CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)

Kick start your career in the community services industry with this entry-level qualification. Gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to provide individual support in aged care as well as home and community settings. The Certificate III in Individual Support has a core set of competencies and offers specialisations in Ageing Support, Home and Community Support or Disability. The Certificate issued to successful graduates of this course will be CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). As an individual support worker you are employed in a job where you can empower groups in your community. This role is a rewarding job and a great way to give back to your community by making a difference in people’s everyday lives.

Learn New Skills Including

• Help improve the quality of life for clients
• Work with a range of diverse clients, including people with dementia
• Recognise healthy body systems
• Meet personal support needs
• Help clients to live with respect and dignity and maintain independence
• Understand the concepts and practices required to provide person-centred support

Employment opportunities with this qualification include:

• Aged Care Worker
• Respite Care Worker
• Disability Services Worker
• Direct Care Worker
• Home Help Worker
• Personal Care Worker
• Support Worker

What you need to know

• The College offers part time day or evening courses. See below for class options.
• Attendance will be in person at a College Campus.
• The course is delivered combining classroom attendance, weekly flexible directed self study hours and 120 work placement hours.
• Students will need to allow regular weekly hours (approx 15) throughout the course for directed self study for the completion of learning and assessment tasks.
• There are no classes during school holidays, however there will be part-time work placement (3 days per week 7am-3pm) during this period.
• The course is delivered in the College’s fully equipped aged care/nursing training room by our qualified and industry experienced trainer/assessor.
• Work placement hours will differ to normal class hours usually 7am-3pm Mon-Fri
• 15 units of competency must be successfully completed to achieve this qualification. These are listed in the pop up list located above the class options below.
• A timetable will be provided on course commencement detailing theory, practical and work placement training sessions.
• The resources for this course will be delivered via our NBMC learning management system. Training to use the LMS will be provided at the beginning of the course. Once access to the course resources is provided, students can either print them and bring them along to class, or access them electronically via their personal laptop. Students enrolling must have access to the following:
  • A laptop / computer
  • The internet
  • A scanner, or a scanner app downloaded on their smart phone

In addition a student must be comfortable in completing the following tasks on a laptop/computer:

• Downloading and uploading templates
• Saving documents to folders
• Easily accessing/locating files on their computer quickly
• Using tables to complete templates
• Able to minimize, reduce page size, open files
• Participants will also need to have access to Microsoft Word or Google docs

Are there Assessments?

• Competency based assessment of each unit of competency in the course will be conducted through a mix of assessment methods including case studies, theory tasks, projects and practical demonstration.
• Some units of competency may require assessment of practical skills during work placement.
• You will receive clear assessment instructions and an opportunity will be provided for resubmission of assessments if required.

Pathway To Further Training

The Certificate III in Individual Support can provide a pathway to CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support or CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services or other qualifications relevant to the community services and/or health industries.

Available as a Traineeship

This qualification can be completed through a traineeship pathway. Please contact Mairead O’Leary on 9970 1001 or email mairead@nbmc.nsw.edu.au for further information. New entrant traineeship course cost is currently fee free. You can also learn more about traineeships here – https://nbmc.nsw.edu.au/course-funding-option/traineeship/

To Enrol or for Further Information 

• Commence the enrolment process by completing the application below. On receipt of the application our Training Coordinator will be in touch.
• Contact Mairead O’Leary on 9970 1001 or email mairead@nbmc.nsw.edu.au for further information.

• Due to the nature of tasks completed during work placement it is recommended that students are 18 years and over.
• MUST have some computer skills and bring your own device
• Telephone or personal meeting with our Training Coordinator who will provide course information and answer your questions to ensure this is the right course for you before you enrol.
• Current National Police Check
• NDIS Check may be required by the work placement provider
• WWCC Working with Children Check may be required by work placement provider
• Unique Student Identifier (see information below).
• Provide current evidence of your identity including: Photo ID, proof of age, citizenship/residency/eligible visa, and proof of living or working in NSW.  For a full list of eligible documents please view our Identification Documents page.
• Successful completion of an NBMC English language, literacy and numeracy quiz to determine that you have appropriate skills to successfully complete the course.
• Reasonable level of fitness to carry out manual handling tasks.
• COVID-19 and Current Influenza Vaccinations may be required by the work placement provider
• National Police Background Check
• Provide copy of up to date vaccination records
• When completing First Aid student is required to have the ability to perform CPR while kneeling on the floor.

