CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) | Upskilled

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Nationally recognised

up to 18 months

15 units of competency

Flexible payment plans available

Course Summary

Duration

up to 18 months

Units

15 units of competency

Are you dedicated to pursuing a career in providing compassionate care, encompassing both the aged care and disability sectors? Unlock your pathway to becoming a proficient Care Worker in these crucial fields through the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability). Whether in a residential environment or within the community, as a professional in aged care and disability support, you'll have the chance to create a significant impact.

This all-encompassing program is specifically designed to furnish you with the indispensable skills and knowledge essential for excelling in your roles as a Care Worker for both elderly individuals and those with disabilities. Notably, the course incorporates a Work Placement component, guaranteeing that you gain hands-on experience and develop confidence in delivering exceptional care to both aging and disabled individuals.

Talent Pools serves as an extension of the educational journey, linking students with employment opportunities. Forget the endless job boards and application forms. Match your skills to employment criteria in just three steps and less than 5 minutes with Talent Pools. Available in select states only. Terms and conditions apply.

Talk to an education consultant today!

What you'll learn

In this qualification, you will undertake a series of units designed to develop your skills as a professional aged care and disability support worker. These units will equip you with the knowledge and competencies required to excel in your roles, emphasising compassion and ethics. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world settings during work placement.

You will learn to:

Help clients with domestic duties and personal care needs, ensuring their well-being and comfort
Support clients in their social and emotional health, providing a caring and nurturing environment
Aid clients to move safely from one area to another, ensuring their safety and mobility
Assist clients in navigating the NDIS system and gain access to other vital services, ensuring they receive the support they need
Empower clients to feel independent and reach their goals, fostering their self-esteem and personal growth
Build strong and meaningful relationships with carers and families, creating a supportive network for those you care for

By enrolling in this course, you will be well-prepared to deliver compassionate care to individuals in both the aging and disability sectors, making a positive impact in their lives and providing comprehensive support in a wide range of areas.

About Self-Paced Learning

Upskilled wants to ensure that you get the best online learning experience, which is why we offer flexible and self-paced courses to suit your needs.

While online learning provides you with the flexibility of managing both your personal and work schedule, it's important to have a consistent approach so you don't fall behind.

We want to help you succeed, which is why all the courses delivered through Upskilled come with a training plan to help you stay on track.

On average, Upskilled students take approximately 13 months to finish a course.

Simply put, the more hours you dedicate to your course, the closer you'll be to the finish line.

Course Duration

This course is designed to be completed within 18 months.

There is no minimum timeframe to complete this course. Students who are highly motivated, well-organised, experienced and committed to making time to study can complete the qualification at an accelerated pace.

Please speak with one of our Education Consultants about your study and course completion goals.

Inclusions

By choosing Upskilled, you will gain access to supplementary resources that can help with your studies. These inclusions aim to enhance your online learning experience, making it interactive and engaging. These include:

Access to Upskilled's customised learning platform, MyUpskilled
Student Support Team
Specialist trainers
Online tutorials

Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit Transfer

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) provided that you have supporting evidence of any prior education and work experience. This can either reduce your study load or shorten the duration of your course. Prior to enrolment, please speak with your Education Consultant for further details.

After enrolment, you can download the application from MyUpskilled, or on request from Student Support. A trainer will be assigned to assess your eligibility for RPL and/or CT.

Assessment

This course will have you undertake summative and formative assessments, write reports and/or create a portfolio, and participate in role-playing scenarios. You'll also be working on a variety of projects that require your own research as well as answering various written/oral questions that apply the theory you learn into practice.

Work Placement

For the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), the work placement requirements are as follows:

If you are currently working in the disability industry, you are required to undertake a period of at least 120 hours of direct support work in at least one aged care, home and community, disability, or community service organisation, focusing on activities specified for CHCCCS040 - Support independence and wellbeing.
If you are not currently working in the disability industry, you are required to complete an additional ten (10) hours of work placement in addition to the 120 hours. This extra placement provides you with the opportunity to practice the specific skills required in the disability industry.

Be sure to check out our Industry Partners if you need further assistance in sourcing a host organisation for work placement.

Role-Playing and Interactive Learning Activities

This course comes with Interactive Learning Activities. Upskilled understands the importance of practical experience, so to complement the theory components of your course, our specialist trainers may run ad-hoc Interactive Learning Activities.

You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with other students - sharing questions, thoughts and ideas, as well as participating together in interactive learning activities.

While the Interactive Learning Activities are not mandatory, your participation is encouraged. You can receive some additional benefits and support, which may include:

Having a study buddy where you can bounce off ideas and help each other with assessments.
Online Classrooms where our specialist trainers can go over learning content that's part of your course.
Activities that relate to your assessments, which can help boost your knowledge and skills.

