At a glance
This skill set will give you the essential, entry-level skills you need to work in a range of mental health services. Watch this brief video for further information about the course.
COURSE OUTCOME
Statement of Attainment
Course overview
This skill set will provide you with a pathway towards working in the mental health and broader community services sectors. You'll discover how to use your own experiences to offer support to others using a peer model.
In this course you'll develop the introductory skills and knowledge required to work in a range of community services settings. You'll learn about the importance of working within legal and ethical frameworks and discover how to use and apply your lived experiences to support the mental health and wellbeing of others.
Successful completion of this skill set (including 80 hours of vocational placement in the industry) will start your preparation to work across a range of community services settings, including mental health organisations. This course is also a valuable pathway into other community services and health qualifications.
Intending applicants please note this skill set focuses on issues which involve identifying with the experience of mental illness and mental health (either from a carer or consumer perspective).
Sometimes you need skills, but don't need a full qualification. That’s where skill sets can help. A skill set is one or more competencies grouped together to give you the skills and knowledge to perform practical tasks. They can be non-accredited resulting in a statement of participation, or accredited resulting in a statement of attainment.
In response to COVID-19 the Queensland Government has committed $500 million to assist workers who lose their job or income with retraining, job-matching and other help to transition into jobs in key industries. As part of this package, a number of skill sets and micro-credentials can be accessed for free. Eligibility criteria applies.
Units
The successful achievement of this skill set requires you to complete all units listed below.
Ways to study
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes. Learn more
What you need to know about studying online
Intake
You will be able to access your learning materials from the first day of the study period. You must be enrolled to be able to access your learning materials. You will be expected to undertake additional self-directed study in order 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
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Selection criteria
The cost of this skill set is covered by the Queensland Government. However, eligibility criteria applies. For you to be eligible, you need to be:
- a Queensland resident; aged 15 years or over who is no longer at school; is an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident (including humanitarian entrants), or a temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, and
- a job seeker, and can provide evidence of access or intent to access the Australian Government’s JobSeeker payment, or a copy of an Australian Government-issued concession card or evidence that I have applied for an Australian Government-issued concession card or
- a worker who has been negatively impacted by COVID-19, experiencing circumstances such as one or more of, but not limited to the following; displacement, loss of income, reduced hours of employment, stand-down or other such circumstance, and if asked, could provide evidence of this.
Placement
Students who are not working (paid or voluntary) in a relevant workplace are required to source and complete 80 hours of Vocational Placement in a relevant organisation in order to attain this qualification. The relevant organisation will need to be approved by the TAFE Queensland assessor. A Placement arrangement is not required prior to enrolling; however it is strongly recommended that prospective students identify potential organisations in their local communities during the early stages of their studies. Your TAFE Queensland teacher will be able to support students through this process.
Blue Card
To successfully satisfy all course requirements you will be required to apply for a Blue Card (working with children check). Learn More
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.
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.
Need to know
You can only apply for one skill set at a time. Once you have completed you can apply for another.
Intending applicants please note this skill set focuses on issues which involve identifying with the experience of mental illness and mental health (either from a carer or consumer perspective).
Watch this brief video for further information about the course.
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 