Certificate in Supporting and Working with Families – Spring 2024

Everyone involved in the support of any person needs to recognise and appreciate the hugely important place held by families in the lives of people with intellectual disability, whether this is perceived as positive or negative these familial relationships need to be supported and nourished.

Families are often the only constant in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities; regardless of the quality of the relationship between support staff and the person with disability, staff inevitably move on.

The Certificate in Supporting and Working with Families is an accredited programme that equips the student a thorough understanding of family-centred ways of working so that the person being supported can achieve the universal good things of life.

Successful completion leads to a Certificate in Supporting and Working with Families Special Purpose Award, a QQI approved Level 7 qualification (10 ECTS credits)*.

Who is this course for

The course is aimed at staff in the disability sector whose role involves:

• Interacting with or supporting the families of the people you support
• Facilitating advocacy/person centred plans with people using the service; and/or
• Performing a supervisory role within an organisation that supports advocacy/PCP.

Course Content

The course is divided into 4 Units.

On completion of the course you should be able to:

• Critically discuss the nature and complexities of modern families and how cultural differences and legislation might influence attitudes towards people with disabilities;
• Examine the experiences, challenges and opportunities of families of people with disabilities;
• Critically examine the support roles expected and required of staff, services and families in supporting people with disabilities;
• Elaborate on the skills required to work in a professional manner with families to effectively support people with a disability.

Assessment

Successful completion of the course is dependent on undertaking a series of assignments:

• Completing a practical project (2,500 words) that ties together your learning and professional practice
• Critically reflecting on how the course has change your perceptions of your role
• Participating in an online discussion with a learning community made up of fellow practitioners and tutors

You will be supported in your assessment through the OTC’s innovative, award winning learner support model.

Next Dates:

The next course will commence in Spring 2023.

• Application deadline: Apply or register your interest now
• Start with online access to the course materials:  Date to be decided
• Zoom Orientation Session: Date/time to be decided
• Workshop 1 (morning): Date to be decided (9.30am – 1.00pm)
• Workshop 2 (morning) Date to be decided (9.30am – 1.00pm)
• Submission: Friday, Date to be decided

Please apply via the OTC’s Online Application Centre

To find out more, visit the course page on www.opentrainingcollege.com, or contact Conor at cmurray@opentrainingcollege.com.