As part of our pre-requisites for this qualification, due to the physical nature of this course, NBMC can request a GPs ‘medical fitness for work’ letter to be submitted as part of the application process.

The points to consider are listed below:

1. Manual Handling & Mobility

• Lifting and Transferring – Ability to assist in moving clients (who may have limited mobility) from beds to chairs or wheelchairs using manual handling techniques. This may include, on occasion, lifting up to 10kgs in weight.
• Equipment Operation – Physical strength to operate mechanical lifters, stand-up hoists, and electric hospital beds.
• Sustained Standing/Walking – Ability to remain on feet for shifts of 4–8 hours, including frequent walking across large facilities.
• Postural Flexibility – Ability to bend frequently, stoop, kneel, and reach (e.g., making beds, assisting with footwear, or picking up items from the floor)

2. Emergency Response

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – Ability to perform chest compressions and rescue breaths on a manikin placed on the floor for at least 2 minutes without interruption. This is non negotiable.
• Rapid Movement – Ability to respond quickly to emergency alarms or a client’s fall.

3. Personal Care Tasks

• Fine Motor Skills – Manual dexterity to assist with tasks like grooming, dressing, and opening medication packaging.
• Weight Bearing – Ability to support a portion of a client’s weight if they stumble while walking (using a gait belt).

4. Sensory & Environmental Requirements

• Visual/Auditory – Sufficient vision and hearing to monitor client wellbeing, read care plans, and hear calls for help.
• Infection Control – Capacity to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks and gloves, for extended periods

• A minimum of 120 hours of unpaid work placement in a care service facility is required (usually arranged by NBMC)
• Work placement provides you with the opportunity to respond to situations and circumstances that cannot be replicated in a simulated environment.
• Your trainer will visit you regularly during work placement hours to guide and support you as well as assess practical skills.
• Some units of competency require assessment of practical skills during work placement.
• You will receive clear assessment instructions and an opportunity will be provided for resubmission of assessments if required.

This training is subsidised by the NSW Government under the Smart & Skilled Training Program. To be eligible you must be

• An Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen, Australian permanent resident or humanitarian visa holder or a partner visa holder whose sponsor is a humanitarian visa holder
• Aged 15 years or older
• No longer be at school (excluding registered home schooled students)
• Living or working in NSW.
• Provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) on enrolment – for more information on USIs and how to obtain one, click here.

If you meet the above criteria, along with the Course Entry Requirements, you can apply to study this course at a subsidised price (includes course resources). Subsidised places are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

The fee amount you pay and the government contribution depends upon your eligibility. The courses are subsidised for all eligible participants but no concession rate is available under Smart & Skilled for Diploma level qualifications. Fee free scholarships may be available for the following:

• An Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
• A person with a disability
• A person who is the dependant of a person on a Disability Support pension

For more information on concession/scholarship eligiblity criteria click here.

Terms and conditions of enrolment (including withdrawals, refunds and deferrals) under Smart and Skilled at NBMC are contained in the Smart and Skilled Student Information booklet and NBMC Student Handbook both of which are available at Smart and Skilled.  Important information regarding all aspects of your enrolment at NBMC can also be found here.

For further information please contact the College on 9970 1000.

For full qualification courses NBMC has several payment options for students to choose from.  Please discuss your preference with the Training Coordinator during the enrolment process.

