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Disability support workers help those in need live their everyday lives. This hands-on assistance can take many forms, as these professionals aid aged and disabled patients and clients in an effort to help them live as freely as possible. Duties can include travelling with them to classes and other community programs, running errands, carrying out home-based duties such as cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene and providing overall companionship. The position requires strong personal and communication skills.
The needs and wants of patients and clients will often determine the daily professional obligations of a disability support worker. Sometimes workers will have multiple clients to visit at regularly scheduled times throughout the week. Other times disability support workers will live with those they aid. Because of this, hours and location of work can vary.
There are 9 courses available for people who want to become a Disability Support Worker. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Certificate III In Individual Support (CHC33015) is perfect for students wanting community service roles supporting the elderly, disabled, or other vulnerable people. Students graduate with the facts, techniques, procedures and practices required to deliver person-centred support. Students begin their learning with 7 core units that cover communication, ethics, interpersonal skills, as well personal safety. Students then complete another 6 electives to create any of 4 vocational outcomes, Ageing, Disability, Home and Community Care, Ageing and Home and Community Care. The Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package. Learn more.
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) will assist personal and respite care workers provide better support to older people and those living with dementia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasts that within just a few decades, at least 20% of the Australian population will be aged 65 or older. This is putting massive pressure on the aged and community care industry to supply the country with enough qualified health care workers to provide the support and quality of care needed.. This qualification is an excellent introduction to the rapidly expanding aged care workforce in Australia. Learn more.
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) will assist personal and respite care workers to support and empower disabled persons. During the course students will gain the specialised skills required to communicate and work in health and community services including working with diverse people; working legally and ethically; and following safe work practices for direct client care. In addition to this students focus on persons with disabilities learning how to contribute to ongoing skills development while supporting community participation and social inclusion. Learn more.
Join the rapidly growing aged care sector with a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community) (CHC33015). In this nationally recognised qualification you’ll be learning how to provide one-on-one support to the elderly — either in their homes or at an aged care facility. Study units cover: dementia, healthy body systems, ethics and legal compliance, communication and relationship building. The course is hands-on and you’ll be completing a work placement (3 weeks) to give you real-world experience and on-the-job training. Enquire now for your free course guide and government funding opportunities. Learn more.
The Certificate III In Individual Support (Home And Community Care) (CHC33015) is designed for students seeking employment as community service workers supporting the elderly, disabled, or other vulnerable people. This course gives students the facts, techniques and procedures required to deliver person-centred support. Students begin their learning with 7 core units surrounding communication, ethics, interpersonal skills, and personal safety. Each student then completes another 6 electives to create the ‘Home and Community Care’ vocational outcome. The Certificate III in Individual Support (Home And Community Care) (CHC33015) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package. Learn more.
In Australia, a full time disability support worker generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Aged and disability support worker jobs have grown strongly in recent times and are expected to continue to do so. As of May 2019, there were approximately 177,000 aged and disabled carer jobs in Australia. Within five years, that number could potentially jump up to 222,000. Some reports indicate the possibility of about 35,800 job openings per year for the next five years.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections and Australian Government Job Outlook
Although different positions and roles have different requirements, many disability support workers need a qualification in individual support to secure a job. A Certificate III in Individual Support can take 6-12 months to complete and usually requires 120 hours of work placement. Another option is a Certificate III in Individual Support with a specialisation in Aged and Disability Support. This can also take 6-12 months to complete and has a 120-hour work placement component. The exact duration of these learning pathways depends on several factors, including whether you opt for online, on campus or blended study modes and if you study full or part time.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within disability. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Disability
Aboriginal Disability Worker
$960 weekly pay
Community Care Worker
Disability Support Worker
Diversional Therapy Assistant
$800 weekly pay
Home Care Assistance
Personal Carer
Residential Care Worker
Trainee Support Worker
Disability Service Officer
$1,150 weekly pay
Disability Team Leader
Lifestyle Coordinator
$1,050 weekly pay
Residential Care Officer
Care Manager
$1,350 weekly pay
Learn more about Disability Support Worker courses in your area.