%20(1).png)
Certificate IV in Disability
CHC43115
Training provided by Stirling Institute of Australia, RTO 21132.
Course Overview
The Certificate IV in Disability reflects the role of workers in a range of community settings and clients’ homes, who provide training and support in a manner that empowers people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing. Workers promote a person-centred approach, work without direct supervision and may be required to supervise and/or coordinate a small team.
​
The primary role of a Disability Support Worker, also known as a personal support worker, is to provide assistance to individuals with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities. They help disabled individuals perform basic hygiene tasks, such as bathing and brushing teeth, in addition to daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning and doing laundry. Disability Support Workers could be responsible for transporting disabled individuals to therapy or doctor appointments and take them shopping and completing other chores.
​
Disability Support Workers may also utilise special communication technology, such as software that produces spoken output for people with hearing difficulties, and magnifies or presents information as Braille for those with sight disabilities. A disability worker may also need to be familiar with vehicle modifications such as wheelchair hoists, modified driving controls and specially modified wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Please note you will not be studying through Fresh Futures Australia but Stirling Institute of Australia a Nationally Recognised Registered Training Organisation.
Course Essentials
Qualification Code: CHC43115
Recognition: Nationally recognised - meets Australian Qualifications Framework.
​
Study: Full-Time Study
Study mode: Classroom/ Online
Class time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Duration: 10 months
Assessment: Knowledge evidence, direct demonstration and observation, portfolios, projects, role plays, case studies and presentations.
Practical Placement Hours: 120 hours (Minimum)
Funded Admin Fee: $0
Funded Tuition Fee: $100 (Non-concession), $20 (Concession)
​
Throughout your studies, you will be required to complete your research, assessments as well as accessing your emails using a desktop/laptop/mobile device with internet availability.
Requirements
Education: There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.
Minimum Age: You will need to be at least 18 years old.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy: To assist prospective students to determine whether a course is suitable and appropriate for the individual needs Stirling Institute of Australia will assess all students' language, literacy and numeracy by asking you to undertake a self-assessment review prior to the enrolment. A Stirling Institute of Australia course advisor will discuss the outcomes of the review and make recommendations about whether the course is suitable for you, and identify additional support where required.
Enrolment Application & Pre-Training Review: To be done during the Information Session or Online.
Equipment: Throughout your studies, you will be required to complete your research and assessments as well as accessing your emails using a desktop/laptop with internet availability.
Police Check & Working with Children Check: This qualification requires you to hold current and satisfactory checks in order for you to undertake practical placement hours.
​
Suitability requirements: This qualification requires you to have physical attributes suitable for workplace experience within the allied health industry which encompasses manual handling of equipment and clients.
Why It’s Never Too Late to Go Back to School
We completely understand that the decision to return to school can seem daunting. Maybe it’s been years since you last studied, or you’re worried about juggling study alongside work, family and life’s responsibilities. Despite the unique challenges that may accompany studying as a mature-aged student, you’ll be well-equipped with the life experience and learning mindset to set your educational experience apart, for the better, from that of the typical, traditional adolescent:
-
The vast majority of our students are anywhere from their late thirties to early sixties, from all walks of life. You can rest assured that you’ll be in the good company of other like-minded individuals, having also taken the initiative to return to school - just like yourself.
-
The nature of the courses offered by our partner RTO’s mean the experiences and perspectives of an older adult lend themselves well to succeeding in that profession. Similarly, you’ll already have ingrained a diverse range of soft skills that are paramount to being an effective learner.
-
Pursuing higher education is not an assumed decision for mature-aged students, like it tends to be for young adults. You may have children or family to provide for, in addition to financially supporting your own studies. Choosing to advance your education, given these factors, can result in even greater self-fulfilment and gratification.
Investing in yourself is one of the best decisions you can ever make; and here at Fresh Futures, we’re committed to helping you through the process.
Potential job titles:
Typical employers of disability workers:
-
Behavioural support officer
-
Development officer
-
Disability officer or worker
-
Residential care officer
-
Employment coordinator (disability)
-
Lifestyle support officer
-
Social educator or trainer
-
Senior personal care assistant
-
NDIS approved facilities
-
In-Home Care Organisations
-
Community Organisations
-
Accommodation & Respite Centres
-
Aged Care Facilities
-
Nursing Homes
-
Local Councils
-
St Vincent de Paul
-
Rehabilitation Centres
Responsibilities
As a disability worker some tasks you could perform throughout your day can include:
-
Medication administration
-
Cleaning rooms
-
Behavior observation and support
-
Maintaining record of client progress Assessing client to determine continuing needs
-
Assistance in building client self-image and self-confidence
-
Provide direct care assistance to each client in accordance with their service plan
-
Monitor the safety and wellbeing of the clients
-
Provide 1:1 or small group training and support in response to client needs.
