One in four New Zealanders have some form of disability, whether it is physical, psychological, sensory, or other kinds of disabilities. Pursue your passion in helping this part of our population and study to specialise in disability support or mental health and addiction support with this certificate.

Choose from one of two strands and get into the detailed world of caring for disabled people. Learn the responsibilities of support workers and how they care for their patients, their mental health or disability challenges, and their whanau.

 

What you study

Develop competencies across the broad scope of healthcare professions, including:

• Effective communication and engagement
• Advocacy and accessibility
• Culturally appropriate wellbeing/Hauora strategies
• Leadership and reflective practice
• Healthcare professionalism
• Safety and quality in Healthcare

 

Specialise in one of two strands: Disability Support OR Mental Health and Addiction Support. Each strand will immerse you in role requirements within that field and its responsibilities. Check with your Course Advisor which strand(s) are available.
At the end of your studies, regardless of your strand, you will undertake 200 hours of work placement at an aged care facility or similar working environment. Upon graduation, you will be able to work with a minimum pay of $28.25 an hour according to the New Zealand Government’s pay parity agreement (starting from 1 July 2023).

 

Career opportunities

• Addiction programme facilitator
• Day programme facilitator
• Residential support worker
• Disability information consultant
• Disability case workers