Study CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support while you work

  • This flexible online program for experienced workers includes either the Disability or Ageing Support specialisation – or both! 
  • Complete the 120 hours placement while you work and complete flexible online modules and work tasks at your own pace.
  • Increase your employability opportunities and qualify for entry to further training.  

Successful completion of this program allows you to formalise your existing skills, become a qualified disability support worker (DSW) or personal care worker (PCW or PCA) and work in disability support, and/or aged care, home and community care or NDIS supported independent living. 

This course is for experienced workers who are currently working in a support role relevant to the assessment requirements of the course.  The flexible program is delivered with online learning and assessment resources, work-based tasks and includes optional virtual classes and support sessions. 

You will complete the placement requirements while you work (120 hours – subject to employer and RTO approval), with completion of work-based tasks, logbook and supervisor or manager feedback. This is the current nationally recognised qualification, packaged to deliver either the disability support specialisation, or the ageing support specialisation, or both.

This training provides the theory and practical training relevant to working with people requiring support, in a range of residential, community or home-based care and support settings. Completion of a practical placement of minimum 120 hours is required in addition to satisfactory coursework completion.

For those already employed in a suitable care or support role, you may undertake the placement as part of your usual work duties, subject to employer and RTO approval. For organisational work based training, please call and speak with the manager about delivery options for your team.

Program delivery

Online learning and assessment resources, work-based tasks and optional virtual classes and support sessions in addition to placement of 120 hours, which may be completed while you work subject to trainer and employer approval.

Entry requirements

  • Verified current employment in a relevant disability support or ageing support role with reliable access and consent to work with people who require support to meet assessment requirements
  • Ability to obtain consent from clients or residents, work colleagues, other professionals, and families of clients in your care, as required, for completion of relevant assessment activities
  • Current National Police Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, Working With Children Check, CPR certificate (recommended or as required by your employer)
  • Immunisation – as required per workplace  https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccination-for-special-risk-groups/vaccination-for-people-at-occupational-risk
  • Sufficient English Language and digital technology skills including reading, writing, oral communication (speaking and listening), documentation and reporting.
  • Intermediate level of computer skills recommended and reliable access to an internet connected device to participate in virtual sessions and to complete online study requirements
  • Participation in virtual activities and role plays which simulate workplace scenarios may be required
  • Minimum age for enrolment 18 years of age

Duration

12 months enrolment duration. If you have previous skills, knowledge or experience, you may be able to complete this self-paced course in a shorter time frame.  Speak with one of our course advisors prior to enrolment for more information about credit transfer, or recognition of prior learning, or refer to our Student Handbook for further information.

Placement

120 hours demonstration of skills in a relevant workplace working with people requiring support is an assessment requirement for this course.  Applicants should ensure they have obtained employer permission to complete the assessment and placement requirements of this course while they work, and will be required to provide verification of employment.  Refer to Entry requirements on this page for further information.  Further placement information about this course is available on our website.

Pathways

This qualification is now a mandatory entry requirement for the Certificate IV in Disability Support, and recommended for entry to Certificate IV in Ageing Support, both popular pathway programs for many students. You may also be interested in our short course NDIS Coordinator of Supports, or a Diploma of Community Services or higher education course in disability studies.  Many of our former students have continued their career with studies in Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, or gone on to further studies in Diploma of Leisure and Health, Diploma of Nursing, a Bachelor degree in Nursing and other allied health fields.  A Certificate III in Individual Support can provide a terrific launching pad for your future health care and/or community services career.

Recognition of Prior Learning

We offer RPL for this course to experienced workers who are able to demonstrate verified extensive recent and current experience in individual support in a disability or ageing support context (full time equivalent to two years employment minimum) and who have already completed some formal training in a related course.  Where an applicant holds any of the listed units we offer Credit Transfer where relevant, which reduces study time and fees.  Talk to our team to find out more and whether RPL is appropriate for you.

Fees

Fees depend on your choice of payment plan, and may be further reduced by eligible credit transfers for units you already hold. Refer to our Fees page for current fees and charges and other relevant information, policies and procedures regarding fees for your enrolment.

Units of competency

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support consists of 15 units of competency: 9 core units and 6 elective units. Phillips Institute’s Experienced Worker program can be packaged to provide the Ageing specialisation, Disability specialisation, or both Ageing and Disability specialisations, depending on the elective units completed.

