Course Summary
Course Category: Employment Courses
This accredited Special Purpose Level 7 course, Certificate in Supporting and Working with Families, 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.
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.
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 ID, whether this is perceived as positive or negative these familial relationships need to be supported and nourished.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Unit 1 explores the place of the family in Irish society and its legislative position in relation to both children and adults. The change in the role and status of the family as the person moves for childhood to adulthood is discussed and what this means for how families can best be supported to support their family member with ID throughout their life.
Unit 2 explores the experiences of families of people with disabilities and the impact of these experiences on them. The need for particular support for families around times of transition is discussed and the need for such support to be tailored to the strengths, needs and wishes of the family and the person with disability.
In Unit 3 examines the range of support issues expected and required by families and by the person with a disability, and the support roles that staff members and services can play in meeting some of these needs. The importance of actively listening to and empathetic communication with families is considered.
In Unit 4 we discuss the skills and competencies Social Care workers need to effectively support people and their families in a person-centred way. Helping ensure that the person and their family can develop a positive vision for and with the person demands that support staff are respectful and honest communication with families and that the real fears and issues of the family are addressed.
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
Progression to CAO Courses
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
