Over 4 million Australians are living with some form of disability. That’s a staggering 1 in 5 people.
Disabilities can be complex or straightforward, permanent or temporary. While some live independently, many people with a disability require help from specialist healthcare workers to complete daily tasks – and it is absolutely critical our nation has a large enough workforce to provide this type of support.
The Certificate III In Individual Support (Disability) is one of four streams available, the remaining are:
- Certificate III In Individual Support
- Certificate III In Individual Support (Ageing)
- Certificate III In Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
In this article, we explain everything there is to know about the popular Certificate III In Individual Support (Disability), including course content, duration, fees and employment prospects.
Table of Contents
- What is Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)?
- What Does an Individual Support Worker Do?
- Is Certificate III Individual Support Hard?
- How Long is a Certificate III in Individual Support?
- How Much is Certificate III in Individual Support?
- How Many Units in Certificate III Individual Support?
- Does the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) Require Work Placement?
- What Jobs Can You Do with Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)?
What is Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)?
Supporting someone living with a disability can be a richly rewarding role. It’s also highly demanding, and people in this type of role require a broad range of skills to provide adequate care.
Completing Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is an essential step towards a career looking after people with a disability, providing all the practical skills necessary to perform a support worker role successfully.
Once completed, students are better equipped for the workplace and ready to support clients with a range of daily tasks. As a nationally recognised qualification, Certificate III boosts your chances of securing a job in the disability support work sector, earning between $30-40 per hour.
What Does an Individual Support Worker Do?
An individual support worker helps vulnerable people living with a disability or chronic condition to complete everyday tasks, making it easier for them to go about their lives.
People with a disability can find all manner of tasks a challenge – some more than others, depending on the severity of their condition.
Here are some of the ways a support person benefits an individual in their care:
- Assisting with personal care – bathing, dressing and toileting
- Planning and preparing meals
- Shopping for groceries
- Administering medication
- Redressing wounds
- Cleaning, dusting and vacuuming
- Dealing with utility companies
- Providing companionship
- Accompanying the client on visits to specialists
- Going on social excursions
- Supporting other family members
Is Certificate III Individual Support Hard?
Certificate III in Individual Support teaches students numerous basic skills to support people living with a disability at home or in a care residence. It is an entry-level qualification and is not considered difficult, although working in this sector requires adaptable, resilient and compassionate individuals.
While no formal qualifications are required, we expect applicants to have a Year 10 School Certificate before enrolling on this course.
The enrolment process also considers a student’s ability and commitment to complete the course and their existing ability in the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) core skills (learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy). They must meet the eligibility requirements as per the National Training Package.
Students not meeting the entry requirements are redirected towards a more suitable course.
How Long is a Certificate III in Individual Support?
At Collaboration Learning, Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is delivered online or in a blended capacity (a mix of online and face-to-face), allowing students the flexibility of choosing how and when to study. The course also has a work-based component, including 120 logged hours within an Approved Service.
One of the many benefits of flexible learning is that students are empowered to study at their own pace. Some choose to fit their study time around existing commitments – work, family and social plans – while others focus on completing the course quickly. Most studying this course complete all components, including the work placement, within 12 months.
How Much is Certificate III in Individual Support in Queensland?
With one in five Australians living with a disability, the government recognises the need for skilled people to enter the care sector and support people in need. As a result, many qualifications are subsidised to encourage job seekers into the industry.
In 2024, people in Queensland can continue to study Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) at Collaboration Learning by paying a small contribution. Click here to see details of our concessional and non-concessional fees to study Certificate III in Disability at Collaboration Learning.
Learn more about Queensland funding opportunities
How Many Units in Certificate III Individual Support (Disability)?
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) has a total of 15 units that require completion. These units are designed to provide the student with the foundations on what to expect and how to work in the disability sector. Collaboration Learning has broken the course down into the following units. The electives will vary between providers.
CORE UNITS
- CHCCCS031 Provide individualised support
- CHCCCS038 Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
- CHCCCS040 Support independence and well-being
- CHCCCS041 Recognise healthy body systems
- CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services
- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
- CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
- HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
- HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practice for direct client care
ELECTIVE UNITS
- CHCCCS001 Address the needs of people with chronic disease
- CHCCCS044 Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
- CHCDIS011 Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
- CHCDIS012 Support community participation and social inclusion
- CHCDIS020 Work effectively in disability support
- CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
Does the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) Require Work Placement?
In addition to completing a total of 15 units, all students need to undertake at least 120 logged working hours within an Approved Service to complete a range of applicable tasks. This is made easier for students who are already working for an Approved Service as they can complete their work placement hours with them.
In most cases students are encouraged to locate their own preferred facility for work placement giving them the added flexibility of finding a workplace that fits their needs. Collaboration learning has an extensive network of approved providers that students can tap into as part of their work placement journey.
What is an Approved Service?
Any organisation or business providing a work placement to students must first be approved by the RTO delivering the course. This involves demonstrating their relatability to the course and ability to teach students all the desired work skills effectively.
How is Work Placement Logged?
Students are given a booklet detailing all the tasks to complete during their work placement. An assessor will observe the student while on placement to measure their ability to perform the necessary skills effectively.
What Jobs Can You Do with Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)?
After completing the certificate, you will be better qualified for various jobs in the disability support sector, including:
- Accommodation Support Worker
- Care Assistant
- Care Service Employee
- Care Worker
- Client Assistant
- Community Access Coordinator
- Community Care Worker
- Community House Worker
- Disability Service Officer
- Family Support Worker
- Field Officer (Community Services)
- Food Services Deliverer
- Home Care Assistant
- In Home Respite Worker
- Nurse’s Aide
- Planned Activity Assistant
- Residential Aide
- Residential Care Worker
- Residential Support Worker
- School Support Officer (Disability)
- Senior Personal Care Assistant
- Transport Support Worker
Study Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) with Queensland’s leading RTO, Collaboration Learning.
Enjoy funded courses, flexible study and industry expert trainers.
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