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CHC43315

Certificate IV in Mental Health

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Course Description

Get a basic understanding of mental health and learn practical recovery orientated practices you can use as a Mental Health Support Worker, with Open Colleges’ online Certificate IV in Mental Health.

Why study this course?

  • Ideal for those just entering the sector or those with some experience in community services, this course will provide you with an introduction to mental health work.

  • You will gain a broad understanding of mental health, and learn the practical skills to advocate for people and help them on the road toward recovery.

  • Designed to ensure you’re job-ready when you graduate, this course includes a 120-hour work placement to help you develop your practical skills in a real community setting.

  • This online mental health course will set you on the path towards a personally rewarding career in a stable industry helping people to live their best lives.

What do you learn in this course?

  • You will learn how to provide recovery-oriented support for people affected by mental health concerns.

  • Through a combination of online study and a structured work placement, you will graduate ready for a career as a Support Worker or Mental Health Worker in a variety of community settings.

  • Studying online with Open Colleges is fully flexible. This means you can study whenever you want, wherever you want. You can access your learning materials anytime via your online campus, Open Space, and make your way through the course at a pace that suits your lifestyle

  • This course may also offer a pathway into further study, including a Diploma of Counselling, Diploma of Youth Work or a Diploma of Community Services.

This course involves work placement that currently needs to be undertaken in Australia. More information available in our FAQs

If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.

Potential career outcomes

  • Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker
  • Community Support Worker
  • Mental Health Intake Officer
  • Mental Health Outreach Worker
  • Mental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker

Course Details

Course number E1142
Qualification name CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
Course duration Maximum 18 months
Delivery Method Online with Work Placement
Recognition Nationally Recognised Nationally Recognised Training
Assessments Case studies, Demonstrations, Multiple choice questions, Portfolio of evidence, Presentations, Short-answer questions, Workplace assessments, Written reports
Awarded by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90197)

Requirements

Education

There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 18 years old.

English

This course involves reading learning content and undertaking a range of written assessments and engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 12 level.

If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 12 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate III level or higher; or
  • 3 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.

Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided by Open Colleges.

Computing

Access to others

This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.

Tools and equipment

You will need to purchase specific tools and equipment for this course. Click here to view the complete list of materials, equipment and tools required for this course. IT Requirements It is recommended that students have the following hardware and additional software:

  • Operating System:
    • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
    • Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher Note: (Microsoft Office 365 can only guarantee support on the current release of Mac OS, plus two previous versions. Older versions may work but may have issues)
  • Processor: 2 GHz or faster, 2-core
  • Memory: 8GB of RAM or higher z916GB recommended)
  • Hard Drive: Space 2 GB free disk space
  • Browser: Chrome is the preferred browser for students
  • Windows users:
  • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
  • 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)
  • Software:
    • Acrobat Reader
    • Microsoft Office 2017 or later (including MS Office 365). Note: if using an equivalent office software (such as Open Office or Apple Pages etc), ensure that documents can be formatted correctly and exported to common file formats
    • Audio recording Software (Voice recorder app, Garageband, or Audacity)
    • Video editing software (iMovie, Video Editor app)
    • File compression software
  • Internet Connection: DSL, Cable, or Satellite with at least 2mbps upload speed Note: it is strongly recommended that you have access to the Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop may be impractical due to your average weekly study hours.
  • Printer/Scanner: Access to printing/scanning devices or facilities may be required for certain course activities
  • Peripherals:
    • 1280 x 800 display (1280 x 1024 recommended) with 16-bit colour and 512 MB of V RAM
    • Speakers or headset for audio playback
    • Microphone for audio recording
    • Webcam or equivalent (such as a smartphone with video recording capability)
  • E-Mail Capability: Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail, Mail for Android or Mail for iOS apps)

Skills

To successfully complete this course, you will require basic computing skills. This includes:

  • Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents.
  • Accessing and searching the internet.
  • Downloading and saving documents from websites.
  • Uploading documents through websites.
  • Participating in online discussions.
  • Compressing image files.
  • Connecting digital cameras and downloading and storing images.

