CHC43515

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

Learning Mode

Online/Virtual/FacetoFace

Location

SA

Duration

12 Months

Study Load

Part-time/Full-time

Course Overview

The nationally recognised Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work, equips students with the skills to apply peer work practices within the mental health sector. Graduates will develop the ability to work collaboratively with care networks and other services, assess and promote social, emotional, and physical wellbeing, and apply trauma-informed care principles. The course covers working legally and ethically, promoting safety, and engaging with diverse individuals. Peer workers use their lived experience of mental distress or caring for someone with mental illness as a key component of their role. Employment opportunities span government, public, private, and community-managed services, with positions such as Consumer Peer Worker, Carer Peer Worker, Peer Support, Peer Advocate, Peer Educator, and Peer Consultant. This qualification emphasises leveraging personal lived experiences to provide compassionate and effective support within mainstream or alternative mental health services.

Prerequisites

Learners in this program must have a lived experience of mental health either as direct personal experience or as a carer of someone with mental health lived experience.

Units of Competency

1 Foundations of Mental Health Practice

  • CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
  • HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
  • CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care
  • CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically

2 Client-centred Care and Diversity

  • CHCCCS020 Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
  • CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
  • CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
  • CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety

3 Peer Work Principles and Practice

  • CHCPWK001 Apply peer work practices in the mental health sector – 80 hour work based practicum
  • CHCPWK003 Apply lived experience in mental health peer work
  • CHCPWK002 Contribute to the continuous improvement of mental health services

4 Advanced Mental Health Support and Advocacy

  • CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
  • CHCMHS011 Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
  • CHCMHS008 Promote and facilitate self-advocacy
  • CHCADV001 Facilitate the interests and rights of clients

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) credit may be granted for relevant prior study or experience. For more details on the RPL process, visit: RPL page

Fee

Full Fee: between $500 – $6000 Subsidies by the Australian and South Australian Government are available for eligible candidates.
For more information visit https://socialrelations.edu.au//fees-and-payment/

Qualification Information Brochure

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Nationally Recognised
Training (NRT)

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the cultural, spiritual and economic sovereignty of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We understand that the ongoing violation of this sovereignty continues to harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s relationships, health, wellbeing and aspirations.

We are committed to strengthening the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

We recognise that respecting and nurturing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a benefit for all Australians.

We especially honour the Kaurna Elders of the Adelaide Plains and the Elders of the River Murray and Mallee Region, which includes: Ngaiawang, Ngawait, Nganguruku, Erawirung, Ngintait, Ngaraite, Ngarkat and small parts of Maraura and Daanggali, and Elders of Barngarla Country in the Far North and Boandik Land in Mount Gambier, upon whose country Relationships Australia South Australia offices are located.

As educators we recognise the Ancient Universities and ways of knowing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have existed for millennia, and we respect and honour First Nations expertise.