Care Assistant for HSE Disability Services – Major Award

Our online distance learning QQI level 5 Care Assistant Major Award is designed to give those wishing to work in HSE Intellectual Disability Services as a Care Assistant a thorough grounding in the necessary skills. The course is relevant and highly practical, with each module focusing on a specific area of care.

The eight modules selected are listed as minimum qualification requirements by the HSE to work as a Care Assistant in the Disability Services.

The course aims to prepare learners for a career both here in Ireland and Internationally by:

• Facilitating an understanding of the needs of the older person in relation to the maintenance of their independence, dignity, respect, self esteem and choice.
• Developing communication, intellectual, practical and caring skills to respond effectively and with empathy to the needs of the older person.
• Creating an understanding of current and emerging legislation that applies to the care of the older person.
• Raising awareness of the need for personal and professional development while working with older people and their families.

Whether planning to work in hospitals, in the community or in residential care, learners will find stimulating and functional modules with knowledge which can easily be applied to the workplace.

Modules Required Include:

Mandatory – All of the following components: – 120 Credits

• Care Skills (5N2770) – Click here for details »
• Care Support (5N0758) – Click here for details »
• Personal Effectiveness (5N1390) – Click here for details »
• Safety and Health at Work (5N1794)* – Click here for details »
• Work Experience (5N1356) – Click here for details »
• Care of the Older Person (5N2706) – Click here for details »
• Activities of Living Patient Care (5N3707) – Click here for details »
• Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652)* – Click here for details »

*Students taking these modules will have to sit an online examination at the end of the module.

All participants must have access to a professional Healthcare environment in the Disabilities sector to fulfill the assessment requirements of the course – which is at least 150 hours work experience but we recommend 200 hours where feasible.

Entry Requirements / Prerequisites:

• Leaving certificate, Level 4 certificate or equivalent in a relevant subject area and/or relevant practical experience (3 years minimum) – Please ask about our requirements surrounding Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for entry.
• Mature students (over 23 years) may be exempt from the above prerequisites.
• Learners will be required to undertake a practical supervised work placement (150 hours minimum) within the relevant vocational area. Note: This can be completed over the 13 month programme (Work Experience Module is issued from start).
• It is recommended that learners complete a Manual Handling or Patient Handling course in conjunction with this course although it is not a mandatory module this is something that employers may look for. Also please note that some Healthcare providers may require proof of Covid 19 Vaccinations before work placements are accepted.
• English Language Requirement: Learners entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information.
• Garda Vetting is required for all Healthcare placements and learners can apply for this through The Open College. Please check our FAQ\\\’s page for more information on Garda Vetting and International Vetting if you have lived outside Ireland for 6 months or more.
• Learners must be a based in Ireland and hold an Irish or UK PPS number.
• Learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to undertake an online programme: computer, broadband, email, Microsoft, recording equipment necessary for some skills demonstration tasks, and where applicable any other specialised software/equipment.
• As this programme is delivered through eLearning, students must be capable of sstudying on their own initiative.