Certificate IV in Disability Support
CHC43121
Certificate IV in Disability Support - CHC43121
Course Overview
The CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support reflects the role of workers in a range of community settings and clients' homes, who provide training and support 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 or coordinate a small team. To achieve this qualification, the student must have completed the Workplace Assessment Requirements of specific units of competency and training package.
If the student cannot meet the course entry requirements, they may want to complete the CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services, or CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health, depending on where they work or would like to work.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
This course prepares graduates to work as a:
- Behavioural Support Worker/Practitioner
- Development Officer
- Project Officer (Life Enhancement Team)
- Disability Worker - Day Support
- Residential Care Worker
- Disability Support Officer/Worker
- House Supervisor
- Team Leader
- Employment Coordinator (Disability)
- Social Educator
- Job Coordinator
- Lifestyle Support Officer - Disability
Further study
After graduating, students might like to undertake further study in CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services.
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Online Campus
(1 commencing soon)
Starts On: 08-Aug-2024 - Full time - Thursday & Friday - 9.00am - 4.00pm - On Campus & Online - Applications Close: 01-Aug-2024
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 10 units: 7 core and 3 elective.
Core units
7 unit(s)
- CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
- CHCDIS017 Facilitate community participation and social inclusion
- CHCDIS018 Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach
- CHCDIS019 Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs
- CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance
- CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
- HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
Elective units
3 unit(s)
- CHCCCS005 Conduct individual assessments
- CHCDIS015 Develop and provide person-centred service responses
- CHCDIS016 Develop and promote positive person-centred behaviour supports
Attendance & commitment
General public blended delivery | 9 months course length | Full-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend two days of classes per week (Thursday and Friday) 9am - 4pm. Some of these classes will be onsite at a GOTAFE campus (either Shepparton Fryers Street Campus, Seymour Campus, or Wangaratta Docker Street Campus) to complete simulations and role-play assessments, otherwise they will be virtual classes conducted online.
- Spend approximately 6 hours per week working through their course material, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes.
- There are no formal placement hours required, however, some assessment tasks are required to be completed in the workplace. Students may use their current workplace or GOTAFE may be able to help facilitate a working environment for the assessments to be undertaken. Please contact your trainer for further information.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Written questions
- Case studies
- Simulated demonstrations
- Workplace demonstrations
- Workplace projects
- Knowledge questions
- Reflective practice
Before you begin
Entry requirements
Mandated entry requirements
- Completion of CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) OR CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) OR CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy and numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- It is a Community & Disability Services Industry/work requirement for staff to have the following:
- National Police Check for workers
- Working with Children’s Check for workers
- NDIS credentials (NDIS screening)
Placement requirements
Students undertaking placement must ensure they have:
- National Police Check for workers, not less than 6 months old at the time of commencement of placement
- Working with Children’s Check for workers with at least 1 year before expiry
- NDIS Credentials (NDIS screening)
Industry requirements
Students are advised that successful completion includes the following requirements:
- Complete practical placement and all assessment tasks as per the Training Package requirements.
- 80% on-campus attendance.
- Psychological stamina, empathy, and resilience for working with vulnerable clients.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access.
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- A webcam and headset for online meetings.
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
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme for eligible students.
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.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2024 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of 3 different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts, and booklets, e-Learning resources, and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) - contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session or during the pre-training review Interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
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.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Browse other courses
Disability Work - Behaviour Support (CHCSS00124)
This short course reflects the skill requirements for workers wanting to develop the ability to assist people with disability who display behaviours of concern.
Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021)
Reflects the role of community services workers involved in the delivery, management and coordination of person-centred services to individuals, groups, and communities. At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously within their scope of practice under broad directions from senior management.
Certificate IV in Community Services (CHC42021)
Embark on a fulfilling journey of caring, empowerment, and social change.