Additionally, role-playing is included in some of the learning areas of this course. It will also make up some of the practical elements of your assessments, including the assessments in your work placement.

The benefits of role-playing

Upskilled believes that you can benefit from undertaking role-playing activities throughout your studies. Not only are they fun and interactive, it gives you the opportunity to collaborate with other participants such as other students, your family, friends and or colleagues.

Below are some benefits you can experience when role-playing:

Improved decision-making and communication skills: Working in health and community services may involve you working in a variety of work settings. Professionals in this field are expected to make decisions and communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and stakeholders. Our role-playing assessments can help further improve your decision-making and communication skills in a community service workplace.
Preparation for work placement: Role-playing is effective in helping you prepare for work placement. Before you go on work placement, you'll need to complete most of the theory components of your course. The skills and knowledge developed from your role-playing assessments are based on scenarios you may face when working in the community services industry.
Develop knowledge and skills to be "work-ready": Due to the interactive nature of role-playing, it can be an opportunity to practice community service industry roles with volunteers and other students in order to enhance your knowledge and skills. Job roles within this field are "hands-on", so role-playing can prepare you for the physical nature of the work - particularly in the disability and aged care sectors.

Course Detail

This qualification is tailored for individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in aged care and disability support, or related positions. If you're someone who thrives on hands-on care and is dedicated to making a positive impact as a Care Worker in both aged care and disability sectors, this course provides the knowledge and skills you need.

You will delve into essential topics, including nurturing relationships with carers and families, adhering to infection prevention and control policies and procedures, and supporting individuals with disabilities in their journey towards independence and well-being.

Whether you aspire to work in residential settings, within the community, or in specialized disability services, this course equips you with the expertise to meet the diverse needs of those you'll care for in both the aged care and disability sectors.

Course Structure

To satisfy the requirements of this qualification, you'll need to complete the following units of competency.

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
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. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
CHCCOM005

Communicate and work in health or community services

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers. This unit applies to a range of health and community service contexts where workers may communicate face-to-face, in writing or using digital media and work with limited responsibility under direct or indirect supervision.
HLTWHS002

Follow safe work practices for direct client care

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for a worker to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others in work environments that involve caring directly for clients. It has a focus on maintaining safety of the worker, the people being supported and other community members. This unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, in both centre-based and home-based service provision.
CHCCCS041

Recognise healthy body systems

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work with basic information about healthy body systems and the impacts of ageing and disability. It includes recognising and reporting any changes in healthy bodies involving people who are ageing or living with disability. Any identified issues of concern to be reported to the supervisor or professional health staff. This unit applies to workers across a range of community services contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
CHCCCS031

Provide individualised support

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to organise, provide and monitor personal support services for a person within the limits established by an individualised plan. The individualised plan refers to the support or service provision plan developed for the person accessing the service and may have different names in different organisations. This unit applies to workers who provide care or support under direct, indirect or remote supervision. Work is carried out in a manner which supports independence as well as the physical and emotional wellbeing of the person receiving support. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
CHCCCS038

Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support, and to deliver rights-based services using a person-centred approach. It should be carried out in conjunction with individualised plans. This unit applies to workers in varied care and support contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
CHCCCS040

Support independence and wellbeing

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide individualised services in ways that support independence, as well as physical and emotional wellbeing. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services contexts who provide frontline support services within the context of an established individualised plan. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
HLTINF006

Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply basic infection prevention and control principles in work settings including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to risks. This unit applies to individuals working in a range of industry and work setting contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
CHCAGE013

Work effectively in aged care

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work effectively in an aged care work context. The unit covers meeting job requirements, complying with organisational requirements and working in an aged care sector context. This unit applies to individuals who work with older people in a range of community services and health contexts. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and is carried out under regular direct, indirect or remote supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
CHCPAL003

Deliver care services using a palliative approach

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide care for people with life-limiting illness and those within the normal ageing process using a palliative approach, as well as end-of-life care. This unit applies to workers in a residential or community context. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and is carried out under regular direct, indirect or remote supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
CHCDIS012

Support community participation and social inclusion

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist with supporting people with disability in community participation and social inclusion using a person-centred approach. This involves enabling people to make choices to maximise their participation in various community settings, functions and activities to enhance psychosocial wellbeing and lifestyle in accordance with the person’s needs and preferences. This unit applies to workers in varied disability services contexts. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and may be carried out under regular direct, indirect or remote supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
CHCDIS020

Work effectively in disability support

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a disability support work context. The unit covers meeting job requirements, complying with organisational requirements and working in a disability sector context. This unit applies to individuals who work with people with disability in a range of community services and health contexts. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and will be carried out under regular direct or indirect supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
CHCDIS011

Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist with supporting the ongoing skill development of a person with disability. It involves following and contributing to an established individualised plan and using a positive, strengths-based approach. This unit applies to individuals who work with people with disability in a range of community services and health contexts. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and may be carried out under regular direct or indirect supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
CHCAGE011

Provide support to people living with dementia

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide person-centred care and support to people living with dementia. It involves following an established individualised plan. This unit applies to workers in a residential or community context, including family homes. Work performed requires some discretion and judgement and may be carried out under direct, indirect or remote supervision. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Completion Certificate

Entry requirements

Start date

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. To make sure you get the most out of training with us, the following enrolment process applies:

Once you have inquired, one of our friendly Education Consultants will contact you to ensure you have the right pre-existing knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification.
A short language, literacy and numeracy assessment will need to be completed upon enrolment.

