Ready to excel in disability support? This qualification is your key to delivering person-centred care that empowers individuals to achieve independence, self-reliance, and wellbeing. Perfect for aspiring team leaders, you’ll coordinate services, follow behaviour supports, and work without direct supervision. This is an AQF Level 4 qualification, setting you up for success! Click below for a snapshot of what this means.

With this AQF Level 4 qualification, you’ll be a disability support leader! You’ll master advanced skills to implement person-centred plans, manage complex needs, and lead with critical thinking. Expect to supervise small teams, ensure legal compliance, and drive positive outcomes in community and home settings.


Qualification Overview

At GEM College, we’re pumped to help you master empowerment and leadership in disability support! This qualification equips you to facilitate inclusion, manage safety, and coordinate care like a pro, perfect for roles requiring independence and team coordination.

Who is this qualification for? Experienced support workers ready to lead teams, manage complex cases, and promote inclusion in disability services.

How long does it take? Flexible delivery – typically 6–12 months part-time, including practical placement.

Can I use prior experience? Yes! Our RPL process can fast-track your completion.

Want to level up your disability support career? This qualification is for you! With over 30 years of training expertise since 1994, GEM College offers a top-notch program to hone your skills for roles like Disability Support Team Leader, NDIS Coordinator, or Complex Care Supervisor. Join us to shine in a rewarding industry!

This qualification prepares you to excel in leadership roles, where you’ll implement behaviour supports, coordinate NDIS services, and empower clients. Perfect for positions like Support Team Leader, Service Coordinator, or Inclusion Facilitator, you’ll make an impact in dynamic contexts.

Completion of: CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
OR
Completion of: CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
OR
Completion of: CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.


Core Details

Core Units

Unit Title Unit Code
Follow established person-centred behaviour supports CHCCCS044
Facilitate community participation and social inclusion CHCDIS017
Facilitate ongoing skills development using a person-centred approach CHCDIS018
Provide person-centred services to people with disability with complex needs CHCDIS019
Manage legal and ethical compliance CHCLEG003
Work with people with mental health issues CHCMHS001
Maintain work health and safety HLTWHS003

To achieve this qualification, you must complete 10 units: 7 core units and 3 elective units. We’ve made it super simple to customize your learning journey with these steps!

  • Start with the Core: You’ll complete 7 core units that set the foundation for advanced disability support leadership.
  • Pick Your Electives: Choose 3 elective units – at least 2 from the list in the ‘Elective Details’ section, and up to 1 from any current endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
  • Add Some Flexibility: For the 3 elective units, you can select from the list below or explore any AQF Level 4-level units from other accredited courses that fit your work environment.
  • Keep It Relevant: Make sure your choices align with your career goals and AQF standards for a solid, industry-ready outcome.
  • Click the ‘Specialisations’ heading below to see information about specialisations for this qualification.

There are no formal specialisations for this qualification. However, you can tailor your learning by selecting elective units that align with your career goals, such as NDIS coordination, behaviour support, or trauma-informed care. See the full list of elective units in the ‘Elective Details’ section.

Elective Details

See the ‘Elective Units’ table below for the full list of elective units.

Elective Units

Unit Title Unit Code
Demonstrate leadership in the workplace BSBLDR411
Lead effective workplace relationships BSBLDR413
Implement continuous improvement BSBSTR402
Facilitate the interests and rights of clients CHCADV001
Provide advocacy and representation services CHCADV002
Provide services for older people CHCAGE009
Provide support to people living with dementia CHCAGE011
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context CHCAOD001
Address the needs of people with chronic disease CHCCCS001
Assist with movement CHCCCS002
Assess co-existing needs CHCCCS004
Conduct individual assessments CHCCCS005
Facilitate individual service planning and delivery CHCCCS006
Develop and implement service programs CHCCCS007
Develop strategies to address unmet needs CHCCCS008
Maintain a high standard of service CHCCCS010
Provide loss and grief support CHCCCS017
Provide suicide bereavement support CHCCCS018
Recognise and respond to crisis situations CHCCCS019
Facilitate independent travel CHCCCS034
Transport individuals CHCCCS026
Identify and report abuse CHCCCS033
Support individuals with autism spectrum disorder CHCCCS035
Support relationships with carer and family CHCCCS036
Visit client residence CHCCCS037
Coordinate and monitor home-based support CHCCCS039
Recognise healthy body systems CHCCCS041
Prepare meals CHCCCS042
Support positive mealtime experiences CHCCCS043
Use communication to build relationships CHCCOM002
Develop and use strategies for communication with augmentative and alternative communication systems CHCDIS014
Develop and provide person-centred service responses CHCDIS015
Develop and promote positive person-centred behaviour supports CHCDIS016
Work effectively in disability support CHCDIS020
Prepare for NDIS support coordination CHCDIS021
Coordinate NDIS participant support* CHCDIS022
Provide specialised support* CHCDIS023
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety CHCDIV002
Manage and promote diversity CHCDIV003
Meet statutory and organisation information requirements CHCINM001
Develop, implement and review quality framework CHCMGT001
Manage partnership agreements with service providers CHCMGT002
Work effectively in trauma informed care CHCMHS007
Deliver care services using a palliative approach CHCPAL003
Contribute to planning and implementation of care services using a palliative approach* CHCPAL004
Confirm physical health status HLTAAP002
Follow basic food safety practices HLTFSE001
Assist clients with medication HLTHPS006
Recognise and respond to oral health issues HLTOHC007
Manage work health and safety HLTWHS004

Delivery Modes

Choose a learning style that fits your busy life.

