Study CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support online
Are you moving into a co-ordinator or supervisory role and need to upskill? Do you work in an aged care, home and community care or disability support role and want to have your existing competency recognised, gain formal credentials or up-skill?
If you are passionate about providing support that empowers people living with a disability to live their best lives, then this is the course for you!
With Phillips Institute, you can take control of your study and start anytime. Enquire now and find out if this is the right program for you.
Learning delivery methods
- Flexible online, virtual or local classes with online assessments
- Study at your own pace with online learning resources and assessments via LMS
- Optional virtual assistance for online learners, or attend regular virtual classes
- Attend weekly virtual optional study support sessions
- Enjoy learning and sharing your experience with other students, support workers, disability and health care professionals
- Be guided by our highly experienced and qualified trainers who will provide regular contact
About this qualification
This course prepares you for work providing services to people with a disability in residential group homes, training resource centres, day respite centres and open employment services, other community settings and clients’ homes. Support is provided in a manner that empowers people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing.
Typically disability support workers:
- Promote a person-centred approach, work according to and may contribute to an individualised plan, and work without direct supervision
- May provide support or services to individuals with complex needs, and/or work with groups of people
- Work may include training and support to promote independence and community participation, which may be provided as part of activities and programs in a variety of settings including residential and centre-based programs
- Report to service managers and liaise with professionals and other service providers
- May be required to supervise and/or coordinate a small team
You may also be interested in: Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Ageing Support, Diploma of Leisure and Health
Duration
While the full duration of this program is 6 months, some individuals may require up to 12 months to complete all course requirements, while others may be able to complete in a shorter time frame where relevant prior skills, knowledge and experience are demonstrated. We recommend a placement of minimum 80 hours in order to meet the assessment evidence requirements for various units. Applicants who are already working in a relevant role may not need to complete an external placement if they are able to meet these requirements while working, subject to employer and RTO approval.
Entry requirements
If you have no prior industry experience, we recommend you study the Certificate III in Individual Support with the three required disability elective units, prior to undertaking this program, as it is a prerequisite for entry – see below section “Pre-requisite qualifications” regarding the specific Certificate III qualifications which meet this requirement.
Pre-requisite qualifications
| This course requires entrants to hold either of: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or the (Ageing, Disability) version OR CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or the (Ageing, Disability) version OR CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set. Speak to our staff about these requirements and we will assist you to determine your best entry pathway to this popular qualification. |
If you hold any of the example qualifications above, you may proceed to apply for entry into this course.
If you hold a variation of any of the above, you may only need to do a few unit assessments in order to gain entry to the Certificate IV course.
Additional Entry Requirements
- You must be able to speak, read and write well in English in order to complete assessment tasks, and to communicate effectively in the workplace during placement. You will be required to communicate verbally with fellow students, work colleagues, other professionals, and with the families of the clients in your care in the workplace.
- This course is particularly recommended for those who are already working in a relevant role, or who have relevant and recent experience. Students not currently working in a relevant role may be required to undertake an unpaid practical placement of minimum 80 hours in order to meet various unit assessment requirements.
- Reliable access to a computer with internet access and beginner to intermediate computer skills are required for completion of coursework assessment tasks and communication with your trainer.
- Minimum enrolment age is 18 years.
- A current National Police Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check and Working with Children Check will be required for placement. See our Placement Information page for further information about immunisation and criminal check requirements.
Applicants should consider their ability to meet these requirements prior to enrolment.
Units of competency
CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support consists of 10 units of competency: 7 core units and 3 elective units. Phillips Institute’s program develops advanced disability support skills with a strong focus on person-centred practice, complex needs, community participation, rights, wellbeing and professional practice.
Core units (7)
- CHCCCS044 – Follow established person-centred behaviour supports
- 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)
- CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice
- CHCADV001 – Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
- CHCCCS005 – Conduct individual assessments
Workplace experience: Practical assessment requirements must be completed in an appropriate disability support environment. Students who are already working in a suitable role may be able to complete these requirements through their current workplace, subject to employer and Phillips Institute approval.
Students who are not currently working in a suitable disability support role may need to complete an unpaid practical placement. Phillips Institute currently recommends a minimum placement of 80 hours to provide sufficient opportunity to meet the workplace assessment evidence requirements across the program.
Elective units may be subject to change in accordance with qualification packaging rules and training requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support online?
Yes. Phillips Institute offers flexible online learning and assessment with optional virtual classes and study support. Practical assessment requirements must also be completed in a suitable disability support workplace or placement environment.
Do I need Certificate III in Individual Support before enrolling in CHC43121?
Yes. CHC43121 has formal entry requirements. Applicants must hold CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support with the Disability specialisation, CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support with the Disability specialisation, or CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability together with the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.
What if my Certificate III in Individual Support does not include the Disability specialisation?
A Certificate III in Individual Support without the required Disability specialisation does not by itself meet the CHC43121 entry requirement. If you hold CHC33021 or CHC33015 but do not have the required Disability specialisation, talk to Phillips Institute about the additional units or pathway you may need to complete before entering Certificate IV in Disability Support.
How long does CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support take?
The standard Phillips Institute program duration is approximately 6 months. Some students may require up to 12 months to complete all requirements, while experienced students may complete sooner where relevant previous skills, knowledge, credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning apply.
Do I need practical placement for CHC43121?
You must have access to an appropriate disability support environment to complete workplace-based assessment requirements. If you are not already working in a suitable role, you may need an unpaid practical placement. Phillips Institute recommends a minimum placement of 80 hours to provide sufficient opportunity to complete the required practical assessment evidence.
Can I complete the practical requirements in my current workplace?
Yes, if you are currently working in an appropriate disability support role and your workplace provides access to the people, activities and situations required for assessment. This is subject to employer and Phillips Institute approval.
What jobs can CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support lead to?
The qualification is designed for experienced disability support work in community settings and people’s homes. Depending on the employer and role, graduates may work in senior disability support, complex support, community access or team coordination roles. Workers at this level may work without direct supervision and may also supervise or coordinate a small team.
What checks may I need for disability support placement?
Placement and employers may require checks such as a National Police Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check and Working with Children Check. Other requirements may apply depending on the workplace and the people being supported. Phillips Institute provides further guidance before placement.
Can I apply for RPL or credit transfer?
Yes. If you have relevant previous qualifications or substantial current disability support experience, you may be eligible for credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning. Eligibility is assessed individually against the requirements of the relevant units of competency.
Still have questions about Certificate IV in Disability Support?
Talk to Phillips Institute about the Certificate III entry requirements, your current disability support role, workplace assessment, placement, RPL or credit transfer, or whether CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support is the right next step for you.
Related courses and further study
Depending on your previous study, current role and career goals, you may also be interested in the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support – Class-based, CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support – Experienced Workers, CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support, or CHC43415 Certificate IV in Leisure and Health.