Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 6 to 12 months. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and selected units.
* - Student Visa holders must study internally full time
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
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.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 80 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Community Services include:
>community rehabilitation worker
>community rehabilitation and support worker
>Outreach Officer
>mental health outreach worker
>assistant community services worker
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.
This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Students who successfully complete VET qualifications at the Certificate IV level or above and subsequently enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field or discipline, will receive advanced standing as detailed in the table below.
Completed Award Course Level | HE | VET | to a HE Award | Credit granted for a completed award in the same field |
Certificate IV | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Certificate IV | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Associate Degree | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points | |
Associate Degree | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Candidates who have obtained this level qualification could progress into Diploma Level qualifications in
Community Services or other related fields in the VET sector.
Fees
2022 indicative course fees: This course is free for eligible students who receive an NT Domestic supported place or from $9,300.00 - $9,950.00 for domestic full fee places. Actual fees will vary according to your choice of units.
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest provider of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
What will I study?
To achieve a Certificate IV in Mental Health a total of Fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising eleven (11) core and four (4) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 905- 995.
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 |
CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | 25 |
CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 |
CHCMHS002 | Establish self-directed recovery relationships | 60 |
CHCMHS003 | Provide recovery oriented mental health services | 60 |
CHCMHS004 | Work collaboratively with the care network and other services | 75 |
CHCMHS005 | Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues | 90 |
CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care | 40 |
CHCMHS008 | Promote and facilitate self advocacy | 50 |
CHCMHS011 | Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing | 80 |
HLTWHS001 | Participate in work health and safety | 20 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 595 | |
AT RISK ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY(compulsory) choose one of these | ||
CHCCCS003 | Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide | 110 |
CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations | 45 |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (Select remaining) | ||
CHCAOD001 | Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | 80 |
CHCAOD004 | Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues | 135 |
CHCCCS014 | Provide brief interventions | 75 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 310 - 400 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 905 - 995 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
CDU Domestic Entry Requirements
There are no mandatory entry requirements for this qualification. However, applicants who wish to commence this course need to have the required skills and knowledge to undertake the qualification at this level; e.g. completion of Year 10 or equivalent, and a general command of spoken and written English, to be able to meet industry standards for communication.
Generally, candidates will require evidence of the following for work placement:-
- A criminal history check https://nt.gov.au/law/crime/apply-for-a-criminal-history-check
- Ochre Card as per NT Legislation https://nt.gov.au/emergency/community-safety/apply-for-a-working-with-children-clearance
Essential requirements
English language requirements
I wanted to turn my regular job into my dream job, and the Charles Darwin University course offered exactly what I needed: practical skills.
Yulia
CDU Student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CHC Community Services Training Package.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Katherine, Remote
Study Mode:Online
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: (08) 8946 7766 or 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU VET has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU VET courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like VET and undergraduate.
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