Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) - CHC33015

VOCATIONAL

Work in an essential and growing caring field, building expertise in people-centred disability support designed to empower people.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

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Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 2, 2023.

This may result in changes to the program structure, content and fees.

Overview

Individual support workers play a vital role in helping to support people with disability.

They facilitate the empowerment of people with disability through a rights-based, person-centred approach to enhance the psychosocial wellbeing and lifestyle of people with disability.

Nearly 20% of the Australian population has some form of disability, and we need a skilled and experienced disability workforce to support them.

By gaining an understanding of the principles of choice and control, along with dignity of risk, the Certificate III Individual Support (Disability) reflects the role of workers to empower people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing.

This certificate teaches the theory, skills and practices required to begin a rewarding career in the disability sector. It reflects the role of a support worker in a variety of disability support environments, and will teach you to follow individualised support plans to assist people with disability to achieve their goals

Why study individual support at RMIT?

Hands-on learning

Gain confidence and practical experience with industry placements, ensuring you’re work-ready upon graduation.

Flexible study

Tailor your learning to suit your lifestyle with instructor-supported online learning.

Practical assessments

Benefit from assessments in multiple formats, including on-campus, online, and within industry placement contexts.

Details

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Learning and teaching

Throughout your study in this certificate, you will receive personalised training to develop work practices for better client outcomes. Your study will take place through multiple formats, including online, on-campus and within industry placements.

You will undertake 120 hours of work placement in a leading disability support service, throughout which you will receive ongoing support from your teachers.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be based on demonstration of skills, the application of knowledge in a workplace context, and how you integrate these skills in preparation for the contingencies and demands of a busy workplace.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

As a student in this certificate, you will undertake activities that allow you to learn and apply your professional practice in real work situations.
 You will undertake 120 hours of work placement with an accredited disability organisation. As part of this, you will have the opportunity to develop and practice your skills in a real industry context, undertake structured learning, and have access to industry experts who will help ensure you are across contemporary industry practices.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

As a student in this certificate, you will be expected to be on campus two days per week, with an additional day for online support, including assessment support.

To graduate from the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), you must successfully complete seven core subjects and six electives.

Through these subjects, you will learn about the legal and ethical requirements of working in the disability sector, how to communicate effectively in community services, how to provide individualised support that empowers people with disability, comply with infection prevention requirements, and develop strengths-based skill development. 

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
Program code: C3413
National curriculum code: CHC33015
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
City Campus
0.5 years full-time
C3413
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time
Plan code
C3413
CRICOS
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Healthcare and social assistance are currently Australia’s largest employing industries, and the fast-growing disability sector offers a wealth of employment opportunities. 

The NDIS workforce plan (2021) has identified that the care and support sector is one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing sectors, with around 3,750 unfilled current vacancies and an additional 83,000 NDIS workers expected to be required by 2024

The Certificate III Individual Support (Disability) prepares you for employment in roles such as:

  • Disability support worker
  • Community outreach worker
  • Home care assistant
  • NDIS disability support worker
  • Residential care worker
  • Day Support disability worker
  • Disability employment worker
  • Residential care officer
  • Integration aide.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic requirements. You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Additional information

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Additional information

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Students who are successful in obtaining a place in the program must meet a number of Immunisation and Compliance requirements upon commencement of their studies in the program.

COVID19 Vaccination*:

You will be required to undertake COVID19 Vaccination as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

Important: Additional immunisations may be required in response to changes in Government regulations or at the request of the placement host organisation.

Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

National police record check*

You will be required to present evidence of a successful National police record check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

National police record check*

You will be required to present evidence of a successful National police record check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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You must meet the entry requirements to gain access to this course. Please contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Fees

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2023 fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2023 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$700* per annum
  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU3,500* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$7,750* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information