Course Overview

About This Course

Get a head start on your career in disability services with the intermediate-level qualification. This course will set you up to work in a number of community services settings, or pursue further education at a diploma level or higher. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working in community and welfare support is expected to grow strongly in the coming years. This large occupation has strong job prospects with around 30,000 job openings anticipated over the next five years. This certificate course covers a range of specialised skills and knowledge including recognising healthy body systems, understanding person-centred support, and advocating for people with a disability. Our specialised and highly-skilled teachers will give you one-on-one guidance and valuable insight into working to support people with a disability to meet their goals. Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work in a variety of community services roles and settings with a focus on supporting people with a disability.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Ipswich, Greater Brisbane, Queensland

66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Completion of: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) OR Completion of: CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission. The recommended benchmark levels are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 in Digital Technology.
To study a traineeship program you must be indentured as a trainee with your employer. Employers need to be able to provide necessary human and physical resources.
You are required to complete 120 hours of vocational placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.
You must complete an NDIS Screening Check and a Blue Card (Working with Children Check).
Vaccinations may be required by the owner or operator of the facility providing your placement.
To be eligible for the Career Boost subsidised price, you must: hold the Certificate III in Individual Support (or superseded qualification) and be an existing worker in the Community Services and Health Industry (which includes parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants). Evidence must be supplied prior to enrolment.
Be aged 15 years or over, and be no longer at school.
Permanently reside in Queensland.
Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen.
Not hold a certificate IV or higher-level qualification completed within the last 10 years, not including qualifications completed at school and foundation skills training.
Not be enrolled in another qualification, not including foundation skills training.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Volunteer Coordinator, NDIS Support Worker or Provider, Disability Support Team Leader, Disability Support Worker, Disability Officer, Coordinator of Volunteers, Care Service Team Leader.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission / NDIS Quality and Safeguards

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

TRA / VETASSESS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units7 units

CHCCCS044

Follow established person-centred behaviour supports

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement behaviour support strategies outlined in an individualised behaviour support plan for a person receiving care or support.

CHCDIS017

Facilitate community participation and social inclusion

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop and facilitate person-centred strategies for participation in various community settings, functions and activities to enhance the psychosocial wellbeing and lifestyle of a person with disability.

CHCDIS018

Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan, implement and review formal and informal ongoing skills development, in collaboration with a person with disability and incorporate into the person's individualised plan.

CHCDIS019

Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex or special support needs under the supervision of a relevant professional.

CHCLEG003

Manage legal and ethical compliance

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research information about compliance and ethical practice responsibilities, and then develop and monitor policies and procedures to meet those responsibilities.

CHCMHS001

Work with people with mental health issues

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues.

HLTWHS003

Maintain work health and safety

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and work practices as part of a small work team.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements for the Certificate IV in Disability Support?

To enrol, you must have completed either CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). You will also be invited to complete a Skills Check after submitting your application, with recommended benchmark levels of 4 in English, 4 in Maths, and 4 in Digital Technology.

How much does the Certificate IV in Disability Support cost?

The course is available at several price points: Fee-Free TAFE ($0) for eligible students under the government initiative, Concession ($1,410) for eligible students, Subsidised ($2,140) for eligible students accessing government funding, and Full Fee ($5,540) for all other students. Payment plans are also available.

Is vocational placement required, and how many hours do I need to complete?

Yes, vocational placement is compulsory. You are required to complete 120 hours of placement in an approved setting. You will need to work shifts determined by your placement provider, which can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements. You will also need to complete an NDIS Screening Check and a Blue Card (Working with Children Check).

What study options are available for this course?

The course is available via online self-directed study (100% online, part time, up to 20 hours per week with optional Zoom support 3–5pm Monday) and via apprenticeships or traineeships at campus locations in Greater Brisbane (Ipswich, Springfield), Darling Downs and South West (Toowoomba, Warwick), and Wide Bay Burnett (Hervey Bay, Kingaroy). Traineeship delivery options include workplace, block training, drop in days, day release, and mobile van.

What further study or career pathways are available after completing this qualification?

After completing the Certificate IV in Disability Support, you can pursue further education at diploma level or higher, such as the Diploma of Community Services. TAFE Queensland also offers university pathways where completing a diploma may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with a partner university. Career roles you may be eligible for include NDIS Support Worker or Provider, Disability Support Team Leader, Disability Support Worker, Volunteer Coordinator, Disability Officer, Coordinator of Volunteers, and Care Service Team Leader.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $82,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $82,000 to $95,000 per year

Career Paths

Family Support WorkerChild Protection PractitionerChild Safety OfficerFamily Services CoordinatorEarly Childhood Educator / Teacher

Key Skills

Child and adolescent development theory and applicationTrauma-informed and strengths-based practiceFamily assessment and case managementChild protection legislation and statutory frameworksCulturally safe and responsive practice with diverse communities

Full Course Overview

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