National Certificate in
Community Support Services (Foundation Skills)

TK1001

Starts Mid August
13 weeks full time equivalent study over 15 weeks
Domestic Student fees are $1774*
Study full-time
Thames & Te Kuiti Campus, Te Awamutu (Gracelands) & Taumarunui (CKC REAP)

THIS PROGRAM IS NOT BEING OFFERED IN 2012

The National Certificate in Community Support Services will give you the knowledge and skills to provide care for the older person, people with disabilities, people convalescing or people in general.  

The programme is a combination of workshops, visits to healthcare organisations and hands on work experience with a variety of health care facilities. You’ll learn hands on caring skills from experienced, qualified tutors who cater for your own learning style and provide individual support.

The modules in the programme will also help you to plan your future, prepare a CV and develop job search and interview skills.

Programme Content

This module includes:

• Infection Control
• Well Being and Quality of Life
• Safety and Security
• Working in a Health and Disability Setting
• Equipment and People
• Describe a Safe Working Environment
• Apply a Service Delivery Plan
• Pre-packaged Medications
• Rights and Responsibilities

Graduate Opportunities

The National Certificate in Community Support Services is provided in association with Gracelands Group of Services to give you exposure to industry experts. Graduates will be placed with Gracelands Recruitment Services which may lead to full or part-time work. Other areas of potential employment include:

• Support of the older person in resthomes and community care
• Disability providers in community care, residential care and community day programmes
• Special needs assistants and teacher aides in schools
• Vocational Services
• Rehabilitation Services
• Support staff in a range of industries

This certificate can lead to other qualifications in the areas of residential care, human services, mental health, diversional therapy, intellectual disability, nursing and nannying.

Entry Criteria

There is open entry to this programme but candidates may be required to demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success.

Candidates whose first language is not English or Maori will be required to have an IELTS score of 5.5 or above in all bands.

Prior to commencing the programme all successful candidates will be required to complete a ‘Consent to Disclosure of Information’ form. Candidates should be aware that some types of criminal conviction may prevent them from accessing clinical placements and completing the programme.

Candidates are required to indicate in their application whether they have had a physical or mental health condition. Candidates should be aware that some types of physical or mental health conditions may prevent them from accessing clinical placements and completing the programme.

It is recommended that candidates hold a current New Zealand First Aid certificate or are credited with the First Aid standards Unit 6400, Manage First Aid in emergency situations; Unit 6401, Provide First Aid; and Unit 6402, Provide resuscitation level 2.

Additional Information

The programme includes

• Visits to health care organisations
• Speakers and workshops
• Work experience with a variety of disability and health care organisations
• Learning to assist and support the older person and disabled to achieve quality of life
• Art and craft work related to the health care sector
• Literacy and numeracy support