About the course

About the course

Would you like to help people with a disability make positive changes to their lives? In our disability course you’ll develop the skills and knowledge to advocate for and empower people with a disability, enhancing their ability to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance and community participation.

In our disability course you’ll learn from experienced trainers on how to address the social, behavioural, health, welfare, developmental and protection needs of people with disabilities and take part in extensive industry work placement.

You’ll study how to:

  • support practices for direct client care
  • provide person centred services
  • implement strategies for people with complex needs
  • increase community participation
  • enhance communication
  • apply legal and ethical guidelines
  • effectively network

Our disability course is a nationally recognised qualification, with graduates highly sought out by employers. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) promotes a wide range of opportunities for assisting people with disability and there is an increased demand for trained disability support workers following the 2017 roll out of the NDIS in Victoria.

Note: from 2024 to enrol in this qualification candidates will have to competed the prerequisite course: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

Course will be replaced

Please note: This course will change in the near future and alterations to the structure will occur. All new students will be enrolled into the new course.

Course Details

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Intake Dates & Course Length


Traineeship: you can enrol each term 

Off Campus: you can enrol anytime. You will be asked to submit a letter from your current employer describing your current role, supervision structure, forecast hours worked over course duration and supervisor details.

Full time: 9 months (3 days a week)

Traineeship / Off Campus: typically  9 - 12 months

This is a blended delivery course which will include a combination of online, remote and face to face delivery. Blended learning can involve a range of online programs and resources including StudentWeb, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Skype, specific industry platforms, pre-recorded sessions, assigned reading, tutorials, discussion boards, and online activities. Blended learning also involves face-to-face attendance at classes or practical placements.

This is an online course which will include a combination of online and remote delivery. Remote learning can involve a range of online programs and resources including StudentWeb, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Skype, specific industry platforms, pre-recorded sessions, assigned reading, tutorials, discussion boards, and online activities. Remote delivery involves scheduled classes where you will log in with other classmates to complete tutorials and assessments.  

We are currently not ready to take applications. Click “Notify me” to be advised when we will be ready for your application for this course.

Career Outcomes


  • Disability Support Officer / Worker in: 
    • residential services
    • employment services
    • recreational services
    • adult day training services
    • advocacy services
    • respite services
    • peer support programs
    • educational facilities
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Visit our Skills and Jobs Centres at each campus.

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Entry Requirements


You must:

  • have competed the prerequisite course: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
  • be at least 18 years of age
  • have a current Working with Children Check (required prior to commencement)
  • have a National Police Check (clear of any convictions at course entry and again prior to work placement)
  • have an NDIS Worker Screening Check (required where placements are done with Disability Providers and services)
  • Full current vaccination against COVID-19  
  • hold a certificate in First Aid (HLTAID003) or, intend to get one during the course
  • attend a Pre Training Review (PTR) interview 
  • achieve the required scores in a supervised Core Skills Diagnostic test including oral communication
  • have access to a computer with a microphone and working camera

Disclosable outcomes do not automatically exclude a student from participation in the CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability.  Disclosable outcomes will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by Box Hill Institute and the Service, in which the student is undertaking their practical placement. 

It is strongly advised that you attend an Information Session before starting the enrolment process.

In order to book your pre training review interview, you must have completed the following steps:

  1. completed and submitted your entire application
  2. completed your Core Skills Diagnostic profile and met minimum requirements in literacy, numeracy, and writing

Off campus or traineeship students - you must provide current employment evidence within the disability sector, be working a minimum of 2 days a week and clarify supervision status in your current employment.

This course has a practical placement component. Prior to placement, we will work with you to apply for an NDIS Worker Screening Check. You are not expected to apply for this prior to course commencement because some elements will require our input. When we assist you with the application for this check, you will be required to pay for it – at a cost of approximately $120.

PRE-TRAINING REVIEW - to assist prospective students to determine whether a course is suitable and appropriate for the individual needs, Box Hill Institute will assess all students’ language, literacy and numeracy and digital literacy by asking you to undertake a self-assessment review prior to the enrolment. A course advisor will discuss the outcomes of the review and make recommendations about whether the course is suitable for you, and identify additional support where required.

TRAINEESHIP ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

To apply for this course, you must also be registered with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider and have a training contract with an employer. 

We can provide information and support on how to apply for a traineeship with an employer listed by an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider. Contact the Skills & Jobs Centre on (03) 8892 1350 or email sajc.elgar@boxhill.edu.au.

Pathways & Accreditation


Successful completion of this course may allow you to consider further pathways in youth work, mental health or community services.

This course is government accredited and has national recognition

The qualification is aligned with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 4

Fees & Finance Options


This training is provided with funds made available by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.

Free TAFEGovernment Subsidised ConcessionGovernment Subsidised StandardFull Fee
Tuition Fee$0$460$2,300$9,430
Service & Amenity Fee$268$268$268$268
Material Fee$140$140$140$140
Retain Course Items$0$0$0$0
Total Course Estimate$408$868$2,708$9,838
Payable Estimate (at commencement)$408$868$2,708$9,838

Service & Amenity Fee may vary depending on course commencement and enrolment duration. Retain Course Items are purchased once by the student prior to commencing. Those items then become the property of the student. Fees listed are at 2024 rates and may increase annually over the duration of delivery. The student tuition fees listed are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. For more information please contact our Course Advisors on 1300 BOX HILL.

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Financial Support

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Course Structure


Completion of 14 units (including 11 core and 3 electives)

To be assessed as competent in this qualification you are to satisfactorily complete all assessment tasks and undertake a minimum 120 hours supervised work placement in a relevant residential or community setting. This could include:

  • day programs
  • living skills programs
  • schools programs
  • community participation programs
  • supported accommodation settings or group homes
  • supported employment settings
  • transition to work programs
  • centre-based or community-based respite services

For off campus or traineeships, work placement will be completed within your workplace over the duration of your studies.

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Give us a call on 1300 269 445

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