New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 4)

The programme consists of seven modules totalling 120 credits at NZQA Level 4 and is delivered through face-to-face, on-site learning.

The programme is available through both full-time and part-time study options. It is designed to develop disability support practitioners who can apply professional, ethical, rights-based and person-centred approaches when supporting disabled people and whānau across a range of disability support settings.

Content includes:

• Module 1: Disability Support Practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Module 2: Person-Centred Practice and Rights-based Support
• Module 3: Supporting Complex Disability Needs through Enabling Good Lives
• Module 4: Communication and Engagement in Disability Support Settings
• Module 5: Professional Development, Wellbeing and Reflective Practices
• Module 6: Cultural Responsiveness, Inclusion and Participation
• Module 7: Disability Support Workplace Practice

Work placement:

• A compulsory 400-hour workplace experience is required. The NZSVET Academic Manager will assist in arranging a suitable workplace for students not already working in a disability support organisation.
• The programme is delivered over 31 teaching weeks, with 3 non-teaching weeks, for a total of 34 weeks of full-time study, or 62 teaching weeks, with 3 non-teaching weeks, for a total of 65 weeks of part-time study.

Graduates will be able to apply the following skills and capabilities in disability support settings:

• Person-centred Support: Apply person-directed planning and person-centred approaches to support the individual needs, preferences, goals and aspirations of disabled people.
• Rights-based Practice: Apply human rights principles, disability rights frameworks and ethical approaches when supporting disabled people and whānau.
• Strength-based Practice: Use strength-based approaches to promote independence, choice, wellbeing and positive outcomes for disabled people.
• Supporting Complex Needs: Apply appropriate knowledge and strategies to support people with complex disability needs and promote enabling good lives.
• Effective Communication and Engagement: Communicate effectively and respectfully with disabled people, families, whānau, colleagues and other support networks.
• Cultural Responsiveness and Inclusion: Apply culturally responsive practices, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, and support inclusive participation in the community.
• Professional Practice and Wellbeing: Demonstrate professional, safe and ethical practice, while using reflective practice to support ongoing professional development and personal wellbeing.
• Workplace Practice: Apply knowledge and skills effectively in a range of disability support settings, including residential services, community support, supported living, day programmes and community rehabilitation services.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old.
• Hold the New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 3).
• Hold the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) with strands in Healthcare Assistance, Newborn Hearing Screening, Orderly Services, Support Work, or Vision Hearing Screening; OR
• Hold an equivalent qualification; OR
• Have significant relevant experience, lived experience or capability in a related role.
• Undergo a satisfactory New Zealand Police Vetting/Criminal Record Check. The outcome of the police check will be retained in the applicant's file in accordance with NZSVET policies and relevant privacy legislation.
• Successfully complete an interview with the Program Lead/ Academic manager to determine their readiness, motivation, English language communication ability, and suitability for study and workplace placement.

In addition to the above, international students must:

• Provide evidence of English language proficiency appropriate for study at Level 4. For example, an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 overall, with no band score lower than 5.0, or an equivalent score in another recognised English language proficiency test. English language test results must have been obtained within the two years prior to the programme commencement date and must meet the applicable NZQA English language proficiency requirements.
• have a valid visa covering the period of study and appropriate medical and travel insurance.

This qualification may lead to further higher-level study in related disability and health and wellbeing areas such as:

• New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Level 5) (Practice/Applied Practice).
• New Zealand Diploma in Public Health and Health Promotion (Level 5).
• New Zealand Certificate in Kaupapa Māori Public Health (Level 5).
• Other relevant qualifications at Level 5 or above focusing on health, community, disability services, leadership or management.

Graduates may be employed in various disability support sector roles, including:

• Senior Disability Support Worker.
• Team Leader within disability services.
• Advocate for disabled people and their whānau.
• Case Manager or Coordinator in the disability support sector.
• Kaitūhono.
• Whanau Ora navigators.