CHC33021

Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) (Release 1)

Start a rewarding career supporting older people and individuals with disability in care and community settings.

CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

Lead with empathy. Work with purpose.

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) offers the ideal foundation for a fulfilling career in the care sector. This nationally recognised qualification is designed to equip you with the practical skills and compassionate approach required to provide person-centred support to older adults and individuals living with disability.

Through a combination of flexible online study and hands-on vocational placement, you will gain the knowledge and real-world experience needed to deliver high-quality care in residential aged care facilities, home-based support services, and community care settings. You’ll learn how to assist with daily personal tasks such as mobility, hygiene, and nutrition, while also promoting emotional wellbeing and social inclusion.

Key areas of study include supporting individual health and wellbeing, working with people with dementia or complex needs, following individualised care plans, and upholding legal, ethical, and safety standards. The course also covers effective communication with clients and families, recognising and responding to changing needs, and working respectfully with diverse cultural backgrounds and communities.

Upon completion of this qualification, you’ll be job-ready and eligible for roles such as Aged Care Worker, Disability Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant, Community Support Worker, or NDIS Support Worker. With Australia’s ageing population and the continued growth of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), demand for skilled care professionals is strong and steadily increasing.

Whether you’re starting your career, returning to the workforce, or seeking a meaningful change, the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) provides a flexible, supportive pathway into a stable and rewarding industry where you can truly make a difference.

Course snapshot

Delivery structure

Theoretical Elements:
Study the theory components online at your own pace through our easy-to-use learning platform. Content is interactive, flexible, and designed to suit your schedule—making it ideal for students balancing work or family commitments.

Practical Elements:
To meet the vocational requirements of the course, students must complete 120 hours of mandatory practical placement in an approved aged care, disability support, or community care facility. Students will be guided in securing placement and must obtain a National Police Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check before commencement. Oxford College may assist students in identifying suitable placement opportunities where required.

Find out more about the course delivery structure.

Course Outcomes

The skills and practical experience you gain through the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) will prepare you for a variety of fulfilling roles in aged care, disability support, and community services. Below are just a few examples of the job outcomes you may pursue after completing your course.

Aged Care Worker

As an Aged Care Worker, you will provide essential support to older individuals in residential facilities or in-home care environments. Responsibilities may include assisting with personal care, preparing meals, helping with mobility, and providing emotional and social support. Your work helps older Australians maintain dignity, safety, and quality of life.

Disability Support Worker

In this role, you will support people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and participation in everyday life. You may assist with personal care, transport, skill development, and community access. Disability Support Workers often work in clients’ homes, group homes, or community settings as part of NDIS-funded services.

Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

PCAs work across aged care and disability sectors, providing hands-on support with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility assistance. They often serve as a trusted point of contact for clients, helping to monitor wellbeing and ensure a safe, respectful care environment.

Community Care Worker

Community Care Workers support individuals living independently in the community. You may visit clients in their homes to assist with light household duties, medication reminders, shopping, or companionship. This role promotes social connection and helps clients remain active and engaged in their local area.

Residential Support Worker

Residential Support Workers provide care in supported accommodation facilities or group homes. They assist residents with daily routines, behaviour management, and access to services while fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive living environment.

NDIS Support Worker

As part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), this role involves delivering tailored supports to clients with varied goals and care needs. You may assist with employment readiness, social activities, independent living, and personal development. The work is dynamic, person-focused, and deeply rewarding.

Delivery Structure

This course is delivered through a flexible and supportive blended learning model, combining self-paced online study with structured workplace training. This format allows students to balance study with personal and professional commitments, while gaining hands-on experience in real care settings.

Theoretical Learning

Study the theory component of the course from the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you. Our online platform provides interactive content, digital resources, and access to trainer support throughout your learning journey.

Components include:

Self-paced online study via our secure eLearning system
15 nationally recognised units (9 core + 6 electives)
Digital learning materials, activities, and quizzes
Trainer support via phone, email, or video conferencing
Progress tracking and regular check-ins to keep you on track

You’ll complete the theory units before or alongside your practical placement, ensuring you are well prepared for real-world care environments.

Work Placement (Vocational Placement)

Workplace learning is a vital component of this qualification, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real aged care and/or disability support settings under the supervision of qualified professionals.

Components include:

120 hours of mandatory vocational placement
Conducted in a regulated aged care, disability, or community care service
Supervision by a qualified support worker or supervisor
Observation and third-party assessments to evaluate workplace competence
Assistance available from Oxford College in locating a suitable placement, if required

Before placement, students must provide:

A valid National Police Check
A Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Check (or state equivalent)
Proof of relevant vaccinations, including COVID-19 (as required by the host facility)

Units

Achieve your qualification by completing the following units of competency

Core Units

CHCCCS031
Provide Individualised Support

This unit focuses on delivering care and support tailored to the specific needs, preferences, and goals of each individual. You will learn to interpret individualised care plans and apply them in practice while promoting independence, dignity, and informed choice. This includes developing communication skills to effectively collaborate with clients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure the care being delivered aligns with the client’s evolving needs.

