SIL (Supported Independent Living) Master Course

In this pathway, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the core skills, knowledge and practices required to provide safe, respectful and person-centred support to people living in Supported Independent Living arrangements.

You’ll develop a clear understanding of supported decision-making and your role in assisting individuals to make their own choices, including how it differs from shared and substitute decision-making, effective communication, accessible information, dignity of risk, and strengthening decision-making skills.

You’ll explore the history of approaches to changed behaviours in Australia, gain a deep understanding of behaviour and the five stages of escalation, including de-escalation techniques – responsive and reactive strategies, learn the ABC model of Positive Behaviour Support,  restrictive practices, and how to develop, implement, measure, monitor and review Positive Behaviour Support Plans, including the role of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

You’ll examine the balance between duty of care, informed choice and dignity of risk. You will understand the consequences of breaching these obligations and learn how to support participants to make informed choices and live full, rich lives.

You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of Person-Centred Active Support, how to provide the right amount of support, and five key strategies for success.

You will review and improve your verbal and non-verbal communication skills, identify what causes communication problems or success, and be introduced to communication aids.
You’ll learn your obligations for identifying, preventing and reporting abuse and neglect, including definitions, warning signs and effective responses.

You’ll understand trauma, its different forms, causes and impacts on psychological, social and neurobiological functioning. You will also learn the principles of trauma-informed care, strategies for supporting recovery, and methods for preventing compassion fatigue, burnout and vicarious trauma.
You’ll learn what constitutes an emergency or disaster, your responsibilities in these situations, and how to best support a participant.

You’ll develop cultural awareness, understand why it is important in your role as a Disability Support Professional, how to respect people from different cultures, and how it enables compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards.

Lastly, you’ll learn how to receive and handle complaints effectively, why complaints matter, what reportable incidents are, and how to comply with organisational policies and procedures for reporting.