Disability

The disability sector provides services and support to help individuals with disabilities live their lives to the fullest. It's about making sure everyone has the chance to participate in their community and enjoy a good quality of life.

Working in the disability sector can be very rewarding. It offers the chance to make a positive impact on individuals' lives, provides many job opportunities in a growing sector, and promotes personal growth through understanding and empathy.

We offer a range of qualifications, short courses and digital credentials to help you gain the skills and knowledge to become a disability support worker.

“The training was very hands on and realistic. It taught me a lot about working in the disability sector.

My trainer, Catriona Bennett, was amazing and so very knowledgeable. She made you feel comfortable and wanting to learn more and more.  Thanks to Catriona, I felt extremely confident going out into the work force using the skills I had learnt.”

Lee Green
Individual Support Graduate
Disability Support Worker

 


Frequently Asked Questions

There are a number of courses that can help provide the skills and knowledge needed to become a disability support worker. Our Induction (into disability, health and community services) short course is a great starting point. This course can be completed in just 8 weeks and gives learners a ‘taste’ of the support sector. It is a nationally recognised skill set for anyone seeking an entry-level role in the disability sector.

Disability Support Workers provide support and care to people with disabilities. This can occur in a community or residential setting.

 

You may be responsible for:

  • Individual Support Plans or NDIS plans and implementing them effectively.
  • Connecting individuals to services, programs, and opportunities.
  • Supporting clients in gaining skills and independence rather than fostering dependency.
  • Managing schedules, medical appointments, and daily tasks efficiently.
  • Providing physical assistance, including lifting, transferring, and mobility support.

There are two nationally recognised qualifications that provide practical, technical and procedural knowledge to prepare you to become a disability support worker and understand the concepts and practices of person-centred support.

 

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is an 11 month qualification that is delivered using a blend of virtual training and 8 on-campus sessions.

 

Certificate IV in Disability Support is an 8 month qualification that can be completed online via virtual training.

A great disability support worker possesses a combination of personal qualities, skills, and knowledge, including:

  • Ability to communicate clearly and adapt communication styles based on the individual’s needs (non-verbal communication, assistive technology).
  • Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, to foster trust and connection.
  • Quickly finding practical solutions to challenges while considering the individual’s preferences.
  • Familiarity with emergency response and safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of clients.
  • Remaining calm and composed, especially in challenging situations.
  • Treating clients with dignity, respecting their independence, and valuing their choices.
  • Being dependable and consistent, creating a sense of stability for the individual.
  • Sensitivity to diverse cultural, social, and linguistic backgrounds.
  • Encouraging and maintaining a supportive environment.
  • Maintaining confidentiality and setting boundaries.
  • Awareness of different types of disabilities and their specific needs.

 

A great disability support worker can make a profound impact on the lives of individuals they support, fostering empowerment, inclusion, and independence.

The demand for disability support workers in Australia is at an all-time high. Over 500,000 Australians are now accessing NDIS funding for disability assistance. This has driven substantial job growth in the disability sector, making it the largest and fastest-growing industry in the country​.

 

Graduates of Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) can explore a wide range of roles and career paths within the disability sector. Potential job roles include:

  • Disability Support Worker
  • Residential Support Worker
  • School Support Officer
  • Accommodation Support Worker
  • Personal Care Assistant
  • Community Care Worker
  • Respite Worker

 

Graduates of Certificate IV in Disability Support can explore more senior roles in the disability sector, working with more autonomy. Potential roles include:

  • Senior Care Assistant
  • Disability Support Facilitator
  • Community-based Support Officer
  • Employment Pathways Practitioner
  • Support Coordinator
  • Disability Support Team Leader
  • Disability Employment Services Consultant