Nationally Recognised Qualification
Upfront Payment or Affordable Payment Plans from $57 per week.
Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue the following career outcomes:
Payment Plan: No set-up Fee - From just $57 per week* (paid fortnightly or monthly).
Upfront Payment: Save up to 25%. Enquire now for full course pricing.
Government Funding is NOT available for this course.
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:
If you successfully complete the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), you may be able to pursue the following related qualifications:
Only Australian Citizens and Residents can apply for this course. This course is not CRICOS registered and CANNOT accept International Student Visa Holders (Subclass 500).
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. To make sure you get the most out of training, the following enrolment process applies:
To successfully complete this course, the course provider recommends the following:
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 every day.
Below are some of the examples of support you may receive from the CHC faculty:
For the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), the work placement requirements are as follows:
Enquire now to check with the provider’s industry partners if you need further assistance in sourcing a host organisation for work placement.
To satisfy the requirements of this qualification, you'll need to complete the following units of competency.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An individual support worker provides assistance and care to people who need support due to ageing, disability, or other health-related issues. Their responsibilities include helping clients with daily activities such as personal hygiene, mobility, meal preparation, and medication management. They also offer emotional support, promote independence, and ensure clients' safety and wellbeing.
To prepare for the Certificate III in Individual Support course, you can:
Common challenges faced by students include:
The average study load for this course can vary based on the mode of study. Typically, students may need to dedicate around 10-15 hours per week for study, including attending classes, completing assignments, and participating in practical placements.
The demand for professionals with a Certificate III in Individual Support is high, particularly due to the growing ageing population and increased need for disability support services. The healthcare and social assistance sectors are among the largest and fastest-growing industries in Australia.
The key differences between face-to-face and online learning for this course include:
Both learning modes aim to deliver the same quality of education and meet the course requirements.
The Certificate III in Individual Support offers several specialisations, including:
Community workers provide a range of services such as personal care, domestic assistance, social support, and transportation to individuals living in the community.
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.
The Certificate III in Individual Support is an entry-level qualification focused on providing practical skills and knowledge for aged care and disability support roles. Compared to other healthcare qualifications, it is more specialised and targeted towards direct care roles. Higher-level qualifications, such as a Certificate IV or Diploma in a related field, may offer more advanced skills and knowledge, opening up further career opportunities in healthcare and management roles.
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.
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.
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.
Important personal qualities for success include:
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:
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:
Dive into a world of career opportunities in healthcare, community support, and aged care with Upskilled's dedicated platform. Connect directly with leading employers who value your skills and passion for making a difference. Our streamlined platform lets you personalise your job search, explore targeted courses to boost your career readiness, and find flexible employment options that fit your lifestyle. Join the Upskilled Health and Community Services Job Portal today to start shaping a brighter future.
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