This qualification is delivered over a period of 895 nominal hours comprising of classroom sessions* , supervised directed learning, skills training, self-paced learning, practical placement, assessment and assessment assistance. Students undertake a practical placement of 120 hours.

With the current pandemic situation, a number of classroom sessions will be delivered online to enhance safety of students and trainers.

Please note: The course duration may vary for individual students based on their current academic and work experience. All students will be assessed on an individual basis for their ability to meet the course requirements within an extended or reduced time frame.

Classroom based training (face to face/ online) and supervised practical experience in a community and/or residential setting.

Level 1/169 Plenty Road, Preston, VIC 3072. Practical placement locations as negotiated by ALACC with individual Providers.

Successful completion of this qualification will enable you to progress to higher qualifications within the context of the work role or undertake specialised qualifications.

This qualification reflects the role of workers in a range of community settings and clients’ homes, who provide training and support in a manner that empowers people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and wellbeing.

Workers promote a person-centred approach, work without direct supervision and may be required to supervise and/or coordinate a small team.

View Course Units

This qualification is beneficial for any person who may

• Be actively seeking employment in community and/or residential setting to support people with disabilities
• Have no formal qualifications in individualised support or disability support
• Wish to review/update knowledge and practical experience
• Be seeking a new career

ALACC entry requirements require that applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years’ old
• Have satisfactorily completed Year 11 or equivalent

The following are not an entry requirement, but may need to be considered prior to undertaking this course:

• Basic foundation skills and computer literacy skills may be required for learning activities related to the course. Where relevant, adequate student support is available.
• Fitness to undertake manual handling tasks and meet the requisites of the job role and other relevant industry standards is preferable.
• Students will also be required to provide a current Police check and evidence of flu shot prior to undertaking placements.

Please note: Proficiency in English is required to meet Industry standards.

Students will be undertaking Pre-Training Review and LLN test prior to enrolment. The LLN test is not an entry requirement, students are asked to undertake the same so appropriate academic support can be ensured throughout the course of study.

Students may be able to shorten the length of their studies through the recognition of experience and/ or qualifications gained elsewhere. Applications can be made for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer.

These will be assessed according to the college’s policy & procedures to determine if/how much advanced standing will be granted.

This qualification holds National Recognition.

Assessments will be conducted to determine the achievement of competency-based learning outcomes. Assessments may include student questions, case study/ scenarios, practical skills observation and assessment (simulated environment/ practical placement).

On completion of this qualification, students may be able to gain employment within a range of settings including residential services, where people live and are supported in houses in the community; larger residential facilities, including secure settings; and outreach services that support people to live in their own homes.

Occupational titles may include but are not limited to:

Disability Support Workers, Disability Development Support Officers

Students will be required to undertake work placements to apply knowledge and develop their skills as part of the course requirements. Placements may occur in aged care, disability, or other aged care and community settings in Melbourne or Regional areas as organised by ALACC and according to the course requirements.

While ALACC takes responsibility to provide work placements, students have the choice to find a work placement close to their place of residence. All placement arrangements have to be approved prior to commencing placement. ALACC will negotiate and have an Agreement with the Placement Provider before the student attends work placement.

Please note: The cost for the practical placement is included in the fee. However, if a student does not attend the allocated placement then the student will have to pay for the costs set by the practical placement providers for cancelling their placements.

Placements dates will be provided by the placement provider and can be subject to change depending on the appropriate Placement Provider’s ability to take students at a specific given period. Students may need to be flexible with these dates and ensure they can attend the placements as soon as it is available.

Students will be required to attend pre-placement and post-placement sessions for assessment.

Please ask us about credit transfers.