Community Services

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (VIC Only)

CHC33021

Career Outcomes

Disability Support Worker

NDIS Support Worker

Personal Care Assistant

Residential Care Officer

View All

Study Mode

Online

Workplace

Awarded by

Swinburne Open Education (RTO: 3059)

Qualification

Certificate III

Course Fee

Price may vary

Duration

12-18 Months (Self-Paced)

Start Date

Enquire now for upcoming start dates

Payment Option

Payment plan

Upfront payment

On this page:

In a nutshell

What you'll need to get it

Subject breakdown

Why Swinburne Open Education ?

Where will this course take you?

Career outcomes

Let's talk price

This course meets the Nationally Recognised Training standards. It is listed on the Australian government's National Register for Vocational Education and Training (VET). Studying this course leads to a qualification that's recognised throughout Australia, and lets employers know that you have the right skills for the job.

In a Nutshell

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), offered by Swinburne Open Education, is a nationally recognised qualification designed for those who want to build a meaningful career supporting people living with disability. Available exclusively to Victorian residents, this course is delivered online with the flexibility to study on any device, at any time, making it well suited to those balancing existing work, family, and other commitments alongside their studies.

Throughout the course, students develop practical knowledge and skills across a range of key areas, including providing person-centred care to individuals with disability, understanding diverse client needs, facilitating client empowerment, and working collaboratively within health and community care settings, including those governed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). A mandatory Structured Workplace Learning and Assessment (SWLA) component of a minimum of 127 hours ensures that theoretical learning is applied in a real workplace environment. Students are responsible for sourcing their own placement, and may be required to meet workplace compliance obligations such as police checks or NDIS Worker Screening Checks prior to commencing.

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) opens pathways into a growing sector where skilled, compassionate workers are in genuine demand across residential, community, and healthcare settings. A reasonable level of physical fitness is an inherent requirement of the course, as practical tasks form a core part of the role. Swinburne Open Education supports students throughout their studies with access to real people dedicated to helping them reach their goals. Enquire to learn more about how this course could be the right next step.

What You'll Need to Get In

To be eligible to study this course, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

Students must be 18 years of age or above and/or,
A reasonable level of physical fitness is required, as students must be able to perform practical workplace tasks within an individual support setting. This may include providing physical assistance to clients, supporting mobility, standing or moving for extended periods, and responding safely to workplace situations and/or,
This course is only available in Victoria, Australia. It is not available to International students or students based outside of Victoria.

Subject Breakdown

Core Units

CHCCCS031 – Provide individualised support
CHCCCS038 – Facilitate the empowerment of people receiving support
CHCCCS040 – Support independence and wellbeing
CHCCCS041 – Recognise healthy body systems
CHCCOM005 – Communicate and work in health or community services
CHCDIV001 – Work with diverse people
CHCLEG001 – Work legally and ethically
HLTINF006 – Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
HLTWHS002 – Follow safe work practices for direct client care

Elective Units

CHCCCS017 – Provide loss and grief support
CHCCCS036 – Support relationships with carer and family
CHCDIS011 – Contribute to ongoing skills development using a strengths-based approach
CHCDIS012 – Support community participation and social inclusion
CHCDIS020 – Work effectively in disability support
CHCDIV002 – Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

Why Swinburne Open Education ?

Swinburne Open Education is an online education provider offering nationally recognised vocational qualifications across a range of in-demand industries, with all qualifications awarded by Swinburne University of Technology. Their course areas include business, accounting and bookkeeping, HR management, project management, marketing, early childhood education, community services, animal care, and visual and graphic design. All courses are delivered fully online and designed to be studied on any device — desktop, tablet, or mobile.

Swinburne Open Education develops its courses in partnership with Australian industry, with the aim of preparing students for real workforce needs. Students learn through trainer-led online sessions, interactive content, and an online platform that includes forums and direct messaging with lecturers and peers. Assignment submission and grading alerts are built into the platform, keeping study organised and on track.

Support is a clear focus for Swinburne Open Education. A dedicated team is available to help students stay on track and reach their career goals. The flexible, self-paced format suits people at any stage — whether balancing study with work and family commitments, or starting fresh in a new direction. All qualifications are nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework and issued under RTO 3059.

Where will this course take you?

Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) from Swinburne Open Education, awarded by Swinburne University of Technology.

This nationally recognised qualification prepares graduates to work as disability support workers across a range of settings, including residential care, community services, and NDIS-funded environments. Roles that graduates may pursue include disability support worker, personal care assistant, accommodation support worker, residential care officer, and NDIS support worker. The course develops practical skills in providing individual care, supporting client empowerment, and working alongside other health care professionals with a diverse client group.

The course includes a minimum of 127 hours of structured workplace learning and assessment, giving graduates hands-on experience in a real support setting before entering the workforce. This practical component is designed to build the confidence and competency needed to step into a support role upon completion. The disability sector continues to grow, particularly with the expansion of the NDIS, making this qualification a strong foundation for a meaningful and in-demand career in individual support.