classes.
Assessment
- Assessments occur throughout the course and include various methods such as quizzes, case studies, practical observations, group work, actor simulations, role plays and written assessments.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course.
No To Violence (NTV) and Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS)
Timetable
- Classes are run one day, with approximately 6 hours of online attendance per week.
- Students must access online resources and attend online classes to consolidate learning.
- Students are expected to engage in approximately 10 hours of self-managed study outside of scheduled classes.
Assessment
- Assessments occur throughout the course using varied methods: quizzes, case studies, practical observations, group work, role plays, and written tasks.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by successfully completing assessments at different stages.
2026 fees
Free TAFE eligible students
Full fee* ($AUD)
$13,050
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$7,890
Concession rate* ($AUD)
$1,456
2026 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
-
Study this course for free in 2025
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2025 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE initiative.
Free TAFE is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online!