New Zealand Certificate in Disability Support (Level 4)

The programme consists of seven modules totalling 120 credits at NZQA Level 4, taught full-time and delivered through blended delivery. The programme is designed to develop disability support practitioners who can apply professional, ethical, rights-based and person-centred approaches when supporting disabled people and whānau in 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.

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.
• NCEA Level 2 (or equivalent), or New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) (or equivalent).
• Evidence of relevant employment experience in health and wellbeing and/or disability support.
• Applicants aged 20+ with relevant experience may be considered case-by-case.
• Satisfactory Police Vetting / Criminal Record Check.
• Interview to assess readiness and suitability for study and workplace placement.
• International learners must meet applicable English-language, visa and insurance requirements.

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.