Learn at your own pace with our GEM Online Campus, complete with interactive guides, or go for our blended option with face-to-face intensives and online seminars facilitated by our world-class trainers.

Plan for 800 hours over 6–12 months (about 15–20 hours a week) including hands-on, work-based activities.


Fees and Funding

Your investment is $3,950, covering all the essentials, with flexible payment options to suit you! Pay easily with EFTPOS, Visa, MasterCard, cheque, money order, or purchase order. Just a heads-up: we may need a quick chat with one of our friendly course advisors before accepting upfront payments over $1,500.

You might be eligible for funding to make this course even more affordable! Check out gemcollege.edu.au/financial-assistance to see what’s available. State government subsidies could be up for grabs in your area—just chat with your friendly GEM representative to find out more!

Got questions about payment options? Our friendly advisors at the Administration Centre are ready to help—give us a call at (08) 8342 3316 to find the perfect plan for you! Just so you know, fees, charges, and course offerings may change from time to time.

We’ve got everything you need to succeed! You’ll have our dedicated trainers by your side, cheering you on every step of the way. Plus, you’ll get:

  • Dive into our vibrant GEM Online Campus, loaded with interactive Onscreen Guides to make learning fun and easy!
  • Get a custom Learner Guide for each unit to guide you like a trusty map.
  • Ace your assessments with a tailored Assessment Guide for every unit.
  • Unlock all the must-have reference materials to fuel your success.

Want to dive deeper? You can request extra resources to boost your learning, though these may come with a small additional cost.

Our Board of Directors provides full and partial Scholarships each year, under our ‘Each One Trains One’ program. They’re open to both new and current students, whether you’re in Australia or overseas. Some even come with support from industry or non-profit partners. If you believe you are deserving of a Scholarship (full or partial) we invite you to visit gemcollege.edu.au/scholarships to learn how to get started.


Assessment

Show off your skills through practical, portfolio-based assessments.

Ready to show what you’ve learned? Our assessments are designed to help you succeed with ease! Here’s how it works:

  • Each unit includes practical activities to enable you to develop and contextualise your knowledge and skills.
  • Your tutor will give you a heads-up to enable you to prepare—no surprise assessments!
  • Submit your portfolio before or bring it to the assessment.
  • For face-to-face assessments, attendance is key—if you’re unwell, just let us know to reschedule.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Got skills from past studies, work, or life? We could recognize them if you can show us enough evidence to demonstrate this. This could help you finish your qualification faster!

Already mastered all units? Show off your expertise with a major project, applying your skills across different sectors or situations. Visit gemcollege.edu.au for more details!

Need extra support? We’ve got your back! Talk to your tutor about any condition or need that might affect your assessments. We can make adjustments to help you succeed, such as:

  • Accessible training materials and flexible delivery methods.
  • Adapted environments or equipment to suit you.
  • Extra time or flexible deadlines when you need them.
  • Support like interpreters or assistive technology.

While we tailor tasks to fit your needs, the core competencies stay unchanged. Visit gemcollege.edu.au for more info!


Student Journey

We’re by your side every step, making sure your experience is tailored for success.

We’ve got your back with policies on orientation, student conduct, anti-discrimination, privacy, and bullying prevention. Check them out at gemcollege.edu.au/students.

If something’s not right, talk to your Tutor or Campus Manager. Still need help? Escalate to our National Manager or Director. We value your feedback and ensure no discrimination—check our Customer Service Charter at gemcollege.edu.au/student-policies.

Your privacy is safe with us, used only for educational purposes and fully compliant with Australian privacy laws. Check our policy at gemcollege.edu.au/student-policies.


Why GEM College?

“GEM gave me the tools to lead with empathy and make a real difference.” – Jamie R., GEM Graduate

  • Learn from trainers who’ve been there, done that in the industry.
  • Turn your experience into credits with RPL options.
  • Get personalized support from day one.

Ready to Start?

Ready to elevate your disability support career with GEM College? Hit the Enrollment Application button below to kick off a no-obligation chat with our team to explore your options.

  • Step 1: Contact Us
  • Step 2: Interview
  • Step 3: Enroll

Enrollment Application


Contact Details

Let’s chat about your future in disability support!

Chat with Us

Address: GEM College of International Business, 52 Prospect Road, Prospect, SA 5082

Phone: (08) 8342 3316

Mobile: 0411 694 717

Email: administration@gemcollege.edu.au

Web: gemcollege.edu.au