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CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

Learn the fundamentals of disability care, preparing you for the career pathways of Community Care Worker or Disability Support Worker. 

This course can help you develop the practical skills needed to prepare for all situations involved with disability work. Plus, you'll get the opportunity to undergo work placement where you can put your skills into practice.

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Nationally recognised
up to 18 months
15 units of competency
Flexible payment plans available
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Course Summary

Duration
up to 18 months
Units
15 units of competency
If you're keen to build a rewarding career in disability, the CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (Release 1) is a specialised qualification that can train you up for entry-level positions in disability support. This course will have you learn the fundamentals of disability care, which can prepare you for the career pathways of Community Care Worker or Disability Support Worker.

Whether you're looking to enter the community services industry or simply want to create a positive impact for individuals with disabilities, this course can help you develop the practical skills needed to prepare for all situations involved with disability work. Plus, you'll get the opportunity to undergo work placement where you can put your skills into practice.
 


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

This qualification comprises units that will help you prepare for a career in disability support. The training you'll receive from this course will help you carry out duties as a disability care worker, preparing you for different and complex work scenarios. The units also allow you to develop transferable skills that may be useful as you progress throughout your career.

From this course, you'll learn to:

  • Work with diverse people
  • Communicate and work in health or community services
  • Provide individualised support
  • Support community participation and social inclusion

Other personal skills you may learn along the way include:

  • The ability to work autonomously
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Conflict resolution
  • Complex problem-solving
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 

If you are currently working in the disability industry you are required to undertake work placement during 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, undertaking activities specified for CHCCCS040 - Support independence and wellbeing.
 
If you are not currently working in the disability industry you are required to undertake an additional ten (10) hours work placement in addition to the 120 hours, to provide the opportunity to practice the skills that are required in the disability industry.

To learn about the requirements for this part of the course, get in touch and our education consultants will help you with all the required information.

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 will suit you if you want training to prepare you for careers in disability support. If you enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and have a strong interest in helping those with disabilities, this course can help you develop the skills needed to pursue roles where disability care is the core focus.

You'll come across topics like following safe work practices when caring for clients and ensuring that you comply with work legal and ethical practices.

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 skills and knowledge required to work with basic information about the human body and to recognise and promote ways to maintain healthy functioning of the body. This unit applies to any worker who needs to use and interpret information that includes references to client anatomy and physiology.

  • CHCCCS038
    Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support

    This unit entails achieving performance outcomes, along with developing the necessary skills and knowledge to empower individuals receiving support. It emphasises the delivery of rights-based services through a person-centered approach, in alignment with personalised plans. This unit applies to workers in varied disability contexts.

  • CHCCCS033
    Identify and report abuse

    This unit encompasses achieving performance outcomes, as well as developing the essential skills and knowledge to recognise indicators of abuse. This includes suspected cases or reported allegations of abuse. It emphasises taking suitable actions in accordance with one's role and responsibilities to mitigate the potential harm caused by abuse to an individual.

  • CHCDIS012
    Support community participation and social inclusion

    This unit describes the 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 well-being 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 or indirect supervision.

  • CHCCCS036
    Support relationships with carer and family

    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work positively with the carer and family of people using a service based on an understanding of their support needs. This unit applies to workers across a range of community services contexts.

  • HLTAID011
    Provide First Aid

    This unit outlines the competencies and knowledge needed to administer initial first aid to an injured person, aligning with the first aid protocols established by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other prominent national clinical bodies in Australia.

  • Work placement commences
  • CHCCCS031
    Provide individualised support

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to organise, provide and monitor support services within the limits established by an individualised plan. The individualised plan refers to the support or service provision plan developed for the individual accessing the service and may have many different names in different organisations. This unit applies to workers who provide support under direct or indirect supervision in any community services or health context. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • CHCDIS011
    Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach

    This unit describes the 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 individual 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.

  • 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.

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 (Disability):

  • If you are currently working in the disability industry you are required to undertake work placement during 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, undertaking activities specified for CHCCCS040 - Support independence and wellbeing.
  • If you are not currently working in the disability industry you are required to undertake an additional ten (10) hours work placement in addition to the 120 hours, to provide the opportunity to practice the skills that are 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.

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 (Disability)

Career outcomes

Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue the following career outcomes.
Education pathways
If you successfully complete the CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), you may be able to pursue the following related qualifications:
  • CHC62015 - Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
  • CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)

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 Support Worker?

