Certificate IV in Housing (Social Housing)

CHC42221 CERTIFICATE IV IN HOUSING (SOCIAL HOUSING)

This qualification reflects the role of individuals delivering housing support services and support to tenants, applicants and the community in the social housing and homelessness sector.

They may be public housing specialist staff or people undertaking similar roles in the community housing sector. Alternatively, they work with vulnerable people who may be experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

In undertaking this course, 15 units must be completed comprising 8 core units and 7 elective units, with two specialisations to choose from – Housing or Homelessness.

• Housing Specialisation – must include three units from the list of Housing Units plus the core unit CHCSOH024 Support sustainable tenancies.
• Homelessness Specialisation – must include all three units listed under the Homelessness Specialisation.

CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY

CORE 1: CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships

CORE 2: CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people

CORE 3: CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

CORE 4: CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically

CORE 5: HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety

CORE 6: CHCSOH013 Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

CORE 7: CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

CORE 8: CHCSOH024 Support sustainable tenancies

SOCIAL HOUSING ELECTIVES (4 UNITS FROM BELOW)

ELECTIVE 1: CHCSOH021 Work with clients within the social housing system

ELECTIVE 2: CHCSOH014 Manage and maintain tenancy agreements and services

ELECTIVE 3: CHCSOH015 Manage housing application and allocation processes OR

ELECTIVE 3: CHCSOH016 Manage tenancy rent and rent arrears

ELECTIVE 4: CHCADV004 Represent the organisation in a court or tribunal OR

ELECTIVE 4: CHCSOH017 Manage vacant properties

GENERAL ELECTIVES (3 UNITS FROM BELOW)

ELECTIVE 5: CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

ELECTIVE 6: CHCCCS020 Respond effectively to behaviours of concern

ELECTIVE 7: CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues

CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY

CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to apply specific communication techniques to establish, build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders based on respect and trust. This unit applies to work across a range of workplace contexts where workers at all levels may communicate with individuals and/or groups both in person and in writing.

CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.

CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role. This unit applies to community services and health workers who play a proactive role in identifying and meeting their legal and ethical responsibilities

HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others. The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.

CHCSOH013 Work with people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work with people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, including people experiencing domestic and family violence. This unit applies to individuals who work in a range of community services and health roles.

CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to identify and respond to the needs of clients who may be experiencing domestic and family violence, including responding to immediate intervention and support needs. This unit applies to health and community service workers providing services according to established organisation procedures. These workers may not be specialised family violence workers.

CHCSOH024 Support sustainable tenancies

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist tenants to maintain a sustainable tenancy. This unit applies to individuals who work in a social housing context. Workers exercise judgement and sensitivity when working with tenants within clearly defined processes and procedures.

SOCIAL HOUSING ELECTIVES (4 UNITS TO BE COMPLETED)

CHCSOH021 Work with clients within the social housing system

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist people who are looking for or need assistance with housing and accommodation. This unit applies to individuals who work in tenancy and non-tenancy services in a social housing context. Workers exercise judgement and sensitivity when working with clients within clearly defined processes and procedures.

CHCSOH014 Manage and maintain tenancy agreements and services

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage tenancy agreements and associated housing services. This unit applies to individuals who work in a social housing context in agencies responsible for sustainable tenancy management. Workers exercise judgement and sensitivity when working with clients within clearly defined processes and procedures.

CHCSOH015 Manage housing application and allocation processes

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist clients, process housing application forms and administer housing allocation. This unit applies to individuals who work in a social housing context. Workers exercise judgement and sensitivity when working with clients within clearly defined processes and procedures.

CHCSOH016 Manage tenancy rent and rent arrears

This unit describes the performance outcomes, knowledge and skills required to manage all aspects of tenancy rent and rental arrears. This unit applies to individuals who work in a social housing context. Workers exercise judgement and sensitivity when working with clients within clearly defined processes and procedures.

