CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the aged care and disability sectors. This nationally recognised course prepares you to deliver exceptional care, whether in a residential environment or within the community, helping you advance your career in this rewarding field.
Course Provider
Upskilled
(RTO 22557)
Articles Icon

Nationally Recognised Qualification

Articles Icon
  • Government Funding is NOT available for this course.
  • 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).
Articles Icon

Upfront Payment or Affordable Payment Plans from $57 per week.

Course Overview

Start Date
Start Anytime
Duration
This course takes approximately up to 18 months of study with self-paced learning and a training plan to keep students on track.
Delivery
Online.
Career Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue the following career outcomes:

  • Personal Care Assistant
  • Disability Support Worker
  • Care Worker
  • Residential Care Worker
  • Community Care Worker
  • Home Care Assistant
  • Aged Care Worker
  • Support Worker
  • Palliative Care Worker
  • Community Services Worker
Course Modules
  1. CHCDIV001 Work with Diverse People
  2. CHCLEG001 Work Legally and Ethically
  3. CHCCOM005 Communicate and Work in Health or Community Services
  4. HLTWHS002 Follow Safe Work Practices for Direct Client Care
  5. CHCCCS041 Recognise Healthy Body Systems
  6. CHCCCS031 Provide Individualised Support
  7. CHCCCS038 Facilitate the Empowerment of People Receiving Support
  8. CHCCCS040 Support Independence and Wellbeing
  9. HLTINF006 Apply Basic Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control
  10. CHCAGE013 Work Effectively in Aged Care
  11. CHCPAL003 Deliver Care Services Using a Palliative Approach
  12. CHCDIS012 Support Community Participation and Social Inclusion
  13. CHCDIS020 Work Effectively in Disability Support
  14. CHCDIS011 Contribute to Ongoing Skills Development Using a Strengths-Based Approach
  15. CHCAGE011 Provide Support to People Living with Dementia
Course Fees Include
  • Specialist Trainers: Learn from experts with decades of industry experience.
  • Student Support: Get help from our dedicated Australian-based support team.
  • MyUpskilled Platform: Access course materials through our customised learning platform.
  • LinkedIn Learning: Enjoy free access to hundreds of courses and video tutorials from industry leaders.
  • Work in a Simulated Workplace: Gain practical experience by working on real-world tasks in a simulated workplace through the MyUpskilled platform.
  • Comes with a ‘Role-Playing and Interactive Learning Activities’ to help students understand the importance of practical experience.
Testimonials
Course Cost

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.

What You'll Learn

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:

  • Help clients with domestic duties and personal care needs, ensuring their well-being and comfort.
  • Support clients in their social and emotional health, providing a caring and nurturing environment.
  • Aid clients to move safely from one area to another, ensuring their safety and mobility.
  • Assist clients in navigating the NDIS system and gain access to other vital services, ensuring they receive the support they need.
  • Empower clients to feel independent and reach their goals, fostering their self-esteem and personal growth.
  • Build strong and meaningful relationships with carers and families, creating a supportive network for those you care for.
Education Pathways

If you successfully complete the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), you may be able to pursue the following related qualifications:

  • CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
  • CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
  • CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
Course Entry Requirements

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: 

  • Once you have inquired, one of the friendly Education Consultants from the provider will contact you to ensure you have the right pre-existing knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification.

To successfully complete this course, the course provider recommends 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.
Educators

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:

  • 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.
Work Placement

For the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), the work placement requirements are as follows:

  • If you are currently working in the disability industry, you are required to undertake 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, focusing on activities specified for CHCCCS040 - Support independence and wellbeing.
  • If you are not currently working in the disability industry, you are required to complete an additional ten (10) hours of work placement in addition to the 120 hours. This extra placement provides you with the opportunity to practise the specific skills required in the disability industry.

Enquire now to check with the provider’s industry partners if you need further assistance in sourcing a host organisation for work placement.

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 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.

  • CHCCCS031

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.

  • CHCCCS038

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.

  • 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. 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.

  • 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.

  • CHCAGE013

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.

  • CHCPAL003
  • Deliver care services using a palliative approach

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.

  • CHCDIS012

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.

  • 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. 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.

  • CHCDIS011

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.

  • CHCAGE011

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.

  • Completion Certificate
FAQs

What is the role of an individual support worker?

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.

How do I prepare for the Certificate III in Individual Support course?

To prepare for the Certificate III in Individual Support course, you can:

  • Develop basic literacy and numeracy skills.
  • Gain some volunteer or work experience in a care or community setting.
  • Familiarise yourself with the aged care and disability sectors.
  • Research the course structure and requirements.
  • Prepare for the potential need to undergo police and working with children checks.

What are the common challenges faced by students in this course?

Common challenges faced by students include:

  • Balancing study with work and personal commitments.
  • Managing the practical placement requirements.
  • Understanding and applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
  • Keeping up with the coursework and assessments.

What is the average study load for Certificate III in Individual Support?

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.

How high is the demand for professionals with this certification?

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.

What are the differences between face-to-face and online learning for this course?

The key differences between face-to-face and online learning for this course include:

  • Face-to-face learning: Offers direct interaction with trainers and peers, structured classroom environments, and hands-on practical sessions.
  • Online learning: Provides flexibility to study at your own pace and from any location, access to online resources and virtual classrooms, and the ability to balance study with other commitments. Practical placements are still required and arranged locally.

Both learning modes aim to deliver the same quality of education and meet the course requirements.

What are the different specialisations in a Certificate III in Individual Support?

The Certificate III in Individual Support offers several specialisations, including:

  • Ageing: Focuses on supporting elderly individuals.
  • Disability: Focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities.
  • Ageing and Disability: Focuses on providing care and support for elderly and individuals with disability

What kind of work does a community worker do?

Community workers provide a range of services such as personal care, domestic assistance, social support, and transportation to individuals living in the community.

What is an example of a community worker?

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.

How does Certificate III in Individual Support compare to other healthcare qualifications?

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.

What is a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability)?

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.

Will I receive hands-on experience during the course?

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.

Can I choose to specialise in either aging or disability support, or do I need to study both?

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.

What personal qualities are important for success in Certificate III in Individual Support?

Important personal qualities for success include:

  • Compassion and empathy
  • Patience and understanding
  • Strong communication skills
  • Reliability and responsibility
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good organisational skills

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.

Introducing the Upskilled Health and Community Services Job Portal

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.

Talk to an education consultant today!

*The contents are accurate at the time of writing. Get in touch with the course provider for the latest information.

About the Course Provider

Upskilled

At Upskilled, they know working professionals look to online learning when it comes to qualifying for tomorrow. Their interactive e-learning platform, MyUpskilled, offers the flexibility you need. MyUpskilled is a digital learning platform that manages the entire study experience- superior course content, online assessments, communication with trainers and other participants, direct administrative support. Upskilled has over 80 qualifications covering a broad range of disciplines: Management, Business, IT (Programming, Analyst, Administration and more), WH&S, Project Management, Customer Contact, HR, Community Services, Counselling, Retail, Marketing, Events, Logistics and more. They are committed to supporting students' lifelong learning. Where appropriate, their AQF qualifications provide pathways between and into higher qualifications and recognise previous learning experience. Higher-level VET qualifications can also include AQF pathways between VET and University.
+611300009 924
info@upskilled.edu.au
Print or Save