Certificate IV in Disability

Certificate IV in Disability - CHC43115

VOCATIONAL

Gain a qualification that will put you on the path for a career in a rewarding field.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
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This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 1, 2024.

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

Overview

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

As a disability support worker, you will 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.

By gaining an understanding of the principles of choice and control, along with dignity of risk, this certificate reflects the role of workers to empower people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing.

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

This certificate is a combination of campus and online delivery, practical labs and work placement.

Why study disability at RMIT?

Industry input

We work closely with industry partners to ensure this certificate is aligned with their needs.

Guest speakers

Hear from organisations such as Women with Disabilities Victoria and Life Without Barriers.

Designed for you

This course has been custom-built for disability support workers employed in the community disability services sector.

*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

Throughout this certificate, you will receive personalised education and training to develop work practices for better client outcomes

As a student in this certificate, you are expected to commit to one day a week on campus and one day a week for extra online support including assessment support

In addition to this, you will undertake 120 hours of work placement in a leading disability support service.  You will receive ongoing support while completing placement gaining hands-on experience 

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.

Work integrated learning

The program assessment tasks will continue to develop your knowledge and skills, requiring you to undertake individual and work group tasks such as an WHS worksite risk assessment, client communication assessment, and service planning and review. These tasks will be based on your worksite, clients, and organisational procedures and documentation.

RMIT teaching staff will be the lead facilitators during the program with input from specialist staff from the organisation that you are completing your placement hours in, Individual Client Plan Facilitator, Behaviour Support staff.  

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

We have guest speakers and input from organisations such as Women with Disabilities Victoria and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), Life Without Barriers and people with a disability.

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.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

As part of this certificate, you will complete 11 core subjects, ranging from person-based behaviour support to empowerment of people with disabilities, legal and ethical compliance to health body systems.

You will also complete three industry-informed elective subjects that will inform your day-to-day interactions with clients, families, and communities.

Course structure

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

Certificate IV in Disability
Program code: C4365
National curriculum code: CHC43115
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Disability
City Campus
1 year full-time
C4365
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C4365
CRICOS
View plan
Certificate IV in Disability
City Campus
1 year full-time
C4365FSSI
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C4365FSSI
CRICOS
View plan

VTAC Code

If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

  • Plan C4365 - 3200311454

Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.

Career

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

The Certificate IV Disability prepares you for employment in roles such as:

  • Disability support worker
  • Community outreach worker
  • Disability support team leader or supervisor
  • Day Support disability officer
  • Behavioural support office 
  • Social educator (disability)
  • Local area coordinator 
  • Disability employment officer
  • Advocate
  • Residential care officer
  • Integration aide.

Admissions

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.

Additional information

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If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.

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 will be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this 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.

Influenza Vaccination*:

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

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

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

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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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

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.

When you successfully complete this certificate, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options or browse our courses.

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

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$750* per annum
  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$3,750* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$10,500* 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.

More information
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