The Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work has been developed and supports a nationally recognised qualification for peer workers to help facilitate recognition and broader engagement of peer workers throughout the mental health sector. As a Mental Health Peer Worker, you are employed in a job where you can empower groups in your community. This role is a rewarding job and a great way to give back to your community by making a difference in people’s everyday lives. The development of the qualification has involved a rigorous process with input from technical and advisory groups including peer workers and people with a lived experience.
By undertaking this training, you will be provided with a foundation to recovery-oriented practice through experiential activities, reflections and completion of workbooks and assessment items. Recovery oriented practice training involves participatory learning, which incorporates the concepts, principles and philosophical framework of recovery-oriented community and mental health practice. The training is delivered through a combination of face-to-face workshops, using self-paced learner resources and activities, and recognition of prior learning (including individualized training plans that incorporate robust reasonable adjustment).
This qualification reflects the role of workers who have lived experience of mental illness as either a consumer or carer and who work in mental health services in roles that support consumer peers or carer peers. Workers are employed in the mental health sector in government, public, private or community managed services.
This qualification may provide an appropriate pathway into higher level qualifications, such as those in aged care, mental health, disability and home and community care.
JOB PROSPECTS
Successful completion of this course may enable you to work in the following occupational titles:
- Peer Mentor
- Advocacy Worker
- Peer Education Officer
- Carer
- Youth Peer Worker
- Consumer Consultant
- Carer Consultant
- Mental Health Peer Worker
- Family Advocate
- Consumer Representative
COURSE DURATION
18months – Students are expected to spend approximately 10 study hours per week.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Total number of units = 15 (8 core units + 7 elective units)
CORE UNITS (8 units)
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care |
| CHCMHS008 | Promote and facilitate self-advocacy |
| CHCMHS011 | Assess and promote social, emotional and physical well being |
| CHCPWK001 | Apply peer work practices in the mental health sector |
| CHCPWK002 | Contribute to the continuous improvement of mental health services |
| CHCPWK003 | Apply lived experience in mental health peer work |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety |
ELECTIVE UNTS (7 units)
Elective Group A – Consumer Peer Work Specialisation
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| CHCPWK004 | Work effectively in consumer mental health peer work |
| CHCCCS003 | Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide |
| 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 |
80 Hours of work placement required
