Working or volunteering in the disability sector? Our Certificate IV in Disability will allow you to take your career to the next level with all fees and charges covered by a Future Social Service Institute (FSSI) scholarship.
The scholarships, which are offered to people who are eligible for subsidised training, are delivered via our VCOSS-RMIT partnership with the support of the Victorian Government. The scholarships aim to tackle the overwhelming demand for skilled professionals in the disability sector, particularly in the context of the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The focus of our certificate is on ensuring optimum outcomes for aged care and disability service clients.
Guest speakers regularly feature throughout the course, which has been designed with input from organisations such as Women with Disabilities Victoria, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and people with a disability.
We work with industry to ensure graduates have the skills and competencies required by employers. Our program team includes teachers who have a disability and we encourage participation by students with a disability.
‘The students from FSSI are really values driven and understand the importance of person-centred support.’ – Joan Cooney, Annecto
Certificate IV Disability – CHC43115
The Certificate IV Disability allows graduates to forge a career in this challenging and rewarding field. Campus-based workshops run every three weeks, connecting students with sector professionals and consolidating on-the-job learning.
| Code | Competency |
| CORE UNITS | |
| CHCCCS015 | Provide individualised support |
| CHCDIS002 | Follow established person-centred behaviour supports |
| CHCDIS005 | Develop and provide person-centred service responses |
| CHCDIS007 | Facilitate empowerment of people with disabilities |
| CHCDIS008 | Facilitate community participation and social inclusion |
| CHCDIS009 | Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach |
| CHCDIS010 | Provide person-centred services to people with complex needs |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCLEG003 | Manage legal and ethical compliance |
| HLTAAP001 | Recognise health body systems |
| HLTWHS002 | Follow safe work practices for direct client care |
| ELECTIVES CHOSEN BY INDUSTRY | (all must be completed) |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues |
| CHCCCS025^ | Support relationships with carers and families |
| CHCDIS004^ | Communicate using augmentative and alternative communication strategies |
FSSI encourages the following eligible people to apply:
- those working or volunteering in the disability sector who wish to upskill and gain a qualification to better equip them for the NDIS
- disability employees who have the support of their employer to attend on-campus workshops every three weeks and validate their work practice.
Register your interest below to be invited to an information session.
Or for more information contact:
Steve Bruechert
VE Program Manager
Future Social Service Institute
steve.bruechert@rmit.edu.au
FAQs
Who is eligible for a FSSI scholarship?
Anyone who is interested in working in the social service sector. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those aged under 30, and people with a disability or from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as are older people wanting a career change. Applicants must be eligible for government-subsidised training. Use the eligibility checker to get an indication of your eligibility for government-subsidised training. This will be confirmed when you enrol.
I have a higher qualification, am I still eligible for a scholarship?
Yes, if you are eligible for subsidised training, (see above) as this is a priority program. Unlike Free TAFE, anyone can study a Certificate III with FSSI, no matter what level of education they have already achieved. The FSSI scholarship will cover your tuition /fees and Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
How does a FSSI scholarship differ from free TAFE?
Free TAFE refers to the Victorian Government’s commitment to cover course fees for priority courses, including the Certificate III in Individual Support. However, FSSI’s scholarship also covers student amenity fees and other associated costs, ensuring the course is 100 per cent free.
Will studying at FSSI impact on my ability to claim Free TAFE elsewhere?
Yes. People can only claim Free TAFE once and a FSSI course counts towards this, so you should be clear this is the course you want to be in. Click here for details on Free TAFE.
How likely am I to get a job after completing this course?
Trained disability support workers are in great demand with a predicted skills shortage over the next few years, ensuring you are well placed to continue a long and rewarding career.