Resource description
DARU has developed a Certificate IV in Disability Advocacy that has been accredited by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). It was developed from a 2010 survey of over 80 disability advocacy organisations across Australia and from a workshop with the Victorian advocacy sector in September 2010, conducted by People with Disability (PWD). Table 5.1 below provides an outline of the modules included in the Certificate IV. Students will be able to complete the course in its entirety or choose to take one or more modules. There will also be recognition for prior learning. DARU has begun the process of finding and engaging a Registered Training Provider in Victoria to deliver the Certificate IV in 2013.
Interview findings
Initially, organisations were not asked about the Certificate IV, given the resource has not yet been delivered. However, it became clear once the interview process was underway that it provided a good opportunity to canvas how they would like to see the course delivered, particularly regarding accessibility. As such, the results below reflect comments from 18 organisations.
- Fifteen organisations would be happy for the course to be delivered online, because they work part-time and they are geographically dispersed across the state.
However, five of these 15 organisations commented that at least some of the course should be delivered in person, for networking purposes and because advocacy is practical in nature. - Two advocacy organisations indicated they are not interested in undertaking a Certificate IV in Disability Advocacy because their advocates have higher qualifications.
- Advocates at three organisations were not sure the course would be necessary for their job or career.
- Two advocacy organisations stated that they would enrol their employees in the course.
Interestingly, a number of the suggested topics for training and professional development are modules within the Certificate IV.
Table 5.1 Certificate IV in Disability Advocacy Course modules
| Unit Of Competency/ Module Code | Field Of Education Code | Unit of Competency Title | Pre-Requisite | Nominal Hours | ||
| Core units | ||||||
| BSBINM201A | Process and maintain workplace information | None | 30 | |||
| CHCCOM403A | Use targeted communication skills to build relationships | None | 55 | |||
| CHCICS409A | Recognise and respond to suspected abuse of vulnerable people | None | 60 | |||
| HLTHIR403C | Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers | None | 20 | |||
| HLTHIR404D | Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people | None | 20 | |||
| HLTOHS300B | Contribute to OHS processes | None | 20 | |||
| VUXXXXA | 090509 | Apply a human rights framework to disability advocacy | None | 30 | ||
| VUXXXXB | 090509 | Provide disability advocacy | None | 40 | ||
| VUXXXXC | 090509 | Promote disability awareness | None | 30 | ||
| Total core duration | 305 | |||||
| Elective units (Select any 6 units) | ||||||
| Client Contact units | ||||||
| CHCCS407B | Operate referral procedures | 50 | ||||
| CHCCH427A | Work effectively with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness | 70 | ||||
| CHCCS514A | Recognise and respond to people at risk | 45 | ||||
| CHCMH411A | Work with people with mental health issues | 50 | ||||
| Work Environment units | ||||||
| CHCNET402A | Establish and maintain effective networks | 50 | ||||
| CHCORG405D | Maintain an effective work environment | 50 | ||||
| CHCORG627B | Provide mentoring support to colleagues | 60 | ||||
| Professional Practice | ||||||
| CHCCH522A | Undertake outreach work | 60 | ||||
| CHCDIS411A | Communicate using augmentative and alternative communication strategies | 60 | ||||
| VUXXXXD | 090509 | Deliver systemic disability advocacy | 30 | |||
| CHCPOL402B | Contribute to policy development | 50 | ||||
| Total elective duration | 275-350 | |||||
| Nominal total course duration | 580-655 | |||||