Course Cost is Less than $1500

1. In full at time of enrolment; or
2. By two (2) instalments – half on enrolment and half midway through the course; or
3. Interest-free payment plan paying $240 on enrolment, followed by fortnightly direct debit payments by Visa or MasterCard (an initial admin charge of $10 will be added for direct debit set up)

Course Cost is between $1501 and $3000

1. By two (2) instalments – half on enrolment and half midway through the course; or
2. Interest-free payment plan paying $240 on enrolment, followed by fortnightly direct debit payments by Visa or MasterCard (an initial admin charge of $10 will be added for direct debit set up)

Course Cost is over $3000*

1. By three (3) instalments – first instalment on enrolment, instalments 2 and 3 approximately every 3 months, depending on length of course; or
2. Interest-free payment plan paying $500 on enrolment, followed by fortnightly direct debit payments by Visa or MasterCard (an initial admin charge of $20 will be added for direct debit set up)

Please Note:

• In full or instalment payments can be made by Visa, MasterCard, electronic funds transfer, cheque, cash or BPay at our Brookvale Campus.
• Direct Debt fortnightly payments can be made using Visa or MasterCard
• Full payment, first instalment or $240/$500 must be paid on enrolment – enrolments cannot proceed unless initial payment is made.

*If not eligible for Smart and Skilled, payment will be by instalments of no more than $1500 each.  Please contact the College for payment options.

From 1 January 2015 it is a requirement of the Federal Government that all students undertaking nationally recognised training will need to obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI). This involves an easy online application. See USI Fact Sheet for information on how to apply for a USI go to the Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Website for additional information: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi.

Please ensure when completing your enrolment information, that the details relating to your name are identical to those on the identification evidence (eg passport or driver’s licence) used when creating your USI, eg no abbreviations or nicknames should be used. Once created, it is important that you keep a record of your USI and access to your accredited training records in a safe place. You will need this information for any future enrolments into accredited training in Australia.

Please contact the College on 9970 1000 if you require assistance.

This is a means of measuring skills acquired through work or life experiences, or through qualifications obtained from formal studies or training.

There are two options for recognising prior learning:

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This is an assessment process to evaluate skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience or non-accredited training.

Credit Transfer (CT)

This is recognition of current qualifications/units of competency previously gained through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

For more information please head to our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Please advise our Training Coordinator during your initial telephone or in-person meeting if you require additional learning support. This allows a support plan to be developed before you commence your course. Support services may be available for students with a disability, impairment or long-term condition, and/or learning, language, literacy or numeracy difficulties. As outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment, students are encouraged to contact the College at the time of enrolment to confirm whether appropriate support can be provided for their individual needs.

Throughout your studies, you may experience personal challenges that could affect your enrolment. This may include stress at home, difficulties at work, financial pressures, or other personal issues. Our Wellness Coordinator is available to assist as needed. If you are experiencing stress or facing personal difficulties, please inform your Trainer or Training Coordinator, who can refer you to the Wellness Coordinator.

All conversations with the Wellness Coordinator remain confidential unless disclosure is required by law or you provide consent for relevant information to be shared with your Trainer.  Counselling offers a confidential space where you can discuss concerns that may be impacting your academic performance or mental health and wellbeing. All NBMC counselling services are free and available to all students. Please note that counselling at NBMC is short-term; if you require ongoing or long-term support, we can provide details for an appropriate external provider.

Enjoy smaller class sizes, a personalised relationship with your trainer, face-to face teaching sessions and qualifications that may include real life work experience, when you choose to study at Northern Beaches & Mosman College (NBMC).

With classes available across the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore in Brookvale and Mosman, the College offers increasing numbers of accredited and vocational qualifications. Students include those looking to upskill, to change career direction and school leavers keen to step onto a career pathway. Courses on offer can lead directly to employment and/or go towards future learning opportunities.

All NBMC Trainers/Assessors are current industry professionals with the required qualifications to deliver and assess this course. Trainers draw upon and share their own experiences in the industry to ensure that the training delivered to you is current and relevant.

For information about individual trainers, please go to our Trainer & Assessor page to view our trainer’s bios.