CHCADV004 Represent the organisation in court or tribunal

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake work as an advocate of a service or organisation in a court or tribunal. This unit applies to workers typically in a leadership role in a community services or advocacy setting who are responsible for providing formal advocacy or representation.

CHCSOH017 Manage vacant properties

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage rental properties which have become vacant. This unit applies to individuals who work in a social housing context within clearly defined organisational processes and procedures.

GENERAL ELECTIVES

CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.

CHCCCS020 Respond effectively to behaviours of concern

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to respond effectively to behaviours of concern of people. Skills are associated with handling difficult incidents rather than managing ongoing behaviour difficulties. The unit applies to workers in any context exposed to difficult and challenging behaviour.

CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues

This units describes the skills and knowledge to establish relationships, clarify needs and then work collaboratively with people living with mental health issues. This unit applies to social housing workers who provide services to applicants and tenants that are not mental health specific.

1. ENROLMENT

The Centre for Training in Social Housing (CTSH) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) of the Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW).

To commence your enrolment with CTSH, please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form (located above) and a staff member from CHIA NSW will be in touch with you within five (5) working days. Once you have spoken with us you will be asked to complete an online Application Form. This form will ask you to provide additional information to support your application and assist in ensuring you have the provided necessary documentation as required by all Registered Training Organisations such as CTSH. Once your application is processed you will be sent an invitation for an online Orientation. This Orientation will be held on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

Should you wish to discontinue with the course you will be given three weeks grace called a census period to consider whether the course is the right course for you and withdraw without incurring any cost.

2. ORIENTATION MEETING

Once enrolled you will receive an email invitation for a Zoom session to attend our Orientation and a link to our Learner Management System (Moodle). It is important that you attend the Orientation to learn about your course, how we deliver your classes, where you will find your learning resources and assessments and to meet your Student Support Advisors. In the session you will be asked to complete an online exercise and explore how to access Moodle and all the information available for each unit of competency. Your Student Support Advisor will make an appointment with you to complete your Training Plan for the following 12 months and receive your class schedule.

3. ONLINE CLASSES

Students join classes where they will develop an understanding of their unit of competency. This is a great opportunity to meet peers from different organisations, learn from others and explore new ways of working. There are between four and six sessions per unit of competency, with the final sessions enabling you to practice your skills and complete some of your assessment tasks.

Two weeks before the start of each unit you will receive an invitation to the next scheduled class with a Zoom link and a Moodle link to your course content and assessment booklet.

4. SELF-DIRECTED ONLINE LEARNING

Self-directed learning allows you to undertake study in your won time and work through the learning material on Moodle and the assessment requirements. You will be given a timeframe to complete all course work and assessments that corresponds with our online classes, that is, four to six weeks for individual units. This type of study is most suited to who have experience in study and feel confident that they can manage the work and understand the content with limited direction and support. Enrolment in self-directed learning must be discussed with your Student Support Advisor.

Once enrolled you will receive your Moodle login which provides access for you to see course materials and submit assessments online by their due date. Please let your Student Support Advisor know that you wish to study via self-directed online learning.

5. STUDENT SUPPORT

CTSH is committed to providing support to all students to meet their academic needs. This is undertaken through a range of different support strategies. Prior to enrolment, a staff member from CTSH will conduct an interview with you to discuss your plans for training and any academic needs you may have. It is important that you let us know from the commencement of your training so we can arrange the most appropriate support.

Student Support Advisors are provided for all students to assist you through your student journey. Your Student Support Advisor will negotiate your personal training plan, identify any support needs you may need from trainers and monitor your progress during the course. Please contact your Student Support Advisor if you require additional time to complete your study because of illness, pregnancy, family caring responsibilities or work pressures.

Reasonable adjustment in vocational education and training (VET) are actions taken to provide students with disabilities and/or difficulties in learning with the same educational opportunities as other students. Some of the changes may include:

• Offering a variety of course options or pathways
• Allowing students to answer assessments orally
• Allowing a student to be assessed through strategic questioning by the trainer

Speak with your Student Support Advisor if you need additional support or reasonable adjustment.

A language, literacy and numeracy exercise and digital literacy assessment will be completed by all students at the commencement of your study to identify if you need any additional academic support.

Trainers are available for students to get additional support with completing assessments requirements for the course. Your trainers contact details will be provided at your first class and can be located online for each unit. If you are having difficulty contacting your trainer and/or your Student Support Advisor, please call our office and speak with the Administration Coordinator 9690 2447 ext. 216 or email [email protected].

Moodle Support is

available for students having difficulty accessing their learning material and assessment booklet. Please call our office and speak with the Administration Coordinator 9690 2447 ext. 216 or email [email protected].

1. ENROL IN THE UNIT YOU WISH TO RECEIVE RECOGNITION FOR 

Once enrolled, request an RPL Toolkit from your trainer. You can also ask them for guidance if you are unsure whether you are eligible for RPL.

2. PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

You will need to provide supporting documentation to demonstrate competency, including:

• A resume;
• Certified copies of your qualifications;
• Job description(s) of any relevant position(s) held within the past three years;
• A letter from your direct line manager confirming that you undertake (or undertook) the duties detailed in the job description.

3. COMPETENCY CONVERSATION

Your trainer will arrange a time to call you and go over the details of your work experience to confirm your competency in key areas.

4. YOUR ELIGIBILITY IS ASSESSED

Your trainer will let you know if you are able to receive Recognition for Prior Learning.

Applications for this course are accepted biannually, with formal enrolments in February and June.

1. APPLY FOR YOUR UNIQUE STUDENT IDENTIFIER

The Unique Student Identifier (USI) allows you to access all previous study results undertaken by you in vocational education. As an RTO we are required to collect and verify your USI. To help us do this we will need either a print copy or an emailed copy. As an alternative method of verification, you may give access to us to view your VET transcript. This will assist us in completing your enrolment.

You can complete the application for your Unique Student Identifier online. All you need is a valid form of ID with details of acceptable forms of identification available from USI website. Please click on the following link https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi.

2. COMPLETE AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FORM

Complete and submit an online EOI form.

3. WE WILL CONTACT YOU WITHIN 5 BUSINESS DAYS

Once we receive your email, we will email you within five business days to complete your enrolment and arrange for an interview prior to classes commencing.

MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR STUDY PROGRAM 

Our course is designed to be delivered in the program outlined above. Your schedule of training will be discussed with you as part of your training plan. Contact your Student Support Advisor if you would like to discuss making changes to your study program. Changes will be made with regard to available resources and the relevancy of the change to the CHC42221 Certificate IV in Housing.

COURSE PROGRESSION

We want to ensure that all our students are on-track to finish their qualifications within the allocated time. If you are not completing work or attending class, we will follow-up to make sure you are progressing through your course.

You may defer your studies for up to 6 months in consultation with your Student Support Advisor and up to 12 months with supporting documentation and approval from the Manager Training.

If you wish to withdraw from the course, please contact your Student Support Advisor in the first instance. You will receive a Statement of Attainment for the units you have successfully completed.

UPDATING YOUR INFORMATION

We do need current contact information so that we can get in touch with you to let you know when our classes are held. Please get in touch via email if your information changes so that we can update our records. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), CTSH is required to collect your contact information and personal data. If you would like more information about how and why we collect this data, please email your trainer.

At enrolment all applicants will be asked if they have completed any AQF qualifications and/or Statements of Attainment awarded by another RTO. The applicant will be required to submit an original (for certification) or certified copy of documents to include in the application process. This information may enable the applicant to apply for credit transfer.

The Manager Training will review all certified documents to determine what credit transfers may be available to the applicant. CTSH may authenticate the information by contacting the issuing RTO directly. This determination may vary the course length and cost.

The approval of a credit transfer will need to be assessed as relevant to the course being undertaken. Certified copies will be kept on the learner’s file or from their uploaded USI.

Students will not be required to repeat any unit/s or modules in which they have already been assessed as competent.

The granting of credit transfer may have an impact on the structure and duration of the course. No two cases are the same and the learner may need to discuss their individual circumstances and needs with their assessor.