To successfully complete this course, we recommend the following:

Have the ability to read and write in English and display numeracy skills up to a minimum level of Year 10.
Have access to a modern computer with high-speed internet.
Have access to a device with audio/video recording and playback capabilities.
Have basic computing skills, including the ability to make and upload short videos.

Requirements for work placement

This qualification will have you undertake work placement at a nominated host organisation approved by Upskilled.

Work placement has been specifically designed to help prepare you for potential career outcomes, giving you the opportunity to further implement and gain practical skills and valuable industry insights through a real-life workplace.

Your work placement will commence once you have completed most of the theory components of your course.

Here are some key requirements you should be aware of for the CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing):

If you are currently working in the disability industry, you are required to undertake a period of at least 120 hours of direct support work in at least one aged care, home and community, disability, or community service organisation, focusing on activities specified for CHCCCS040 - Support independence and wellbeing.
If you are not currently working in the disability industry, you are required to complete an additional ten (10) hours of work placement in addition to the 120 hours. This extra placement provides you with the opportunity to practice the specific skills required in the disability industry.
It is your responsibility to source a suitable host organisation for work placement. Please note that this can take up to several weeks, so it is recommended to allocate sufficient time when sourcing host suitable organisations.
If you are unable to locate a host organisation, Upskilled's Work Placement Officer can assist you in finding one. Please note that it is required to provide Upskilled with a list of host organisations who have declined your requests for work placement via MyUpskilled.
Once you have successfully secured work placement with a host organisation, you will need to complete the Work Placement Agreement Form and submit via MyUpskilled. Please note that Upskilled must approve the Work Placement Agreement before you start your work placement.

To meet the work placement requirements for this course, you may need to undertake placement within 2 organisations to allow exposure to both residential aged care and community care settings.

When am I eligible to commence work placement?

You will be eligible to commence work placement if you have met the following requirements:

Submitted the relevant approved Clearance Checks
Unlocked the Work Placement Module via MyUpskilled
Received approval from Upskilled for your submission of the Work Placement Agreement Form

What happens if I'm already working in the industry?

If you are currently employed in the industry relevant to your qualification, you may be able to complete your work placement assessment requirements within your own workplace and may not need to source for a suitable host organisation.

You will need to submit a Work Placement Agreement Form via MyUpskilled with the details of your employer and Workplace Supervisor. Please note that Upskilled must approve the Work Placement Agreement Form before you commence your work placement.

What clearance checks and documentation do I need for work placement?

Requirements vary from state-to-state. Please see below the required documentation and clearance checks needed by Upskilled and host organisations.

If you live in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, NT and WA, you will need:

Working with Children Check
National Police Check
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae

If you live in ACT and TAS, you will need:

Working with Vulnerable People Check
National Police Check
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae

Fees may apply when obtaining some of the clearance checks. It is a mandatory requirement that you apply for the relevant checks and submit your approved checks via MyUpskilled within the first 2 months of your course start date.

You will also need to supply your cover letter and curriculum vitae if you require assistance from Upskilled’s Work Placement Officer.

Upskilled reserves the right to transfer you to another course which work placement is not a mandatory requirement or cancel your enrolment if you have not obtained and submitted the required clearance checks.

How will I be assessed?

An Upskilled Assessor will liaise with your host organisation's Workplace Supervisor to review and validate your practical skill ability. For certain tasks, you will need to demonstrate your skills through video recordings and when necessary, through simulated activities which will be assessed by your Upskilled Assessor.

Please note that to successfully complete the work placement component of this qualification, you will need to be reasonably fit to undertake a variety of tasks and activities that may involve manual lifting, kneeling on the floor and other physical activities.

Payment Options

Pay Upfront & Save

Save 20% when you pay upfront

Discounted Upfront Price: $2,640

Spread the cost

**Payment Plans Available - $50 per week* (paid fortnightly or monthly)**

Speak to our Education Consultants to know more about our Flexible Payment Plans.

Call 1300 009 924 to find out more. *Terms & Conditions Apply.

RRP $3,300

Government funding

At both a state and federal level, government commitment to upskilling the Australian workforce has resulted in a comprehensive framework of funding schemes and incentive opportunities. As a result, many Upskilled participants are provided incentives by the Government to undertake training and/or find that their courses are heavily subsidised.

