Qualification details

Modification History

Not Applicable

Description

Certificate III may be regarded by many jurisdictions as the minimum level for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health work. In some jurisdictions, however, individuals may start at Certificate II level and when ready progress to Certificate III. The qualification structure for Certificate III supports both these options. This qualification is suited to Australian Apprenticeship pathways.

Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care covers workers who provide health care services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients, usually as part of a team, with ongoing supervision and guidance. Occupational titles for these workers may include, for example:

Aboriginal health worker

Torres Strait Islander health worker

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health work is an emerging area of work and occupational titles for those working in this area vary according to jurisdictional and workplace requirements.

Recognition 

All workers are to be given the opportunity to have their competencies recognised prior to undertaking any training. Assessment should focus on demonstration of the critical aspects of evidence and underpinning knowledge and skills identified in the units of competency.

Literacy /numeracy requirements 

At Certificate III the level of English literacy/numeracy must:

• support clear communication between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and the relevant health provider
• enable performance of tasks to the level defined in the unit of competency

Assessment methods must reflect the actual skills and knowledge defined in each unit of competency. Assessment tasks involving literacy and numeracy must only be used in so far as the same level of literacy/numeracy is required to perform the function being assessed.

Work application 

To be assessed as competent in this qualification, individual workers are required to undertake supervised work placements in a primary health care setting, supplemented by simulated practical application of skills and knowledge. Individuals must demonstrate consistency of performance over time to achieve competency outcomes.

The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice 

All workers undertaking work in health need foundation knowledge to inform their work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and co-workers and with clients and co-workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This foundation must be provided and assessed as part of a holistic approach to delivery and assessment of this qualification. Specific guidelines for assessment of this aspect of competency are provided in the Assessment Guidelines for the Health Training Package.

Pathways Information

Not Applicable

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not Applicable

Entry Requirements

Not Applicable

Employability Skills Summary

Refer to the Topic: Introduction to the Employability Skills Qualification Summaries

Packaging Rules

PACKAGING RULES  14 units of competency are required for award of this qualification, including: 13 core units 1 elective unit A wide range of elective units is available, including: Relevant electives listed below Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in Health and/or Community Services Training Packages Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, a unit of competency packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in other relevant Training Packages

Core units 

BSBINM201A Process and maintain workplace information 

HLTAHW301B Work in Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health care context 

HLTAHW302B Facilitate communication between clients and service providers 

HLTAHW303B Advocate for the rights and needs of community members 

HLTAHW304B Undertake basic health assessments 

HLTAHW305B Plan and implement basic health care 

HLTAHW306B Provide information about social and emotional support 

HLTAHW307B Identify community health issues , needs and strategies 

HLTAHW308B Assist with basic health screening , promotion and education services 

HLTFA301C Apply first aid 

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures 

HLTOHS300B Contribute to OHS processes 

HLTPOP307C Provide information and support on environmental health issues 

Relevant electives 

BSBWOR204A Use business technology 

CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector 

CHCCD413D Work within specific communities 

CHCCHILD401A Identify and respond to children and young people at risk 

CHCCHILD404A Support the rights and safety of children and young people 

CHCCM401D Undertake case management 

CHCCM402D Establish and monitor a case plan 

CHCCS305B Assist clients with medication 

CHCLLN403A Identify clients with language , literacy and numeracy needs and respond effectively 

CHCMH301B Work effectively in mental health 

or 

CHCMH411A Work with people with mental health issues 

CHCOHC303A Use basic oral health screening tools 

CHCOHC401A Inform and encourage clients and groups to understand and achieve good oral health 

CHCOHC402A Support clients and groups to learn practical aspects of oral health care 

CHCOHC404A Recognise and respond to signs and symptoms that may indicate oral health issues 

CHCOHC406A Provide or assist with oral hygiene  (Note pre-requ: HLTIN301C or CHCOHS312B)

CHCOHC407A Apply and manage use of basic oral health products 

HLTAHW309B Assist with substance misuse care 

HLTAHW310B Respond to emergencies 

HLTFA402C Apply advanced first aid  (Note pre-requ: HLTFA301C)

SIRPDIS002A Deliver prescription medicines to customers outside the pharmacy