We are closed Friday 29 March and Monday 1 April to observe the public holidays over Easter. We will be reopening on Tuesday 2 April.  For your campus opening hours please check our locations page.

Personalise my view
Personalise my view

😊 Personalise my view

We use cookies, including those from third-party providers, to enhance your online experience and deliver personalised advertisements. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies and our privacy policy

CHC43515

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

Specifically designed for people who have a lived experience of mental illness and personal recovery, this course will allow you to support people in their journey of recovery from mental illness.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Gold Coast Sunshine Coast
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 08 Jul 2024 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE
$0
Concession
$2,100
Subsidised
$3,015
Full Fee
$7,275
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Develop your skills in mental health peer work with this mid-level qualification. Learn how to guide and provide advice to aid people in their journey of recovery from mental illness. This course has been designed for people with a lived experience of mental illness (as a consumer or carer) who want to work or volunteer within the mental health sector. Growth in the mental health peer workforce is strong..

In this course you can choose to specialise in either consumer peer work or carer peer work. In both specialisations you'll develop communication skills, learn how to work with a diverse range of people, and gain experience working within the recovery framework. Our highly-experienced team of industry professionals will give you the one-on-one guidance needed to succeed in the industry.

Upon completion of this course you will be qualified to work in a range of residential, outreach, and peer support programs as a mental health peer worker. 

What can I do?

  • Coordinator - Mental Health (Carer Peer Work)
  • Coordinator - Mental Health (Consumer Peer Work)
  • Mental Health Outreach Worker

Course outcome:

CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

Supportive teaching staff

Our passionate teaching team have years of industry experience and are committed to seeing you succeed in your studies. You'll be taught by people who know what employers are looking for and where the sector is headed.

Fee-Free TAFE

The career of your dreams is within reach thanks to Fee-Free TAFE. Follow your passion with over 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from.  With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE. Learn more

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 7 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 80 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV001
    Work with diverse people
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work with diverse people

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS007
    Work effectively in trauma informed care
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS007
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to practice and contribute to the continuous improvement of trauma informed care within a service.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work effectively in trauma informed care

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS008
    Promote and facilitate self advocacy
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS008
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to encourage, support and promote self-advocacy. The promotion and facilitation of self-advocacy contributes to a person's self-determination, empowerment and right to make informed choices in regard to all aspects of their life.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Promote and facilitate self advocacy

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS011
    Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS011
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with individuals to assess, promote and review all aspects of wellbeing.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPWK001
    Apply peer work practices in the mental health sector
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPWK001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for working with the mental health peer workforce in a range of settings where peer work occurs.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply peer work practices in the mental health sector

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPWK002
    Contribute to the continuous improvement of mental health services for consumers and carers
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPWK002
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather information and contribute to the continuous improvement of services for consumers and carers.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of mental health services for consumers and carers

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPWK003
    Apply lived experience in mental health peer work
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPWK003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required by consumers and carers in the mental health peer workforce to use and apply their lived experience in a purposeful way.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply lived experience in mental health peer work

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS001
    Participate in workplace health and safety
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others. The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in workplace health and safety

Ways to study
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On Campus
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,100
  • Subsidised: $3,015
  • Full fee: $7,275
demo

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,100
  • Subsidised: $3,015
  • Full fee: $7,275
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Caboolture
On Campus
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,100
  • Subsidised: $3,015
  • Full fee: $7,275
demo

Caboolture

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,100
  • Subsidised: $3,015
  • Full fee: $7,275
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Southport
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time - Carer Stream: Online content, on campus workshops, practical assessments plus vocational placement
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,100
  • Subsidised: $3,015
  • Full fee: $7,275
demo

Southport

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time - Carer Stream: Online content, on campus workshops, practical assessments plus vocational placement

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,100
  • Subsidised: $3,015
  • Full fee: $7,275
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Southport
On campus with some online
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time - Consumer Stream: Online content, on campus workshops, practical assessments plus vocational placement
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,100
  • Subsidised: $3,015
  • Full fee: $7,275
demo

Southport

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time - Consumer Stream: Online content, on campus workshops, practical assessments plus vocational placement

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,100
  • Subsidised: $3,015
  • Full fee: $7,275
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Mooloolaba
On Campus
08 Jul 2024
1 year
Full time 2 days per week
Monday, Wednesday
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,100
  • Subsidised: $3,015
  • Full fee: $7,275
demo

Mooloolaba

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

08 Jul 2024

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2 days per week
Monday, Wednesday

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $2,100
  • Subsidised: $3,015
  • Full fee: $7,275
Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus and vocational placement

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

Download Brochure

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (CHC43515)

Ask a question

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

COURSE CODE: CHC43515
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

Entry into this course includes an interview/appointment with a teacher.
You will also be provided with an information fact sheet.

Resources required

You should have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and learner guides during orientation or at the start of each unit. Additionally, TAFE Queensland libraries have a  selection of relevant learning resources.

You are responsible for meeting the minimum standard of dress. For placement this includes wearing appropriate attire including enclosed shoes.

You will also be required to bring items including pens, paper, stationery and a USB.

Placement

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 80 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
This course requires you to obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check to be eligible to attend the vocational placement assessment component of your studies.

Prior to Placement, you will need to receive and provide evidence of the following checks:

  • You must complete your online NDIS Worker Screening Clearance application at this link - NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU), and nominate TAFE Queensland as your employer. There is no cost to students. TAFE Queensland will verify each student.
  • Students must also complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Online Modules (4 modules/approximately 90 minutes in total). Upon completion, students will need to provide their Certificate of Completion to both TAFE Queensland and their placement provider.
  • If you work with children on Placement, you will also need a Blue Card Working with Children Check. This is called Blue Card in Queensland or you will need the equivalent if you are completing your Placement outside of Queensland.
  • Please note: you can apply for both the NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and Blue Card by completing a combined application via the NDIS Worker Screening portal NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU).

If your check identifies that you have a criminal history, you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake placement and assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the relevant Placement Coordinator for further information.

Please note: TAFE Queensland wishes to warn you, as a Blue Card applicant, that it is an offence for a disqualified person to sign a Blue Card application.  For further information regarding 'disqualified' persons, please contact Blue Card Services.

Vaccination requirements
COVID-19 vaccination requirements across a range of high-risk settings have eased. There are no Public Health Directions in affect requiring you to be vaccinated in high risk settings. However, decisions on mandatory vaccinations will be made by the owner or operator of these settings. Some facilities may also mandate the number of vaccinations required. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

Important information

Those students who have a medical contraindication may be unable to complete the vocational placement component of their course. This means you may not be able to meet all of the requirements of your course and may not be able to graduate or receive your qualification.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more