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CHC53215 / CHC53315

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs / Diploma of Mental Health

Dual award

Upgrade your career in the community services or health industry with this advanced-level course that will qualify you to work in mental health, specialising in alcohol and drug services.

Apply now
WAYS TO STUDY Online
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 08 Jul 2024 Duration: up to 2 years View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Full Fee
$14,181
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Take your career in community services to the next level with this advanced dual qualification. This course is perfect for those looking to work in mental health within the specialised field of drug and alcohol services.

You will develop the skills required to provide support and interventions to people with alcohol and drug issues and assess and promote social, physical, emotional and mental health and wellbeing. You will also learn to advocate on behalf of people with complex coexisting mental health, drug, and alcohol issues. Our highly-experienced team of industry professionals will give you the one-on-guidance needed to succeed in the industry.

Successful completion of this course will give you the essential skills you need to work as a specialised mental health worker in the alcohol and other drugs sector.

What can I do?

  • Mental Health Worker
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker
  • Community Services Worker
  • Mental Health and Disability Support Worker
  • Lifestyle Support Worker
  • NDIS Mental Health Support Worker
  • Homelessness Support Worker
  • Youth Mental Health Worker
  • Case Worker
  • Mental Health AOD Case Worker

Course outcome:

CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health

Supportive teaching staff

Our passionate Teaching Team has many years of industry knowledge and experience and are committed to supporting you throughout your studies and achieve your vocational goals. We work collaboratively with industry professionals including community mental health services and non-government organisations to ensure we keep up to date with industry currency and emerging trends.

Strong industry partnerships

As part of your course you will get valuable experience in real workplaces. Our strong partnerships mean you will learn the skills you need while also getting to know potential future employers.
Regular guest speakers will be invited to enhance your learning experience and give you an opportunity to meet and engage with industry professionals and community organisations.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete units as per the list below.


CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
To achieve this qualification you will need to complete 22 units:
Core Competencies: 16
Elective Competencies: 6

 

CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
To achieve this qualification you will need to complete 20 units:
Core Competencies: 15
Elective Competencies: 5

You will also be required to undertake up to 160 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

 

Please note that some units listed below are recognised in both qualifications either as core or elective, you will only need to complete these units once to satisfy the requirements of this dual award.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

  • CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCADV005
    Provide systems advocacy services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCADV005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to advocate and ensure that government, community and organisational systems broadly support and uphold human rights.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide systems advocacy services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCAOD001
    Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCAOD001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish and work within the current context, philosophy and values of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work in an alcohol and other drugs context

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCAOD004
    Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCAOD004
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and conduct assessments of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) clients to determine eligibility, service requirements and referral needs. This includes knowledge of factors affecting assessment for a range of different client groups including different genders, youth, older people, mandated and voluntary clients, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCAOD006
    Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCAOD006
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to confirm, conduct and monitor intervention strategies to address alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCAOD007
    Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCAOD007
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with clients to develop strategies for preventing and managing relapse, should it occur, as well as ways to deal effectively with potentially harmful behaviour.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCAOD008
    Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCAOD008
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design, implement and monitor ongoing therapeutic interventions drawing on evidence informed models and techniques. It involves holistic consideration of all client needs, and collaboration with other services.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCAOD009
    Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCAOD009
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with clients to establish treatment goals, and to develop and evaluate individual treatment plans to meet those goals.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCCS004
    Assess co-existing needs
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCCS004
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the diverse and multi-faceted needs of people and determine both internal and external services required to meet those needs.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Assess co-existing needs

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCOM006
    Establish and manage client relationships
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCOM006
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge to establish and manage professional on-to-one relationships with clients in the context of providing an ongoing health service or intervention.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Establish and manage client relationships

  • 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
  • CHCMHS005
    Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues

  • 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
  • CHCPOL003
    Research and apply evidence to practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPOL003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information need, gather information and critically analyse the information for relevance to own work.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Research and apply evidence to practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPRP002
    Collaborate in professional practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPRP002
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, implement and evaluate collaborative practice.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Collaborate in professional practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPRP003
    Reflect on and improve own professional practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPRP003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Reflect on and improve own professional practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAID011
    Provide First Aid
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAID011
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide First Aid

CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health

  • CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCADV005
    Provide systems advocacy services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCADV005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to advocate and ensure that government, community and organisational systems broadly support and uphold human rights.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide systems advocacy services

  • 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
  • CHCDIV002
    Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV002
    Unit description :

    The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS002
    Establish self-directed recovery relationships
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS002
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote the principles of recovery oriented practice, and to establish and confirm self-directed recovery relationships with people with mental illness.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Establish self-directed recovery relationships

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS003
    Provide recovery oriented mental health services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively in providing services to implement a range of strategies as part of recovery oriented service provision for people with mental illness.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide recovery oriented mental health services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS004
    Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS004
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills knowledge required to work collaboratively with the care network and other potential services for a person with mental illness. This work provides a recovery oriented practice approach, involving a variety of health and community service professionals working collaboratively with the person and their care network.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work collaboratively with the care network and other services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS005
    Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS009
    Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS009
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and conduct early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs focussing on mental health and wellbeing.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS010
    Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS010
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and respond to issues of complexity when supporting people living with mental illness and their care networks. The unit is based on a strengths-based approach and acknowledges that complexity is not a characteristic of an individual. Complexity may be impacted by a range of interactions between the worker, the organisation and the environmental context.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity

  • 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
  • CHCMHS012
    Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS012
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to support a person living with mental illness to develop recovery wellness plans and advanced directives. These plans outline the person's preferences and plans to maintain wellness and to direct actions and support strategies should they become unwell.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCMHS013
    Implement trauma informed care
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCMHS013
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people's specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Implement trauma informed care

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPOL003
    Research and apply evidence to practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPOL003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information need, gather information and critically analyse the information for relevance to own work.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Research and apply evidence to practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCPRP003
    Reflect on and improve own professional practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCPRP003
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Reflect on and improve own professional practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS004
    Manage work health and safety
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS004
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, maintain and evaluate work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area, according to WHS legislative requirements.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage work health and safety

Ways to study
  • You will study online however your classes will be delivered in real time via a scheduled timetable. You will interact with your teachers and other students using programs like Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online virtual classroom
08 Jul 2024
up to 2 years
Full time 2x Zoom sessions per week 11.30am
Tuesday, Friday
  • Full fee: $14,181
demo

Online virtual classroom

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
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.

up to 2 years

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 2x Zoom sessions per week 11.30am
Tuesday, Friday

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

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $14,181
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).

Yes

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 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, Zoom

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

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Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs / Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53215 / CHC53315)

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Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs / Diploma of Mental Health

COURSE CODE: CHC53215 / CHC53315
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
VET Student Loan - 2 x $18,097 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees.  The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees.  A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria
  • A sound achievement in Year 12 is desirable
  • Mature age applicants are welcome
  • It is recommended that you have support from a Mentor in the sector

Resources required

It is recommended that you 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.

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 160 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. 

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.

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