Certificate IV in Mental Health

The Certificate IV in Mental Health will give you the foundation knowledge and skills to provide a wide range of services, including establishing self-directed recovery relationships and providing recovery oriented mental health services.

Upon completion of this course you will have gained confidence and knowledge in:

dual diagnosis and co-existing needs providing mental health services mental health recovery approaches networking and working collaboratively understanding and working with diversity legal and ethical issues.

Participating in 80 hours of work placement will give you practical industry experience as well as on-the-job confidence.

You’ll also further develop your communication skills and your ability to develop and maintain relationships and partnerships.

To be awarded the CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health, a student must successfully complete a total of fifteen (15) units of competency, comprising of:

• eleven (11) core units, and;

• four (4) elective units, of which:

• at least two (2) units must be selected from the electives listed in the CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health qualification, including at least one (1) unit from the At Risk group, and;
• up to two (2) units may be selected from any endorsed training package or accredited course – these units must be relevant to the work outcome.

All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome as well as be approved by Victoria University Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

• CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
• CHCDIV002 - Promote Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
• CHCLEG001 - Work legally and ethically
• CHCMHS002 - Establish self-directed recovery relationships
• CHCMHS003 - Provide recovery oriented mental health services
• CHCMHS004 - Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
• CHCMHS005 - Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
• CHCMHS007 - Work effectively in trauma informed care
• CHCMHS008 - Promote and facilitate self advocacy
• CHCMHS011 - Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
• HLTWHS001 - Participate in workplace health and safety

ELECTIVE UNITS

At Risk Electives

• CHCCCS019 - Recognise and respond to crisis situations

Other Electives

• CHCCCS027 - Visit client residence
• CHCPRP003 - Reflect on and improve own professional practice
• CHCSOH001 - Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.For employment and practical placement purposes, this vocational sector typically requires a current and satisfactory Police Record Check and Working with Children Check. Failure to provide the required documents in the timeframe specified by the Course Coordinator, means you will be unable to undertake practical placement in a workplace and therefore not eligible to progress in this course.The following are suggested sites you could visit to obtain these checks:- Police Record Check - http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274 - Working with Children Check - http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

Pathways to further study

On completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry into the following degree and in some cases receive credit for your study:

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about our study pathways to VU

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.