Standard qualifications

The following qualifications are nationally recognised, and in widespread use in the disability, community and aged care sector: 

 

Certificate III in Individual Support

If you’re new to the sector and thinking about a qualification for a front line role, start here.  A common point of entry for the sector, the Certificate III in Individual Support is designed to equip you to provide person-centred support based on an individualised plan.  And the same course is the starting point whether you intend to work with people who require support due to ageing, disability or other reasons.

The course covers a range of factual, technical and practical knowledge, as well as some theory covering the concepts and practices required to provide person-centred support.   With this qualification you will be able to use your discretion and judgement in relation to individual support, as well as take personal responsibility for your work. 

As part of the course, you need to complete at least 120 hours of relevant work.

Note: The Certificate III in Individual Support has replaced the old Certificate IIIs in Disability Work, Aged Care and Home and Community Care

Roles for which the Certificate III in Individual Support is a good match:

  • Disability Support Worker
  • Residential Support Worker
  • Person Centred Assistant
  • Assistant in Nursing
  • Administrator
  • Employment Facilitator

Career Planner job levels that correspond with the Certificate III in Individual Support:  DSD3, CSS3, ESD3

 

Certificate IV in Disability

The next step in the disability sector, the Certificate IV in Disability prepares you to provide training and support in a manner that empowers people with disability to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing.  Once qualified, you would expect to promote a person-centred approach, work without direct supervision and possibly supervise and coordinate a small team.

To achieve this qualification, you need to have completed at least 120 hours of specified work.

Roles for which the Certificate IV in Disability is a good match:  

  • Family Support Worker
  • Program Assistant
  • Social Educator
  • Disability Support Worker
  • Therapy Assistant
  • Rostering Coordinator

Career Planner job levels that correspond with the Certificate IV in Disability:  DSD4, CSS4, ESD4

 

Certificate IV in Ageing Support

A  Cert IV in Ageing Support qualifies support workers to complete specialised tasks and functions in aged services; either in residential, home or community based environments.  At this level you will be expected to work without supervision within your employer’s defined guidelines.   This means maintaining quality service delivery through the development, facilitation and review of individualised service planning and delivery.

You will also be required to demonstrate leadership and have limited responsibility for the organisation as well as some supervisory duties. To achieve this qualification, you will need to complete at least 120 hours of defined work.

Roles for which the Certificate IV in Ageing Support is a good match: 

  • Community Support Worker
  • Person Centred Assistant
  • Residential Support Worker
  • Service Coordinator
  • Rostering Coordinator
  • Regional Administrator

 

Diploma of Community Services

This qualification is appropriate to community services, case management and social housing workers involved in the managing, co-ordinating and delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communities.

At this level, you will have developed specialised skills in community services and expect to work autonomously under broad directions from senior management. You are typically providing direct support to individuals or groups of individuals, but may also have responsibility for case management and the supervision of other workers and volunteers.   The Diploma of Community Services suits many roles involving program coordination and the development of new business opportunities.

Roles for which the Diploma of Community Services is a good match: 

  • Team Leader
  • Recreation Activities Officer
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Community Outreach Worker
  • Employment Consultant
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Recreation Activities Officer
  • Program Coordinator

Career Planner job levels that correspond with the Diploma of Community Services:  DSD5, DSD6, CSS5, CSS6, ESD5, ESD6