Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Searching for that hugely rewarding career? That job where every day is different to the next and you can make a difference to another person’s life?
Launch your career in disability support services with our Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). Enable people with disabilities to become more independent and get involved in community and recreational activities. Empower people to live rich and full lives.
This industry-designed qualification will give you the skills, knowledge and values to provide individual care to people with disabilities in residential, community, health care and NDIS settings. Plus, get industry experience and a thorough understanding of the needs of clients with disabilities.
Go on to find a meaningful career as a disability support worker, personal care assistant, residential care officer, accommodation support worker, or NDIS support worker.
Launch your career in disability support services with our Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). Enable people with disabilities to become more independent and get involved in community and recreational activities. Empower people to live rich and full lives.
This industry-designed qualification will give you the skills, knowledge and values to provide individual care to people with disabilities in residential, community, health care and NDIS settings. Plus, get industry experience and a thorough understanding of the needs of clients with disabilities.
Go on to find a meaningful career as a disability support worker, personal care assistant, residential care officer, accommodation support worker, or NDIS support worker.
Duration
6 months full-time or part-time equivalent (part-time is February intake, evening only)
Intakes
Wantirna (February, July) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Study this course for low-fee or free in 2021
You could have some or all your tuition fees covered in 2021 thanks to government initiatives JobTrainer and Free TAFE for Priority Courses.
JobTrainer is available if you are 17-24 years or a job seeker of any age, impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available if you are under 20 years old, or enrolling in a course at a higher level than you have completed before.
If you don't tick either of these boxes, you could still have a chance! There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is ideal for those who wish to work with people living with disability in both residential, community and health care settings. Workers in this sector assist to enable people with disabilities to be more independent, participate in community and recreational activities whilst ensuring a client-centred approach. This qualification, which has been designed by industry professionals, is suitable if you want to work on an individual basis as support for a person who has a disability. This kind of work requires discretion and good judgement as well as a solid base of factual, technical and procedural knowledge.
Course structure
To be awarded this Qualification, students will complete 13 units (seven core and six electives) and successfully complete a practical placement of 120 hours.
Please note that whilst all attempts are made to make this three week full time placement available immediately at the end of the course work completion, you will be advised during the course what Provider and date has been allocated to you. While significant effort is made to match students geographically to placements, students do need to be prepared to travel to placements in the event that this is required. Students who are already working in the Industry, and would like this considered as a work placement, are required to contact the Placement Coordinator at the commencement of the course.
The course has been structured so that students graduate with the Certificate III in Individual Support, with a specialisation in Disability.
Units of study
Core Units:
Provide individualised support (CHCCCS015)
Support independence and well being (CHCCCS023)
Communicate and work in health or community services (CHCCOM005)
Work with diverse people (CHCDIV001)
Work legally and ethically (CHCLEG001)
Recognise healthy body systems (HLTAAP001)
Follow safe work practices for direct client care (HLTWHS002)
Elective Units:
Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures (HLTINF001)
Meet personal support needs (CHCCCS011)
Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach (CHCDIS001)
Follow established person-centred behaviour supports (CHCDIS002)
Support community participation and social-inclusion (CHCDIS003)
Facilitate the empowerment of people with disability (CHCDIS007)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Possible occupational roles may be found in a range of organisations that provide services to people with disabilities such as: disability support worker, personal care assistant, residential care officer, accommodation support worker, and NDIS support worker.
Aims and objectives
The course aims to provide graduates with the skills, knowledge and values to provide individual care to people with disabilities in residential, community, health care and NDIS settings.
Graduate skills
On completion of this qualification, graduates will have developed the skills to work with diverse people and to support and work alongside other health care professionals to provide effective and holistic care to individuals with a disability in the home and community. Students will graduate with solid industry experience and will have a well-rounded understanding of the needs of clients with disabilities, especially within the NDIS landscape.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Free TAFE! You could have your tuition fees for this course covered in 2020 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. Find out about your eligibility for Free TAFE.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)Estimated course fees for 2021* |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate | Is this a Free TAFE course? |
| Total Cost (GST Free) | $8,620 | $2,040 | $408 | Yes |
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2020 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Free TAFE Government-subsidised place
You could have your tuition fees covered thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could have your tuition fees covered thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for vocational students
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Full course fee
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 715.
Entry requirements
Please note that the duties of an Individual Support Worker may be quite physically demanding and should be considered and/or discussed before applying if there are any concerns.
Additional requirements
The following additional criteria for entry apply for this course:
- Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of placement
- National Police Check, with no disclosable offences, to be obtained at least 10 weeks prior to clinical placement commencement. If a candidate believes there would be a disclosable issue on their national police check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for work within the healthcare environment.
- Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program.
- Influenza immunisation (annual requirement). Any additional immunisations may be required in response to any changes in Government policy or the specific requirements of the organisation you attend for your clinical placement. Further information will be provided at the commencement of the course.
- Applicants will need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competencies
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.