CTSH processes applications for credit transfer free of charge.

CTSH ensures all learners are informed of and understand their rights and responsibilities under the Standards. CTSH will manage the complaints and appeals process fairly, efficiently and effectively and ensure the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness are adopted at every stage of the complaint and appeal process.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Learners who wish to lodge a complaint against CTSH, trainers and assessors or other staff, another student or a third-party providing services on CTSH’s behalf, its trainers and assessors or other staff will be able to access information from the website or from the Manager Accredited Training or the head of Learning and Development. Complaints will be reviewed as an informal or formal complaint. The process is outlined below:

INFORMAL COMPLAINT

1. The initial stage of any complaint shall be for the complainant to communicate directly with their Trainer and Assessor of CTSH, who will decide and record the outcome of the complaint.

2. Person(s) dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaint may then apply to the relevant Manager Accredited Training who will decide and record the outcome of the complaint.

3. Person(s) dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaint to the Manager Accredited Training may initiate a ‘formal complaint’.

FORMAL COMPLAINT

1. The complainant may put in a formal complaint without going through the informal complaint process if they feel it is warranted.

2. The complaint and its outcome shall be recorded in writing on the CTSH Complaints and Appeals Register

3. On receipt of a formal complaint the Head of Learning and Development shall convene an independent panel to hear the complaint; this shall be the ‘Complaint and Appeal Committee’.

4. The Complaint and Appeal Committee shall not have had previous involvement with the complaint and should include representatives of:

– Head of Learning and Development

– Training staff member

– Independent third party

5. The complainant shall be given an opportunity to present their case to the committee and may be accompanied by one other person as support or as a representative.

6. The relevant staff member shall be given an opportunity to present their case to the committee and may be accompanied by one other person as support or as a representative.

7. The Complaint and Appeal Committee will decide on the complaint.

8. The Complaint and Appeal Committee will communicate its decision on the complaint to all parties in writing within 5 working days of making its decision.

9. If the complaint takes more than 30 days to finalize, written notification will be given to all people involved explaining the delay.

APPEALS PROCEDURE

Learners are informed at their Orientation of their right to request a review of a decision. This may include:

– Appeal of an assessment decision made by either CTSH or a Third Party providing services on behalf of the Centre for Training in Social Housing (if relevant).

INFORMAL APPEAL

1. The initial stage of any appeal shall be for the appellant to communicate directly with the Trainer and Assessor of CTSH, who will decide and record the outcome of the appeal.

2. Person(s) dissatisfied with the outcome of the appeal to the Trainer may then appeal to the Manager Accredited Training who will make a decision and record the outcome of the appeal.

3. Person(s) dissatisfied with the outcome of the appeal to Manager Accredited Training may initiate a ‘formal appeal’.

FORMAL APPEAL

1. The appellant may put in a formal appeal without going through the informal appeal process if they feel it is warranted.

2. The appeal and its outcome shall be recorded in writing on the CTSH Complaints and Appeals Register

3. On receipt of a formal appeal Head of Learning and Development shall convene an independent panel to hear the appeal; this shall be the ‘Complaint and Appeal Committee’.

4. The Complaint and Appeal Committee shall not have any previous involvement with the appeal and should include representatives of:

– Head of Learning and Development;

– A training staff member; and

– An independent third party.

5. The appellant shall be given an opportunity to present their case to the committee and may be accompanied by one other person as support or as representative.

6. The relevant staff member shall be given an opportunity to present their case to the committee and may be accompanied by one other person as support or as a representative.

7. The Complaint and Appeal Committee will decide on the appeal.

8. The Complaint and Appeal Committee will communicate its decision on the appeal to all parties in writing within 5 working days of making its decision.

9. If the appeal takes more than 30 days to finalise, written notification will be given to all people involved explaining the delay.

The outcome of all complaints and appeals will be reviewed as part of CTSH’s quality assurance processes. Any rectifications identified by those processes will be acted on in a timely manner.