Department of Health & Community Services (DHCS)

CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution

Specialisation in
Family Dispute Resolution
Family Mediation and Conflict Resolution

AQF Level 8 CRICOS 120453F

Course Overview

This qualification prepares individuals to work as Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners. You will develop the skills to support families experiencing conflict, including those involved in the family law system.

You will learn how to facilitate structured discussions, manage sensitive situations, and assist clients to reach safe and appropriate agreements. This work requires professional judgement, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle complex and emotionally challenging cases.

You may work independently or as part of a larger organisation, applying specialised knowledge to support positive outcomes for families. Some roles may also include planning, program management, and contributing to organisational strategies.

This qualification is aligned with the requirements of the Family Law Act 1975 and relevant regulations for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners.

To achieve this qualification, you must complete at least 50 hours of work placement in a relevant setting.

Course Features

  • 10 units in total (6 core + 4 electives)
  • 4 terms per year – flexible intakes
  • 1 year duration (40 learning weeks + 12 weeks holiday)
  • 20 hours/week face‑to‑face plus online and self learning

Entry Requirements (pre-requisites)

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who:

• hold an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Law, Conflict Management, Dispute Resolution, Family Law Mediation or equivalent.
or
• hold accreditation under the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS).
or
• hold the Mediation skill (CHCSS00142 Mediation Skill Set) from the Community Services Training Package (CHC).
*This includes the following units that can be completed at SMIC at the beginning of the Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution course:*
  • CHCMED004 – Prepare for mediation
  • CHCMED005 – Facilitate mediation
  • CHCMED006 – Consolidate and conclude mediation
or
• can provide documented evidence of previous experience in a dispute resolution environment in a job role involving self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas, exercise of independent judgement and decision-making, and a range of technical and other skills.

In addition, all applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Be over the age of 18 years.
  • Intermediate level of computer skills and ownership of a laptop and/or tablet to use in class.
  • Successful completion of Year 12 of schooling or equivalent.
  • Good command of written and spoken English, with verified evidence of IELTS Level 6.0 (with no band less than 5.5) or equivalent.

Career Opportunities

  • Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
  • Family Mediator
  • Family Relationship Consultant
  • Case Worker (Family Services)
  • Intake and Assessment Officer (Family Services)
  • Parenting Plan Facilitator
  • Dispute Resolution Officer (Community or Legal Services)
  • Family Support Practitioner
  • Program Coordinator (Family Services)
  • Team Leader (Family or Community Services)

Course Units

Core Units x 6

  • CHCDFV008 – Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work
  • CHCDSP001 – Facilitate dispute resolution in the family law context
  • CHCDSP002 – Adhere to ethical standards in family dispute resolution
  • CHCDSP003 – Support the safety of vulnerable parties in family dispute resolution
  • CHCFAM001 – Operate in a family law environment
  • CHCFAM002 – Work with a child-focused approach

Elective Units x 4

  • BSBLDR811 – Lead strategic transformation
  • HLTASEW001 – Work according to the principles of social and emotional wellbeing care
  • HLTASEW003 – Provide support to clients affected by loss, grief or trauma
  • CHCDIV002 – Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety