This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide self-directed recovery oriented support for people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability. Work involves implementing community based programs and activities focusing on mental health, mental illness and psychiatric disability. Work is undertaken in a range of community contexts such as community based non-government organisations; home based outreach; centre-based programs; respite care; residential services, rehabilitation programs; clinical settings; or supporting people in employment. Work is carried out autonomously under the broad guidance of other practitioners and professionals. This course will contain discussions, media and assessment material that covers sensitive topics that can evoke strong emotional responses in some individuals, including: (for example, but not limited to) abuse, violence, mental health, racism and trauma. Please be aware that if you have any unresolved or unsupported trauma in your personal life this may be triggered by the content, please take the opportunity to speak to one of our teaching staff to discuss. This course has simulations, roles plays and presentations, these are designed specifically to develop skills ready for the real work environment and are a compulsory part of the curriculum and our assessment requirements to meet compliance for your qualification.
Mental Health support workers can perform the duties of Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health in any community settings with the guidance of a senior practitioner e.g., Allied Health Community Service Worker, Social Worker, Psychologist, and or Occupational Therapist. Mental Health support workers can perform duties, but are not limited to the following settings: Aged-care facilities, Disability facilities, Schools, Community Health centres.
This qualification enables students to pathway into the Diploma of Community Services.
Classroom - Training will be delivered on site at SuniTAFE. Blended - Training will be delivered both on site at SuniTAFE and online. This course requires the completion of 80 hours of mandatory work placement. Placement is arranged by SuniTAFE.
Applicants are required to undertake a Pre-Training Review and will be required to undertake an interview with a panel including a Mental Health teacher before enrolling. Applicants must be willing to obtain a current clear Police Check prior to undertaking placement and are responsible for all costs associated. Applicants must be willing to provide proof of their up-to-date immunisation status including Covid-19 to employers to undertake practical placement, if requested. Applicants must have access to a computer and the internet. Applicants must obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to beginning second term and are responsible for all costs associated, and prior knowledge of an offence that may result in not being able to meet this requirement. Students may be withdrawn if not provided by this time.
12 Months
| Code | Unit Name | Hours | Material |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 | $0.00 |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | 25 | $0.00 |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 | $0.00 |
| CHCMHS002 | Establish self-directed recovery relationships | 60 | $35.00 |
| CHCMHS003 | Provide recovery oriented mental health services | 60 | $35.00 |
| CHCMHS004 | Work collaboratively with the care network and other services | 75 | $35.00 |
| CHCMHS005 | Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | 90 | $35.00 |
| CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care | 40 | $35.00 |
| CHCMHS008 | Promote and facilitate self advocacy | 50 | $35.00 |
| CHCMHS011 | Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing | 80 | $35.00 |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | 20 | $0.00 |
| Code | Unit Name | Hours | Material |
| CHCCCS004 | Assess co-existing needs | 80 | $35.00 |
| CHCCCS014 | Provide brief interventions | 75 | $35.00 |
| CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations | 45 | $35.00 |
| CHCMHS006 | Facilitate the recovery process with the person, family and carers | 50 | $35.00 |
| CHCSOH001 | Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness | 85 | $35.00 |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | 18 | $0.00 |
| 2024 | 2025 | |
| Government Subsidised | $6,382 | $6,602 |
| Concession | $453 | $377 |
| Traineeship | $3,248 | $3,299 |
| Traineeship Concession | $453 | $377 |
| Self-Funded | $6,382 | $6,602 |
| Intake | Campus | Course Details |
| 2025 February | Mildura Campus | Full Time, Classroom, Full Year |