-
Providing companionship and support during daily activities
-
Helping to maintain contact with clients family, friends and advocates
Skills and Interests
As a disability worker some personal attributes should be:
-
To be physically fit and able to lift heavy objects
-
A supportive and caring nature
-
Good communication skills
-
Patience, flexibility and understanding
-
The ability to work as part of a team
​
You’ll need to be a compassionate, empathetic and detail-oriented person who possess strong listening and oral communication skills to be successful at this occupation. Patience, a passion for helping people and being a team player are also essential attributes for Disability Support Workers. Though teamwork is often involved and an important aspect of this occupation, you should also possess the ability to work independently with disabled individuals to achieve social and self-care goals. You should also be in good physical condition as the job typically involves lifting clients, such as assisting them into vehicles and in and out of bathtubs.
What you'll learn
Throughout your studies, you will discover the knowledge of
-
Empowerment of people with a disability
-
Facilitate social inclusion
-
How to respond to clients with language, literacy and numeracy needs
-
Providing advocacy and representations services
-
Communication techniques to build and maintain relationships
-
Supporting people with co-existing mental health issues
-
Assess promote and review emotional and physical wellbeing
-
Encouraging community participation and social inclusion
-
Providing individualised support
-
How to recognise healthy body systems
Physical Criteria
The typical role will include the following physical activities:
-
Frequent lifting up to 16kg
-
Frequent bending at knees and/ or hips.
-
Kneeling
-
High grip strength (above 15kg / 50%)
-
Good cardiovascular fitness.
-
Standing for long periods
-
Ability to reach overhead
-
Ability to reach below knee height
-
Ability to reach forward
-
Sitting for long periods
-
Bilateral lift 10kg
-
Unilateral carry 10kg
-
Frequent pushing/pulling
Course Units
To successfully complete CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability you must complete the following units of competency.
​HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care (core)
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people (core)
HLTAAP001 Recognise healthy body systems (core)
CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance (core)
CHCDIS007 Facilitate the empowerment of people with disability (core)
CHCDIS005 Develop and provide person-centred service responses (core)
CHCCCS015 Provide individualised support (core)
CHCDIS004 Communicate using augmentative and alternative communication strategies (elective)
CHCAGE003 Coordinate services for older people (elective)
CHCDIS010 Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs (core)
CHCDIS002 Follow established person-centred behaviour supports (core)
CHCDIS009 Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach (core)
CHCDIS008 Facilitate community participation and social inclusion (core)
HLTAID003 Provide first aid (elective)
Assessment
Assessment is an important part of your learning and is required in order for you to gain a nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment. To be assessed as competent, you are required to undertake supervised workplace experience in a relevant community services delivery setting involving, for example, direct client work, community education or community development, with evidence provided by your supervisor contributing to assessment of your ability to work at this level.
​
Assessment methods may include (but are not limited to):
- Practical Placement
- Interviews
- Demonstrations
- A Portfolio
- Product Design
Trainer Support
Stirling Institute of Australia hand selects their trainers to ensure that they have the vocational competencies, current industry skills and current knowledge in skills and vocational training. You will be exposed to various trainers throughout the duration of your course, each specialising in their given field available to assist you. This means that they are able to draw on their depth of experience in each class, creating a fulfilling, knowledgeable and enjoyable environment. All trainers hold relevant training and assessment qualifications.
Practical Placement Hours
This qualification requires you to hold a current and satisfactory Police Check and Working with Children Check to undertake workplace experience. You are required to undertake a minimum of 120 hours of workplace experience through work placement in a relevant community service delivery setting involving, for example, direct client work, community education or community development.
​
Some examples of where your placement will be undertaken are:
- Community Organisations
- Volunteer Community Organisations
- HealthFacilities
- Mental Health Clinics
- Hospitals
​
Please note in some cases travelling may be required.
​
If you are currently working in the sector, your workplace may be used to undertake your practical placement hours, however, is subject to approval by the RTO.
Further Study
After achieving CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability, students may continue their studies by enrolling in the following courses:
-
HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing
-
CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
Children's Check & Police Check
These checks are compulsory to gain in order to commence your work placement. It is recommended that you start to apply for these closer to your work placement commencement so they are relevant.
​
The Working with Children Check assists in protecting children from sexual or physical harm by ensuring that people who work with, or care for them are subject to a screening process. If you are doing or intending to do child-related work and do not qualify for an exemption, you need a Check. Visit me for more information.
Children's Check: Approximately $130
Volunteer Card: Free
​
The Victoria Police provides a service to all Victorians who wish to obtain a National Police Certificate for employment, voluntary work and occupation-related licensing or registration purposes. Information about an individual's criminal history will not be released without an applicant's written consent other than for law enforcement purposes. Visit me for more information.
Police Check (Name Only): Approximately $50
​
*Prices are subject to change without warning.
Skills First Funding & Eligibility Criteria
Skills First is a Victorian Government scheme that helps people access subsidised vocational education and training. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your course tuition fees.
