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.
CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
Subsidised | $2,625 |
Concession | $1,800 |
Full fee | $6,435 |
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.
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 | |
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CHCDIV001Work with diverse peopleUnit 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. |
Work with diverse people | |
CHCMHS007Work effectively in trauma informed careUnit 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. |
Work effectively in trauma informed care | |
CHCMHS008Promote and facilitate self advocacyUnit 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. |
Promote and facilitate self advocacy | |
CHCMHS011Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeingUnit 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. |
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing | |
CHCPWK001Apply peer work practices in the mental health sectorUnit 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. |
Apply peer work practices in the mental health sector | |
CHCPWK002Contribute to the continuous improvement of mental health services for consumers and carersUnit 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. |
Contribute to the continuous improvement of mental health services for consumers and carers | |
CHCPWK003Apply lived experience in mental health peer workUnit 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. |
Apply lived experience in mental health peer work | |
HLTWHS001Participate in workplace health and safetyUnit 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. |
Participate in workplace health and safety |
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
Gold Coast | ||
CHCDIS003Support community participation and social inclusionUnit code: CHCDIS003 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with supporting people with disability in community participation and social inclusion using a person-centred approach. This involves enabling people to make choices to maximise their participation in various community settings, functions and activities to enhance psychosocial well-being and lifestyle in accordance with the person's needs and preferences. |
Support community participation and social inclusion | |
CHCGRP002Plan and conduct group activitiesUnit code: CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
CHCMHS002Establish self-directed recovery relationshipsUnit 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. |
Establish self-directed recovery relationships | |
CHCMHS003Provide recovery oriented mental health servicesUnit 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. |
Provide recovery oriented mental health services | |
CHCMHS005Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issuesUnit 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. |
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | |
CHCPRP001Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnershipsUnit code: CHCPRP001 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify networking and collaboration needs and develop formal and informal partnerships to enhance service delivery and improve professional practice. |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
CHCPWK004Work effectively in consumer mental health peer workUnit code: CHCPWK004 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish consumer peer relationships and work collaboratively with consumers and others to provide services. |
Work effectively in consumer mental health peer work | Consumer stream |
CHCPWK005Work effectively with carers as a mental health peer workerUnit code: CHCPWK005 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish carer peer relationships and work collaboratively with consumers and others to provide services. |
Work effectively with carers as a mental health peer worker | Carer stream |
Sunshine Coast | ||
CHCDIV001Work with diverse peopleUnit 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. |
Work with diverse people | Carer stream |
CHCGRP002Plan and conduct group activitiesUnit code: CHCGRP002 |
Plan and conduct group activities | |
CHCMHS002Establish self-directed recovery relationshipsUnit 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. |
Establish self-directed recovery relationships | |
CHCMHS005Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issuesUnit 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. |
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | |
CHCPRP001Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnershipsUnit code: CHCPRP001 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify networking and collaboration needs and develop formal and informal partnerships to enhance service delivery and improve professional practice. |
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | |
CHCPRP003Reflect on and improve own professional practiceUnit 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. |
Reflect on and improve own professional practice | |
CHCPWK004Work effectively in consumer mental health peer workUnit code: CHCPWK004 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish consumer peer relationships and work collaboratively with consumers and others to provide services. |
Work effectively in consumer mental health peer work | Consumer stream |
CHCPWK005Work effectively with carers as a mental health peer workerUnit code: CHCPWK005 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish carer peer relationships and work collaboratively with consumers and others to provide services. |
Work effectively with carers as a mental health peer worker | |
HLTWHS006Manage personal stressors in the work environmentUnit code: HLTWHS006 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. |
Manage personal stressors in the work environment |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
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
Campus | START DATES
![]() When your course is scheduled to begin |
Duration | WORKLOAD
![]() How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
![]() Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more |
COST
![]() The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more |
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Bundaberg | 27 January 2021 | 1 year | Full time 2 days per week. Plus 80 hours of Vocational Placement | Classroom | Full fee: $6,435 Subsidised: $2,625 Concession: $1,800 |
Hervey Bay | 27 January 2021 | 1 year | Full time 2 days per week. Plus 80 hours of Vocational Placement | Classroom | Full fee: $6,435 Subsidised: $2,625 Concession: $1,800 |
Maryborough | 27 January 2021 | 1 year | Full time 2 days per week. Plus 80 hours of Vocational Placement | Classroom | Full fee: $6,435 Subsidised: $2,625 Concession: $1,800 |
Campus | START DATES
![]() When your course is scheduled to begin |
Duration | WORKLOAD
![]() How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
![]() Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more |
COST
![]() The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mooloolaba | 27 January 2021 | 1 year | Full time 2 days per week. Plus 80 hours of Vocational Placement | Classroom | Full fee: $6,435 Subsidised: $2,625 Concession: $1,800 |
Campus | START DATES
![]() When your course is scheduled to begin |
Duration | WORKLOAD
![]() How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements. |
STUDY MODE
![]() Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more |
COST
![]() The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ashmore | 29 January 2021 | 1 year | Full time - online, workshops, practical skills assessments plus 80 hours of Vocational Placement | Mixed mode | Full fee: $6,435 Subsidised: $2,625 Concession: $1,800 |
Ashmore | 12 July 2021 | 1 year | Full time - online, workshops, practical skills assessments plus 80 hours of Vocational Placement | Mixed mode | Full fee: $6,435 Subsidised: $2,625 Concession: $1,800 |
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.
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 pathwaysNo 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.
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Entry into this course is determined via an interview with a teacher.
During your course, TAFE Queensland will arrange vocational placement for you in a health care facility, 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. You may also be required to cover the cost of travel and/or accommodation necessary to complete your placement.
Completing a 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.
Prior to placement you will need to receive and provide evidence of the following checks:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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