Grow with care in Australia —
Massive job opportunities in the care & support sector
*Employment Outlook - Projecting Employment to 2035,
Jobs and Skills Australia, Australian Government
In Australia, the demand for skilled workers in aged and disabled care is rising due to changes in the NDIS and an ageing population. Community and Personal Service Workers are projected to grow by 122,000 persons to 2030 and by 236,100 people to 2035.*
With this qualification, you can work as part of a team to provide personalised support for people who need help due to ageing, disability, or other reasons.
Get ready to join this expanding industry!
Delivery Mode and Times
25
hours/ week*
Self-directed Study
120+
Hours
Work Placement
& Tutorials/ Support
8
Weeks
Holidays
52
Weeks
Total Course
Duration
Up to
Minimum
Up to
Delivery Mode: Online Self-paced Learning / Blended In‑person Placement & Training
This course is accessed online via our user friendly learning management system.
*Students are expected to undertake a minimum of 25 hours of self-directed study per week
Location
-
Self-paced Online Learning;
-
Various facilities: tutorials support at Focus Vocational College in Melbourne CBD and placement sessions at our partner's center for placements.
Course Fees
Special Launch Offer:
$2,070
+
$330
For Placement
Arrangement
For other special offers and course fee details, send us an enquiry now!
Entry Requirements for Domestic Students
Prerequisites
There are no pre-requisite requirements for this qualification.
Education and Skills
- Completion of High School or equivalent to Australian Year 11 is recommended.
- Completion of a Pre-Training Review (PTR), and meet the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Assessment standards for this program level, and demonstrate they are a suitable candidate for this program.
Inherent requirements
Students must be able to meet inherent physical, emotional and cognitive requirements suitable for direct care work (manual handling, PPE, communication, resilience, responding to challenging situations/behaviours, etc.).
Regulatory
All candidates require a Unique Student Identification (USI) number. If you do not have a USI number you can apply for one online via the USI website, or you can give our staff permission to apply on your behalf.
Digital Technology
Students must have sufficient digital literacy skills to access online content, respond to written questions, and communicate with trainers via email and the learning management system. Additionally, students should have access to the internet and a laptop or computer with webcam/ microphone, with Microsoft Teams (or the video-conferencing platform used by FOCUS) to successfully participate in this program.
Industry Requirements
Candidates may be required to provide evidence of the following for work placement (all evidence must be current at the time of placement) at the student’s expense, unless otherwise advised: - National Police Background Check - Working with Children Check - NDIS Worker screening Check - Flu or COVID-19 vaccinations - First Aid and CPR Certificates - Other: requirements may vary according to employer's policies.
Prior experience
Credit Transfer (CT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are available. Credit Transfer is free of charge, while RPL applications are subject to fees.
Students with Disabilities (and medical conditions)
FOCUS welcomes all people with disabilities, learning differences and medical conditions. Students must declare any disability, learning difference, medical condition or support need prior to course commencement (including any changes that arise before the course starts) so that needs can be discussed in the Pre-Training Review and reasonable adjustments and support strategies can be considered and implemented where applicable. Acceptance in this program is subject to candidates’ ability to undertake all program requirements as discussed in the Pre-Training Review, with reasonable adjustments where applicable.
Learning & Career Outcomes
Career Prospects
This course is a foundational qualification that sets you up to work in roles across aged care, disability support, and community settings.
Typical Job Outcomes:
-
Support Worker
-
Personal Care Assistant
-
Community Care Work
-
Aged Care Worker
-
Disability Support Worker
-
Home Care Assistant
-
Family Support Worker
-
Accommodation Support Worker
-
Community House Worker
Further Study Package Options
Graduates may progress to higher level courses with credit waivers*:
-
CHC43315 – Certificate IV in Mental Health
-
CHC52025 – Diploma of Community Services
*Graduates may be eligible to credit waivers for units from the Certificate III that match Certificate IV or Diploma requirements, potentially reducing the study duration.
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What You'll Learn
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Deliver safe, individualised care aligned with support plans
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Assist with daily living activities and personal care
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Support independence, dignity and wellbeing
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Communicate effectively with clients, families and care teams
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Follow infection control and workplace safety procedures
9 Core Units
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CHCCCS038 - Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
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CHCCCS040 - Support independence and wellbeing
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CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
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CHCCCS041 - Recognise healthy body systems
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HLTINF006 - Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
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HLTWHS002 - Follow safe work practices for direct client care
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CHCCCS031 - Provide individualised support
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CHCCOM005 - Communicate and work in health or community service
-
CHCLEG001 - Work legally and ethically
6 Elective Units
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CHCAGE011 - Provide support to people living with dementia
-
CHCPAL003 - Deliver care services using a palliative approach
-
CHCDIS011 - Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
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CHCDIS012 - Support community participation and social inclusion
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CHCDIS020 - Work effectively in disability support
-
CHCAGE013 - Work effectively in aged care
Course Structure
How Will You Learn?
All 9 core and 6 elective units are structured over a 10-week study period, followed by one week of work placement and two weeks of holidays, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments. You will complete units term by term, enabling you to showcase your completed subjects to potential employers and enhance your chances of employment.
Work Placement
To attain this qualification, you must complete 120 hours of mandatory work placements. FOCUS will arrange your work placement with one of our supported home and community care services providers. Alternatively, self-sourced placements are permitted with prior approval from the College.
Assessment Methods
The assessment for this course includes written tasks, long and short answer questions, multiple choice quizzes, group tasks, oral presentations, role plays, case studies, practical/simulated tasks, work placement journals, logbooks, portfolios and projects. All assessment is designed to meet the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence.
Required Equipment and Digital Skills
Students must have access to a computer or laptop and reliable internet, and be able to access online content, complete and submit assessments, attach/upload documents, and communicate with trainers via email, the student portal and the LMS.