At a glance
Specifically designed for people who have a lived experience of mental illness, this course will allow you to aid people in their journey of recovery from mental illness.
JOB PROSPECTS
- 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
Course overview
Expand your skills in mental health 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 workforce is strong, with the Australian Government expecting to see more than 50,000 job openings in the sector over the next five years.
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.
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.
As part of your course you'll 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.
Units
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| CHCDIV001 |
Work with diverse people | |
| CHCMHS007 |
Work effectively in trauma informed care | |
| CHCMHS008 |
Promote and facilitate self advocacy | |
| CHCMHS011 |
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing | |
| CHCPWK001 |
Apply peer work practices in the mental health sector | |
| CHCPWK002 |
Contribute to the continuous improvement of mental health services for consumers and carers | |
| CHCPWK003 |
Apply lived experience in mental health peer work | |
| HLTWHS001 |
Participate in workplace health and safety | |
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | ||
| CHCCCS017 |
Provide loss and grief support | |
| CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
| CHCMHS002 |
Establish self-directed recovery relationships | |
| CHCMHS003 |
Provide recovery oriented mental health services | |
| CHCMHS005 |
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | |
| CHCPRP001 |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
| CHCPWK004 |
Work effectively in consumer mental health peer work | Consumer stream |
| CHCPWK005 |
Work effectively with carers as a mental health peer worker | Carer stream |
| Sunshine Coast | ||
| CHCDIV001 |
Work with diverse people | Carer stream |
| CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
| CHCMHS002 |
Establish self-directed recovery relationships | |
| CHCMHS005 |
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | |
| CHCPRP001 |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
| CHCPRP003 |
Reflect on and improve own professional practice | |
| CHCPWK004 |
Work effectively in consumer mental health peer work | Consumer stream |
| CHCPWK005 |
Work effectively with carers as a mental health peer worker | |
| HLTWHS006 |
Manage personal stressors in the work environment | |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
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
Payment options
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.
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.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Important Information
Selection criteria
Entry into this course is determined via an interview with a teacher.
Placement
You may be required to have full COVID-19 vaccination to undertake vocational placement in a range of Community Services organisations. Potential students are advised to seek current information as policies may be updated.
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 Vocational Placement in an approved workplace, as part of this qualification.
Prior to Placement, students will need to receive and provide evidence of the following checks:
- You must complete your online NDIS Worker Screening Clearance application and nominate TAFE Queensland as you’re your employer). There is no cost to students and TAFE Queensland can verify you as a student.
- You must also complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Online Modules (4 modules/approximately 90 minutes). Upon completion, you will need to provide your Certificate of Completion to both TAFE Queensland and your placement provider.
- Additionally, if you work with children on placement, you will also need a Blue Card Working with Children Check (Blue Card in Queensland).
You can apply for both the NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and Blue Card by completing a combined application via the NDIS Worker Screening portal noted above NDIS Worker Screening Unit (WSU).
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.
Depending on where your placement is conducted, further checks may be required and your Vocational Placement Coordinator or Teacher can discuss this with you on an individual basis.
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, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.
You are responsible for meeting the minimum standard of dress. For placement this includes having access to and wearing appropriate attire including black or navy pants and fully enclosed shoes. You may also be required to purchase TAFE Queensland branded uniform items (including a polo shirt). More details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation.
You may also be required to bring other personal items including pens, paper, personal stationery and a USB.
Need to know
For all students who are undertaking courses that include Vocational Placements in a high risk workplace, Queensland Health has directed that students must declare your COVID-19 Vaccination status and evidence to either TAFE Queensland or the placement provider.
This may require you providing us or the placement provider information on:
- Your vaccinate status
- Last date of vaccination
- Evidence of vaccine status
Where this information will be collected as part of your application and / or enrolment process. Any data collected will be managed under the TAFE Queensland Privacy Policy.
This requirement is in place for all students in affected courses, including TAFE at School students.
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.
If you have any questions or concerns with this requirement, please contact our COVID hotline on 07 3307 4789.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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.
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.
How to apply
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. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
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 