​
Eligibility criteria for Skills First government-subsidised training
​
Citizenship/Residency
You must be:
1. an Australian citizen, or
2. a holder of a permanent visa, or
3. a New Zealand citizen (visa 444), or
4. an Asylum Seeker (though referral for government-subsidised training from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the Australia Red Cross), or
5. a holder of one of the below visas (VEVO verification required):
* valid Bridging visa class E, or
* Safe Haven Enterprise visa, or
* Temporary Protection visa, or
* Bridging visa class F, or
* Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) (subclass 449) visa, or
* Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) (subclass 786) visa.
​
New 2023 VIC Government funding eligibility rules – what’s NEW!
​
1. Your prior education no longer matters!
Now you can enrol and study any qualification at Stirling Institute of Australia with government funding, regardless of what level of education you’ve completed in the past. This applies to all students!
Prior to this change, you had to ‘upskill’ to get government funding.. but now you don’t.
​
2. Removal of ‘2 at level in a lifetime’ limit!
NOW you can study more than 2 courses that are at the same qualification level with government funding!
Prior to 1 January 2023, you could only study 2 of the same level qualifications with government funding in your lifetime.. but now you don’t.
​
3. What hasn’t changed?
You can still only be studying no more than 2 government funded qualifications at any one point in time. This is known as the ‘2 in a year’ limit.
Course Fees & Payment Plans
If you are eligible for Skills First Funding your fees are:
$0 Admin Fee + $100 Tuition Fee (Non-concession), $20 (Concession)
​
If you do not meet the Funding Eligibility Criteria you can still undertake the course as a Fee For Service Student, your Tuition Fee is: $6,743.
​
Payment plans are available to Full Fee Paying Students. Stirling Institute of Australia will not accept more than $1,500 prepaid fees in advance.
Centrelink
Please note that some Centrelink Payments may be affected by undertaking study. We strongly advise you speak to your Centrelink Coordinator to see if you are affected. Fresh Futures Australia accepts no responsibility or liability for affected payments.
Meet your Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Stirling Institute of Australia is a Registered Training Organisation specialising in Allied Health, Community Services, Mental Health, Early Childhood, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Individual Support, Ageing Support and Disability.
​
Stirling Institute of Australia is a dynamic and innovative Registered Training Organisation with a clear and definitive emphasis on the practical side of training. They believe the best way to learn is to experience. Stirling has a proven track record with regards to the completion rates and employment outcomes of its students, and has quickly become one of the most popular and reputable registered training organisations in Victoria.
Enrolment Process
1. Fill out our Student Questionnaire
The Student Questionnaire is designed for me to get to know you a little better before I pass your details over to the RTO conducting the course. This doesn't guarantee your acceptance into the RTO nor is it a part of the enrolment paperwork.
​
2. Speak to one of our Student Liaison Coordinators
Once you have completed your Student Questionnaire, one of our Student Liaison Coordinators will give you a courtesy call to:
- Further discuss your eligibility.
- Ensure you have read over the study details.
- Speak further about your career goals and suitability for the course.
- Give you additional information and answer any further questions you may have.
​
If you decide that you would like to proceed with the application process after speaking with one of our Student Liaison Coordinators then we will invite you to an Information Session.
​
3. Information Session
This Information Session is your opportunity to speak to Stirling Institute of Australia's friendly team and listen to valuable information about the course, complete your application form and enrol. To complete the enrolment forms, you will need the following:
- Unique Student Identifier (USI) - Create your USI here.
- Victorian Student Number (VSN) - Only required for students who have attended a Victorian school since 2009
- Evidence of Citizenship/Residency and Age such as Drivers Licence and Medicare Card.
Please have these documents with you during the information session. Completion of the Enrolment Application Form does not guarantee enrolment. A Stirling Institute of Australia Authorised Delegate will review your form and determine the progression of enrolment.
​
What will be covered
- General information about Stirling Institute of Australia, industry areas and delivery locations
- Vocational Education & Training, learning pathways, course choice and industry based trainers
- Student Support
- Entry requirements, LLN Quiz, funding eligibility
- Course details, expected hours of study, student handbook, refund policy
- Practical placement (WWCC & Police Records Check)
- Fees and payment options
- The enrolment session – you can enrol on the day
- Your suitability for the course
​
4. First day of class
Please note that the Information Session is compulsory for you to complete before your first day of class. If you miss your Information Session this may delay your course commencement date. All of your First Day details will be confirmed during the Information Session and reminders will be emailed and SMS to you.
In an effort to keep classes commencing on time, we need a little help from you. If you choose to submit your Student Questionnaire, we at Fresh Futures Australia take that as a sign you'd like to continue along the path of enrolment. If you are a little unsure then please ask away by filling the form at the bottom of the page with any further questions you may have.
In order for classes to commence, we need 15+ students. This allows a healthy classroom environment for everyone. If we are trying to give you a call and you see a missed call, voicemail or text message from us or the RTO please be courteous and give us a callback, even if it's just a notification that you are no longer interested. Our feelings won't be hurt.
We look forward to receiving your Student Questionnaire and speaking to you further about your career path.