Mental Health (CHC40508)
This qualification covers workers who provide a range of community services focusing on:
- Rehabilitation and support for people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability
- Implementing community based activities focusing on mental health, mental illness and psychiatric disability, and
- Mental health promotion work.
Work may focus on engaging people with mental illness in community participation, prevention of relapse and promotion of recovery through programs such as residential rehabilitation, work in clinical settings, home based outreach and centre-based programs delivered by community based non-government organisations. This work may also involve supported employment and programmed respite care.
Career Opportunities
This qualification:
- Defines the knowledge and skills required by support workers and case workers who work autonomously under broad guidance
- Refers to specific knowledge of mental health issues and appropriate intervention processes applied in residential and community based settings.
Job titles may include:
Course Structure/Content
15 units must be selected for this qualification including:
11 compulsory units
4 elective units
Training Plan Example
Compulsory Unit Codes |
Compulsory Unit Names |
Nominal Hours |
| CHCAOD402A | Work effectively in the alcohol & other drug sector | 50 |
| CHCCS400A | Work within a relevant legal & ethical framework | 50 |
| CHCCS514A | Recognise and respond to individuals at risk | 45 |
| CHCMH401A | Work effectively in mental health settings | 45 |
| CHCMH402A | Apply understanding of mental health issues and recovery processes | 60 |
| CHCMH403A | Establish and maintain communication and relationships to support the recovery process | 40 |
| CHCMH404A | Conduct assessment and planning as part of the recovery process | 40 |
| CHCMH405A | Work collaboratively to support recovery process | 40 |
| HLTHIR403B | Work effectively with culturally diverse clients & co-workers | 20 |
| HLTHIR404B | Work effectively with aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island people | 20 |
| HLTOH300A | Contribute to OHS processes | 20 |
Elective Unit Codes |
Elective Unit Names |
Nominal Hours |
| CHCAD401A | Advocate for clients | 20 |
| CHCCS416A | Assess and provide services for clients with complex needs | 50 |
| CHCNET402A | Establish and maintain effective networks | 50 |
| CHCORG423A | Maintain quality service delivery | 45 |
| TOTAL | 595 |
Course Duration and Attendance
The course can be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis. . Studying on a part time basis will require attendance only once a week for up to 18 weeks (Not including work placement and Major Case Study). All courses are conducted on a regular basis.
Cost
Government funding may be available for eligible persons to cover cost of study.
Fee Payment plans are available.
For any enquireies about funding or cost contact CSTDC.
Qualification and Further Study
Upon achieving competency and completion of the course, participants will achieve Certificate IV in Mental Health Work (CHC40508) which is recognised as an entry qualification for the diploma in Nursing.
Assessment Methods
- Competency based assessment
- On-the-job and off-the-job components of training will be assessed in a holistic and integrated format
- Adult learning principles and practices applied
- Emphasis on the development of employability skills
- Appropriate attitudes and values
Skills Recognition
Before the commencement of a course we offer the opportunity for students to be assessed for RPL (Recognition of prior learning), RCC (Recognition of Current Competencies), and CT (Credit Transfer). This could lower the cost of training and speed up the completion of the course.
Written evidence and assessment is required and will be reviewed by our training staff.
Enrolment Process
An enrolment form needs to be filled out and can be obtained by contacting CSTDC or completing the enquiry email in the Contact Us section of the website.