Government funding options for:
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

Major schemes include:

Skilling South Australia

Career outcomes

Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue a rewarding career in the aged care (elderly care) sector.

Industry Insights

Employed: A total of 276,600 professionals are currently working in the aged care sector in Australia.
Future Growth: The industry is projected to experience a significant growth rate of 28% in the coming years, indicating a promising outlook for career opportunities.
Weekly Earnings: Professionals in the aged care sector earn an average weekly income of $1,382, providing financial stability and job security.
Full-Time Share: Approximately 32% of professionals in the aged care sector work on a full-time basis, ensuring a substantial portion of the workforce is dedicated to providing consistent care.
Female Share: The sector is predominantly female-oriented, with women making up 80% of the workforce, highlighting the significant contribution of women in this field.
Average Age: The average age of professionals in the aged care sector is 47, indicating a mix of experienced individuals and opportunities for newer entrants.

Source: Labour Market Insights

Education pathways

If you successfully complete the CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), you may be able to pursue the following related qualifications:

CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)

Alternatively, if you're interested in Individual Support, we also offer the following courses:

Educators

Upskilled's trainers in the CHC faculty have well-rounded skill sets and industry experience to help ensure that you're well-trained and prepared for any career challenge you experience in the community services field.

Approaching training with empathy, compassion and openness, you'll find that our trainers in the CHC faculty will help you develop the job-ready skills needed to prepare you for a career where you can make a difference everyday.

Below are some of the examples of support you may receive in the CHC faculty:

Assessment walkthroughs (recorded)
Assessment and Academic support sessions
Additional resources and professional development opportunities
Peer support and practical practise sessions via Zoom
Online recorded Training facilitated by your Trainer/Assessor

FAQs

How do I become a nursing assistant in Australia?

To become a nursing assistant in Australia, you typically need to complete a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assistant in Nursing) or a similar qualification.

What are the duties of a nurse assistant?

Nurse assistants assist with patient care tasks such as bathing, feeding, and mobility assistance. They also help with monitoring patients' vital signs, providing comfort, and maintaining a clean and safe environment.

How much do nurse assistants make in Australia?

Nurse assistants in Australia typically earn between $20 to $30 per hour, depending on experience and location.

Can an Assistant in Nursing work in a hospital?

Yes, Assistant in Nursing (AIN) can work in hospitals, aged care facilities, community health centers, and other healthcare settings.

What qualities make a good resident assistant?

Good resident assistants possess qualities such as empathy, communication skills, patience, reliability, and the ability to work well in a team.

What is the purpose of an aide?

The purpose of an aide is to provide support and assistance to individuals who may need help with daily tasks, personal care, or other activities

What is a community care worker?

A community care worker provides support and assistance to individuals living in the community, such as the elderly or people with disabilities, to help them maintain independence and quality of life.

How much do community care workers get paid in Australia?

Community care workers in Australia earn an average of $20 to $30 per hour, depending on experience and employer.

What kind of work does a community worker do?

Community workers provide a range of services such as personal care, domestic assistance, social support, and transportation to individuals living in the community.

What is an example of a community worker?

An example of a community worker is someone who provides home care services to elderly individuals, assisting them with daily tasks and ensuring their well-being.

What are the main duties and responsibilities of a carer?

The main duties of a carer include providing personal care, assistance with daily activities, medication management, emotional support, and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in their care.

What is a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability)?

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) is a nationally recognised qualification in Australia that prepares individuals for careers in both aged care and disability support. This comprehensive online program equips students with the essential knowledge and skills required to work as a Care Worker in the aged care and disability sectors.

The course covers a wide range of vital topics, including providing personal care, supporting social and emotional well-being, assisting with safe mobility, helping clients navigate the NDIS system, empowering clients to achieve their goals, and building strong relationships with both clients and their families.

One of the key components of this course is the inclusion of a Work Placement, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world settings. This practical experience is invaluable for building competence and gaining confidence in delivering exceptional care to both aging and disabled individuals.

Upon successful completion of the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability), graduates are well-prepared for fulfilling career opportunities in residential care, community support services, and specialized disability services. The qualification is nationally recognized, making it widely accepted throughout Australia and enabling graduates to make a positive impact in the lives of those they care for in both the aged care and disability sectors.

Will I receive hands-on experience during the course?

Yes, the course includes a Work Placement component, which provides you with valuable hands-on experience in real-world settings. This allows you to apply your learning and gain confidence in providing exceptional care to both aging and disabled individuals.

Can I choose to specialise in either aging or disability support, or do I need to study both?

This course combines both aging and disability support, providing you with a well-rounded skill set to excel in both sectors. It ensures that you are equipped to meet the diverse needs of individuals in aged care and disability support roles.

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)