Core units (9)
  • CHCCCS031 – Provide individualised support
  • CHCCCS038 – Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
  • CHCCCS040 – Support independence and wellbeing
  • CHCCCS041 – Recognise healthy body systems
  • CHCCOM005 – Communicate and work in health or community services
  • CHCDIV001 – Work with diverse people
  • CHCLEG001 – Work legally and ethically
  • HLTINF006 – Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
  • HLTWHS002 – Follow safe work practices for direct client care
Ageing specialisation electives (3)
  • CHCAGE011 – Provide support to people living with dementia
  • CHCAGE013 – Work effectively in aged care
  • CHCPAL003 – Deliver care services using a palliative approach
Disability specialisation electives (3)
  • CHCDIS011 – Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
  • CHCDIS012 – Support community participation and social inclusion
  • CHCDIS020 – Work effectively in disability support
Other elective options
  • CHCCCS001 – Address the needs of people with chronic disease
  • CHCCCS036 – Support relationships with carer and family
  • CHCAGE007 – Recognise and report risk of falls

Specialisations: Students complete 6 elective units in total. To receive the Ageing specialisation, all three Ageing specialisation electives must be completed. To receive the Disability specialisation, all three Disability specialisation electives must be completed. Students completing both sets of specialist electives may receive the Ageing and Disability specialisations.

Workplace requirement: CHC33021 requires a minimum of 120 hours of work in a relevant care or support environment. Students enrolled in the Experienced Worker program complete these requirements through their current workplace, subject to employer and Phillips Institute approval and access to appropriate workplace activities, people and assessment opportunities.

Elective units may be subject to change in accordance with qualification packaging rules, individual specialisation choices and training requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support online?

Yes. The Phillips Institute Experienced Worker program combines flexible online learning and assessment with work-based tasks, a workplace logbook and supervisor or manager feedback. Optional virtual classes and support sessions are also available. Practical assessment requirements must be completed in an appropriate workplace.

Who is the CHC33021 Experienced Worker program for?

This program is designed for people who are already working in a suitable aged care, disability support, home care or related individual support role and can complete the required workplace assessment activities as part of their employment.

Do I need to be currently working in aged care or disability support?

Yes, for this Experienced Worker delivery option. Applicants must have verified current employment in a role that provides suitable access to the people, workplace activities and assessment opportunities required for the course. If you are not currently working in a suitable role, Phillips Institute’s class-based CHC33021 program may be a more appropriate pathway.

Can I complete the 120 hours while I am working?

Yes. Eligible students can complete the minimum 120 hours of required workplace activity as part of their usual employment, subject to employer and Phillips Institute approval. Your workplace must provide suitable opportunities to demonstrate the required skills and complete work-based assessment activities.

Can I choose Ageing, Disability or both specialisations?

Yes. The Experienced Worker program can be packaged for the Ageing specialisation, Disability specialisation, or both Ageing and Disability. Your chosen specialisation needs to be supported by the elective units completed and by appropriate opportunities to demonstrate the required skills in your workplace.

How long does the CHC33021 Experienced Worker course take?

The enrolment duration is 12 months. As the program is self-paced, some experienced workers may complete sooner where they have relevant existing skills, knowledge, previous qualifications or units eligible for credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning.

What is the difference between the Experienced Worker and class-based CHC33021 programs?

The Experienced Worker program is designed for people who are already suitably employed and can complete practical assessment requirements through their workplace while studying flexibly online. The class-based CHC33021 program is designed for students who prefer face-to-face training at Phillips Institute in Carnegie and includes an organised practical placement pathway.

Does my employer need to support my enrolment?

Yes. Your employer or workplace must agree to you completing relevant workplace and assessment activities and provide appropriate access for assessment requirements. Supervisor or manager feedback is also required for parts of the program.

Can I apply for RPL or credit transfer?

Yes. Experienced workers with relevant previous qualifications or substantial recent and current industry experience may be eligible for credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning. Eligibility is assessed individually against the requirements of each relevant unit of competency.

Still have questions about the CHC33021 Experienced Worker program?

Talk to Phillips Institute about your current role, workplace suitability, Ageing or Disability specialisation, employer requirements, credit transfer or RPL, and whether the Experienced Worker pathway is the right option for you.

Related courses and further study

Depending on your current employment, previous study and career goals, you may also be interested in the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support – Class-based, CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support, CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support, or CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health.