To become a Support Worker, you typically need a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or similar qualification, along with experience or volunteering in the field.

 

How much do disability support workers get paid in Australia?

Disability support workers in Australia earn around $20 to $35 per hour, depending on experience and location.

 

What are the main tasks and duties of a disability support worker?

Disability support workers assist with daily tasks like personal care, meal preparation, and medication management. They also help individuals with disabilities access community services and advocate for their needs.

 

What qualifications do I need to be a disability support worker in Australia?

Typically, you'll need a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or equivalent certification, along with a First Aid certificate and a clear criminal record check.

 

What is the difference between a disability support worker and a carer?

Disability support workers focus on assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve goals and access services, while carers may work with a broader range of individuals and may not specialise in disability care.

 

What are the responsibilities of a disability support worker?

Responsibilities include providing personalised support, implementing care plans, advocating for clients' rights, and collaborating with healthcare professionals.

 

What skills or attributes do you need to be a disability support worker?

Essential skills include empathy, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and a commitment to promoting independence and dignity.

 

How do I become a disability services officer?

Obtain a relevant degree in social work or disability studies and gain experience through internships or entry-level positions.

 

How do I get a disability job in Australia?

Get relevant qualifications, network, volunteer, and apply for positions through job search websites or directly with disability service providers.

 

What does a disability officer do?

Disability officers coordinate support services, assess clients' needs, develop support plans, and advocate for clients' rights.

 

How much do disability services officers make in Australia?

Disability services officers earn an average of $50,000 to $70,000 annually, or around $25 to $35 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

 

What is CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)?

If you're looking to start a career in disability, then undertaking the CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is a great stepping stone if you want to equip yourself with the job-ready skills in becoming a Care Worker or Disability Support Worker.
Upskilled delivers this course online and it includes work placement where you'll get the opportunity to work with a host organisation of your choice and gain some experience in the disability sector. There are also role-playing activities that can help you get your colleagues, friends or family involved, making the course fun and interactive and can be great preparation for the physical nature of the work.
The CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) will give you the training needed to carry out the typical duties of a Disability Support Worker, which may include:
  • Working with diverse people
  • Communicate effectively within the health or community services sector
  • Providing individualised support to clients
  • Facilitating empowerment of people with disability
Transferable skills are becoming more essential and in order to find career success in the community services industry, employers look favourably upon candidates that are:
  • Able to work autonomously
  • Able to undertake complex problem-solving
  • Culturally sensitive to the needs of people with disability
  • Supportive and empathetic

 

How long does it take to complete the certification?

The course duration for the CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is up to 18 months. Depending on your skills and experience, you could finish the online disability course at a much faster rate if you put in more hours of study each week.

Considering that this course is delivered online, this will help you manage both your personal and work priorities as there is flexibility in how you can approach your studies around current commitments.

 

Is there a specific age group I'll work with in disability support?

In disability support, individuals may work with a diverse range of age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, depending on the specific roles and contexts. The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) prepares you to assist individuals across various age groups within the disability sector.

 

How to enrol in this course?

To enrol in the CHC33021- Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), you'll need to first submit an enquiry form via our website. On the form, you'll need to share some of your personal details including your name, best contact number and email address.
You'll also need to answer the question, What best describes you?
This will help our education consultants determine what the best questions they should ask you during the consultation. You'll need to choose the statement that best matches your current career trajectory. The options include:
  • Changing careers
  • Looking for a promotion
  • Returning to work
  • Starting your career
  • Expanding your skill set
Once you submit an enquiry form, one of our education consultants will be in touch to talk more about the CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) to determine whether this course will best match your career goals. From here, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions regarding course payment, eligibility and possible career outcomes you may be able to achieve in the disability sector.

If you're ready to enrol and study with Upskilled, your education consultant will send through the enrolment form via email so the process of becoming an online student for the disability course can begin.
 

 

Enquire today

Sounds just like the course you're after? Speak with a career consultant to discover what it's like to study the CHC33021 - Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). Send us an enquiry and we'll get in touch.

*By providing your information, you agree to our Privacy Policy and to receiving email and other forms of communication from Upskilled. You are able to opt-out at any time.

Download course guide

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Download course guide

Want to know all about this course? Get our course brochure to discover what it's like to study . Submit your details and simply click 'Download'.

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