Residential Care Skill Set

Overview

Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.

Introduction

This short course is the Residential Skill Set and is a mandatory set of units for residential care workers in Victoria (workers in youth and family intervention, child protection, family services and child and youth placement & support).

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

Roles graduates may be eligible for include:

• This is mandatory skill set for residential care workers in Victoria.

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Attendance & commitment

Workplace blended delivery | 8 weeks course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Attend a face to face 6 hour session every fortnight on a Tuesday (4 in total)
• Drop in session classes are available on alternate Tuesdays (4 in total)
• Complete 120 hours of placement in a Child Protection setting (at your place of work). Timesheets to be submitted and used as evidence to demonstrate total 120 hours worked.
• Spend approx. 9 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
• Consolidate skills and knowledge in the workplace

Workplace online delivery | 8 weeks course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Attend a weekly virtual class (2 x 3 hour sessions) on a Tuesday from 9:00am - 3:30pm (8 in total).
• Complete 120 hours of placement in a Child Protection setting (at your place of work). Timesheets to be submitted and used as evidence to demonstrate total 120 hours worked.
• Spend approx. 9 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision and completion of assessments.
• Consolidate skills and knowledge in the workplace

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

• Written questions
• Simulated demonstrations
• Reflective journals
• Third party feedback
• Case studies

Study units

Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.

Before you begin

Entry requirements

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into this course applicants must:

• Learners must be currently employed in Industry and have the ability to be exposed to working with Child Protection clients during 120 hours of placement.

Industry requirements:

To enrol into this accredited Skill Set as a funded course, students should hold either the Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention OR one of the following qualifications:

• Diploma in Community Services
• Diploma in Youth Work
• Diploma in Mental Health
• Diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Diploma in Secure Services
• Diploma in Child, Youth and Family Intervention
• Diploma in Youth Justice
• Diploma in Nursing
• Certificate IV in Disability
• Certificate IV in Mental Health
• Certificate IV in Youth Work
• Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Certificate IV in Youth Justice
• Certificate IV in Community Services

A degree (or above) qualification (Australian Qualification Framework Level 7 and above) in the following fields of study:

• Community Services
• Youth Work
• Social Work
• Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Community Development
• Disability
• Youth Justice
• Mental Health
• Behavioural Sciences (inc. Psychology and Psychiatry)
• Education
• Human Services
• Nursing & Midwifery
• Allied Health

Placement requirements:

• Students must be aged 18 years old prior to commencing placement.
• Placement is organised by the student, at their place of work.
• Students must complete 120 hours practical placement in a child protection environment.
• A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student and the host provider (employer) and signed prior to the commencement of placement

Student resources

• Students require access to a laptop or computer.
• Online delivery requires students to have reliable internet access, a webcam, a headset/microphone, and competent computer skills.

Enrolment

Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:

• Aspirations/career goals
• Educational attainment and capability
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:

• Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.

Fees and payments

Fees and costs

GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Student support

As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.

Learning support

A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.

Learn more about our learning support services

Library

Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.

Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton

Jobs and study options

Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.

Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres

Contingent Study Arrangements

Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.

Support for personal issues

We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.

Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you

Disability support

Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.

Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors

Counselling services

We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.

Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Koorie Unit

The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.

Learn how the Koorie Unit can support your studies

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.