CHCCCS038
Facilitate the Empowerment of People Receiving Support

This unit helps you build the confidence and capability of clients by encouraging them to express their preferences, make decisions, and take control of their lives. You’ll explore strategies for advocating client rights, reducing dependence, and supporting access to services that enhance autonomy and inclusion.

CHCCCS040
Support Independence and Wellbeing

Learn how to support the holistic wellbeing of individuals across physical, social, and emotional domains. This unit teaches how to promote independence through personalised routines, enabling individuals to maintain a sense of control and confidence in their daily lives. It also covers recognising and responding to signs of compromised wellbeing.

CHCCCS041
Recognise Healthy Body Systems

Understand the basic structure and functions of the human body to effectively monitor and support the physical health of clients. This unit enables you to observe, report, and document variations in body systems that may indicate health concerns, facilitating early intervention and continuity of care.

CHCCOM005
Communicate and Work in Health or Community Services

Develop essential communication skills needed for a professional care environment. This unit focuses on clear and respectful communication with clients, their families, and your colleagues. It includes written and verbal interactions, active listening, and confidentiality protocols to ensure accurate and respectful information sharing.

CHCDIV001
Work with Diverse People

This unit highlights the importance of cultural awareness and competence in care. You will learn to work respectfully with people from varied cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It supports the development of inclusive attitudes and behaviours.

CHCLEG001
Work Legally and Ethically

Gain a thorough understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities in community services. This unit explores legal requirements such as duty of care, privacy, and mandatory reporting. It also addresses ethical dilemmas and decision-making frameworks that help maintain professional boundaries and client rights.

HLTINF006
Apply Basic Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control

This unit covers standard and additional infection control precautions to ensure safe service delivery. You’ll learn about hygiene practices, PPE, cleaning routines, and how to manage risks of cross-contamination in a care environment. This knowledge is critical in reducing the spread of infection.

HLTWHS002
Follow Safe Work Practices for Direct Client Care

Focus on workplace health and safety in direct care roles. This unit teaches how to identify and respond to hazards, follow safe manual handling procedures, and report incidents appropriately. You’ll also learn strategies to maintain your own health and reduce injury risk in physically demanding care work.

Elective Units - Ageing Specialisation

CHCAGE011
Provide Support to People Living with Dementia

This unit teaches the skills and knowledge needed to care for people living with dementia. You’ll explore how dementia affects cognition, behaviour, and communication, and how to adapt your care approach accordingly. You’ll learn techniques to minimise distress, support memory, and create safe, familiar environments.

CHCAGE013
Work Effectively in Aged Care

This unit introduces the aged care sector, including its values, standards, and best practices. You’ll learn about ageing processes, common health conditions, and the importance of promoting independence and respect. It also covers teamwork and the professional expectations of aged care workers.

CHCPAL003
Deliver Care Services Using a Palliative Approach (Release 1)

Learn to provide sensitive, compassionate care to individuals with life-limiting conditions. This unit includes pain management, comfort care, and emotional support. It emphasises dignity, choice, and cultural considerations in end-of-life care, while also recognising the needs of families and carers.

Elective Units – Disability Specialisation

CHCDIS011
Contribute to Ongoing Skills Development Using a Strengths-Based Approach

This unit focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities to build on their strengths and capabilities. You’ll learn to develop and implement skill-building activities that encourage self-reliance, engagement, and progress toward personal goals, promoting lifelong learning and inclusion.

CHCDIS012
Support Community Participation and Social Inclusion

This unit is about helping people with disabilities to participate fully in community life. You’ll learn how to support clients in accessing local services, building social connections, and participating in meaningful activities. Emphasis is placed on advocacy, inclusion, and removing barriers to participation.

CHCDIS020
Work Effectively in Disability Support

Gain insight into working within disability support frameworks. This unit explores rights-based approaches, person-centred care, and the practical delivery of supports tailored to individual needs. You’ll learn to collaborate with clients and professionals while maintaining safety, dignity, and independence.

Your Course Fee Includes

Delivery and assessment of your qualification

Study materials(including all resources)

Ongoing support from our Education Team

Cost and payment

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) course is available for only $2,000.00.

Initial Deposit of

$1,500.00 +

17 monthly instalments of

$29.41

Please see Fees and Refunds Policy for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) available

Oxford College of Health and Technology has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy, to ensure that an individual’s prior learning, achieved through formal and informal training, work experience or other life experiences, is appropriately recognised. This recognition may assist Learners to progress faster through a unit of competency, or allow the student full credit.

Click here to learn more about RPL and Credit Transfer

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