course

♿ Your Guide to Subject Choices for QQI Level 5 Care Assistant / Health and Social Care Assistant for HSE Disability Services Major Award

🧾 Award Overview

  • Award Title: Care Assistant / Health and Social Care Assistant for HSE Disability Services

  • Award Code: 5M4339

  • Level: QQI Level 5

  • Credit Requirement: 120 Credits

This major award is designed for those wishing to work as Care Assistants or Health and Social Care Assistants, specifically within HSE Disability Services. It meets the educational requirement for employment in residential, day, and community-based disability support settings. Learners will develop the skills needed to provide person-centred, rights-based, and inclusive care, in line with HSE quality frameworks and national disability strategies.

📘 Required Core Modules (45 Credits Total)

These three modules are compulsory for all learners and form the practical foundation of the award:

  • Care Skills (5N2770) – 15 credits
    Teaches the core personal care techniques required to support individuals with varying physical needs, including hygiene, mobility, dressing, eating, and basic clinical tasks. This module ensures that assistants are prepared to deliver dignified and safe care in line with best practices.

  • Care Support (5N0758) – 15 credits
    Focuses on the role of the care worker, person-centred approaches, ethics, and professional relationships. It promotes empathy, advocacy, and empowerment for those receiving care.

  • Safety and Health at Work (5N1794) – 15 credits
    Covers legislation, hazard identification, manual handling, infection control basics, and workplace safety culture—an essential requirement for all healthcare settings.

🗣️ Communication Module (15 Credits Minimum)

  • Communications (5N0690) – 15 credits
    Develops interpersonal, written, and digital communication skills to support effective team collaboration and respectful, inclusive communication with service users.

💼 Work Placement Module (15 Credits Minimum)

  • Work Experience (5N1356) – 15 credits
    Involves a placement in a relevant care setting where you apply practical skills, observe professional standards, and reflect on your experience.

♿ Disability-Focused Elective Modules (30 Credits Minimum)

Complete both modules from this group to gain deeper insight into disability services:

  • Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652) – 15 credits
    Introduces concepts of intellectual disability, service models, advocacy, communication, and supporting individual autonomy.

  • Person Centred Focus to Disability (5N1728) – 15 credits
    Emphasises tailoring support to each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and rights, promoting inclusion and independence in all aspects of life.

🔍 Specialisation Modules (Choose One – 15 Credits)

Select one from this group to deepen your understanding in a specialised area of disability support:

  • Challenging Behaviour (5N1706)

  • Community Inclusion (5N1740)

  • Empowering the Individual (5N1749)

  • Facilitating Learning (5N1753)

Each module offers unique insights—ranging from promoting inclusive community access to supporting individuals to develop self-directed learning and independent living skills.

🧮 Subject Planning Tips

  • You must reach exactly 120 credits.

  • Maximum 15 credits may be selected from Level 4 or Level 6 modules (optional).

  • Prioritise modules that reflect your intended role in HSE Disability Services.

  • Select practical electives that build relevant expertise (e.g. Challenging Behaviour, Community Inclusion).

  • Core subjects like Care Skills, Care Support, and Person Centred Focus to Disability are especially valued in HSE job applications.

🎓 Career and Progression Opportunities

Graduates of this award can:

  • Work as a Care Assistant / Health and Social Care Assistant in HSE disability services, residential homes, and community support roles.

  • Progress to Level 6 Supervisory Healthcare awards.

  • Use the QQI Level 5 certificate to apply for further education in areas like social care, nursing, or occupational therapy assistance.

🧠 Example Subject Combinations

➤ Example 1 – HSE Disability Services Focus

  • Care Skills (5N2770)

  • Care Support (5N0758)

  • Safety and Health at Work (5N1794)

  • Communications (5N0690)

  • Work Experience (5N1356)

  • Intellectual Disability Studies (5N1652)

  • Person Centred Focus to Disability (5N1728)

  • Challenging Behaviour (5N1706)

= 120 Credits