Disability Support Worker Courses
Disability Support Workers provide hands-on assistance to aged and disabled clients, helping with daily tasks, companionship, and community engagement.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Disability Support Worker
Get qualified to work as a Disability Support Worker with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
CHC33021
Duration
8 weeks - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to provide care and support to individuals in the ageing and disability sectors. Through a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on training, students will develop a deep understanding of person-centred care, communication techniques, and the ability to assist individuals with daily living activities, promoting independence and en...
Career opportunities
Duration
8 weeks - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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CHC43121
Duration
3 months - 24 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Level-up your career in disability support services with the CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to provide person-centred services to people with disabilities and mental health issues. The course covers: on-the-job safety, client rights and independence, facilitating community participation and social inclusion, assisting with movement, transporting individuals, visiting client residences, and much more. Enquire now for entry requirem...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 months - 24 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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CHC33021
Duration
3 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) equips individuals with the skills to work in the disability sector, including person-centered care, communication, safety procedures, promoting independence, and community participation. This course includes supervised work placements. On completion, graduates can work as disability support workers in various settings.
Career opportunities
Duration
3 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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HLTAID011
Duration
Half day - 3 years
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
A Provide First Aid course can give you the skills and knowledge to assist a casualty in an emergency situation. Whether this training is required as part of your job role or you just want to be more prepared to help in an emergency, this course will prepare you for a range of incidents and situations. It is also the required training for designated first aiders in a workplace. This course includes the Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation unit.
The Provide First Aid Course covers a range of subjects ...
Career opportunities
Duration
Half day - 3 years
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Disability Support Worker.
Common questions
How much do Disability Support Workers earn?
In Australia, a full time disability support worker generally earns $1,500 per week ($78,000 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.
What are the job opportunities for Disability Support Workers?
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
How long does it take to become a Disability Support Worker?
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.
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More information
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.
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