New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4) - (Disability Support)

Program Overview

The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4) - (Disability Support) is a blended learning program that prepares students to become support workers for individuals with disabilities. Through a combination of face-to-face, online, and work-integrated learning, students develop skills in building relationships, promoting safety, providing culturally responsive care, and understanding the disability support context in Aotearoa New Zealand. Graduates are equipped for careers in disability support services, community organizations, and residential care facilities.

Program Outline

New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4) - (Disability Support)

Degree Overview:

Objective:

Become a support worker, assisting individuals with disabilities and their families in the community, safeguarding and promoting their wellness.

Program Description:

• Blended learning approach: combines face-to-face, online, and work-integrated learning.
• Duration: 1 year (full-time) or part-time options available.
• Students attend the polytechnic for 3 days, with remaining hours in the workplace (minimum 6 hours per week) and independent study (approximately 9 hours per week).

Outline:

Courses:

• HWB4001: Whānaungatanga Building Relationships (30 credits): Develops skills and knowledge for building effective professional relationships with people, families, and communities in health or social service settings.
Students explore socio-cultural and historical factors impacting health and social outcomes, learn communication strategies, and practice working in partnership.
• HWB4061: Safety and Practice in Disability Support (30 credits): Develops skills and knowledge to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities, their families, and whānau.
Students learn about advocacy, ethical and legal implications of their role, and promoting safety in disability support.
• HWB4002: Leadership and Cultural Responsiveness (30 credits): Develops skills and knowledge for providing culturally responsive care and advocacy.
Students learn about quality improvement and its impact on health and wellbeing, reflecting on their personal leadership and teamwork skills to support self-management and health literacy in clients and their families.
• HWB4062: Disability Support in Aotearoa New Zealand Context (30 credits): Develops skills and knowledge to work effectively as a support person.

Other:

• The program is designed to meet the needs of the disability support sector.
• Students gain valuable work experience through workplace learning opportunities.
• The program provides a foundation for further study in health and social service fields.

Careers:

• Graduates can work as support workers in a variety of settings, including disability support services, community organizations, and residential care facilities.
• Potential career paths include disability support worker, social worker, community support worker, and health promoter.

Teaching:

• The program is delivered by experienced and qualified staff with expertise in disability support.
• A variety of teaching methods are used, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and group work.
• Students have access to a range of resources, including a dedicated learning center and online learning platform.

Assessment:

• Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including assignments, presentations, quizzes, and practical tasks.
• Assessment is designed to be authentic and relevant to the workplace.

Domestic Fees: $5,150 (indicative for 2023 intake)