Human Services – Individual Support (Ageing)

This course would suit students interested in a career in the Health Industry. Individual Support Professionals provide high quality person centred support to customers in all aspects of their daily life. They work in the community and in residential care homes providing crucial, respectful, dignified, safe care which encourages independence whilst adhering to the individual’s support plan.

Certificate III qualifications are recognised entry-level for employment in the Health industry, so students could work part-time in the health sector while undertaking further study in this area. Students may also wish to complete this course for general interest.

A minimum of three COVID-19 vaccinations and the annual ‘flu vaccination are required to work in the Aged Care. Students need to meet all NSW and Australian government Health Order vaccination requirements to undertake Work Placement or an SBAT in the Health Industry. Work Placement is mandatory for all Human Services courses to provide credit towards the HSC. You will need to provide evidence that your current vaccination status meets all necessary NSW Health vaccinations requirements to begin studies in this course.

Qualification

CHC33015 – Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)

Course Duration/Hours

The following pattern of study is required to complete this qualification:

  • 360 hour course over 2 years, cresited to Pattern of Study as 2 Units over 2 years (240 hours) and an additional 2 Units (120 hours) in Year 12.
  • (Note: NESA also allows the completion of a 240 hour course, leading to a Statement of Attainment, but there is no 120 hour course available in Human Services.)

HSC Information

This is a Board Developed Course, Category B. Students who complete at least 240 hours of course work may sit for the optional HSC exam.

One Category B course (2 units) may be counted towards the calculation of the ATAR for university entrance. Students not wishing to achieve an ATAR need not sit the HSC examination.

Work Placement

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requires students to complete a minimum of 120 hours of work placement, usually undertaken as 3 x 1 week blocks. Work placement is a mandatory component of the course and must be completed prior to the student’s last HSC exam.

Students must be 16 prior to undertaking work placement as they will be in a work environment with vulnerable people and duty of care requires a substantial level of maturity. Therefore, students need to have their 16th birthday before 30 June in the first year of the course.

Days worked as part of a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship satisfy this NESA requirement.

COVID-19 Vaccination is required to work in the Aged Care Industry. Students need to meet NSW Health Orders vaccination requirements to undertake work placement or an SBAT.

Assessment

This course is competency based and the student’s performance is recognised against a prescribed industry standard. Assessment strategies may include:

  • Observation
  • Student demonstration
  • Questioning
  • Written tasks
  • Tests

Students are given a number of opportunities to demonstrate competence across the range of competency standards covered by this course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. If you have completed any training, either through your part-time work, TAFE or other school VET courses you have completed recently, or through experience gained in other ways you can apply for RPL. You should talk to your School VET Coordinator, Careers Adviser or course teacher for further information.

Costs

A course fee is generally charged by schools to cover consumable materials. Your school will provide further advice.

Units of Competency

To be eligible for CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) you must demonstrate competency in 13 units: 7 core, 6 electives: 4 Ageing Specialisation + 2 Aged Care. The units are as follows:

Preliminary

  • HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care (Core)
  • HLTINF001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures (Ageing Specialisation)
  • CHCCCS011 Meet personal support needs (Ageing Specialisation)
  • HLTAAP001 Recognise health body systems (Core)

HSC

  • HLTAID011 Provide first aid (Aged Care)
  • CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people (Core)
  • CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services (Core)
  • CHCAGE005 Provide support to people living with dementia (Ageing Specialisation)
  • CHCCCS023 Support independence and wellbeing (Core)
  • CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically (Core)
  • CHCAGE001 Facilitate the empowerment of older people (Ageing Specialisation)
  • CHCCCS015 Provide individualised support (Core)
  • CHCAGE002 Implement falls prevention strategies (Aged Care)
Further Study
  • Certificate IV in Nursing
  • Certificate IV in Aged Care
  • Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
  • Bachelor of Nursing
Career Information

Job Roles

These workers:

  • Carry out activities to maintain personal care and/or other activities of living for people in an aged care setting
  • Carry out activities related to an individualised plan
  • Report directly to a supervisor and are not responsible for other workers.

Duties and Tasks

Enrolled nurses may perform the following tasks:

  • Assist with initial and ongoing health assessments and the maintenance of patients’ health
  • Observe, measure and record patients’ conditions (their temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, for example)
  • Report changes in patients’ conditions
  • Attend to patients’ hygiene and comfort by assisting with bathing, showering, dressing and bed-making
  • Assist patients with meals when required
  • Assist patients with rehabilitation exercises and programmes
  • Assist in the care of wounds
  • Assist in emergency situations
  • Assist in providing education on health and lifestyle issues
  • Maintain a safe environment for patients and assist with the prevention of injuries.

Personal Attributes

  • Good communication skills
  • Tolerant, patient and tactful when dealing with people of different backgrounds, ages and cultures
  • Able to follow instructions precisely
  • Able to work as part of a team
  • Able to cope with the physical and psychological demands of the job
  • Able to solve problems and make decisions

For further information: http://www.myskills.gov.au/
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Course Flyer: HUMAN SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT (AGEING) FLYER for Subject Selection.