Physical requirements

Students will need to be reasonably physically fit to undertake the work placement as the tasks and activities associated with the work placement may involve manual handling and other physical activities. Where first aid is a requirement of the host organisation, you will be required to complete 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR on an adult manikin placed on the floor.

Mental health skills

During work placement you will be responsible for providing support and services to individuals and families experiencing mental health issues. This may include confidential individual, family, supporting families dealing with mental health issues, working with clients who have complex needs and working with children and young people experiencing abuse. It is important that you are able to work cooperatively in a team, act with cultural sensitivity, be accepting of diversity and be non-judgemental. Some of the learning materials are sensitive in nature and warnings are provided along with potential services that can assist with self-care and managing any personal issues that the learning may raise.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.

Subjects

Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.

Module 1

  • Communicate with clients and co-workers
  • Address communication needs
  • Facilitate meetings
  • Identify and respond to legal requirements
  • Identify and meet ethical responsibilities
  • Contribute to workplace improvements

Module 2

  • Work from a trauma informed care perspective
  • Utilise self-care strategies
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of trauma informed care in services
  • Prepare for assessment
  • Analyse the person’s needs using a collaborative approach
  • Determine appropriate services
  • Complete reporting
  • Evaluate assessment and referral processes
  • Assess capacity to provide support to a person with co-existing mental health and AOD issues
  • Work collaboratively to provide support services to address co-existing issues
  • Facilitate links to further care
  • Collaborate with the person to minimise risk
  • Review and report on support provided

Module 3

  • Reflect on own perspectives
  • Appreciate diversity and inclusiveness, and their benefits
  • Communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and situations
  • Promote understanding across diverse groups
  • Identify cultural safety issues in the workplace
  • Model cultural safety in own work
  • Develop strategies for improved cultural safety
  • Evaluate cultural safety strategies

Module 4

  • Establish the context for AOD work
  • Apply understanding of context to AOD practice
  • Integrate the core values and principles of AOD work into practice
  • Apply understanding of the impact of values in AOD practice
  • Identify and assess the person’s current suicide risk
  • Collaborate to increase immediate safety
  • Facilitate links to further support
  • Review and report on support provided

Module 5

  • Identify and build resilience and capacity in the person’s care network and community of choice
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other services and programs
  • Review and monitor services provided by other organisations and programs
  •  
  • Follow safe work practices
  • Implement safe work practices
  • Contribute to safe work practices in the workplace
  • Reflect on own safe work practices

Module 6

  • Promote principles of recovery and recovery oriented practice
  • Establish the context for a self-directed recovery relationship
  • Invite information sharing
  • Define and confirm the collaborative relationship
  • Share and collect information to collaboratively inform the plan for recovery
  • Facilitate collaborative planning process for recovery
  • Collaboratively implement plan for recovery
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with care support network
  • Support person during challenges
  • Collaboratively review the effectiveness of the plan and support provided

Module 7

  • Assess the persons wellbeing
  • Promote physical wellbeing
  • Promote social wellbeing
  • Promote emotional wellbeing
  • Promote cultural or spiritual wellbeing
  • Review the persons well being
  • Assist individuals or groups to identify their issues, rights and preferred options
  • Enable individuals to gain self-advocacy skills
  • Follow up and support individuals after self-advocacy
  • Promote self-advocacy

Payment Options

Pay in Full

You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo

You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan.  When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Payment Plan

You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.

BPAY®

With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more. 

BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.

Trainers

Sarah Burgess

Sarah has passionately worked in the training and assessment sector for almost 10 years, specialising in adult education for international students, new migrants and refugees. She holds a double degree in Bachelor of Arts (Social & Community Studies) and a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition). She presently delivers programs in the South Australian community as a Learning and Development Consultant, focusing on supporting individuals working through mental ill-health experiences and their recovery.

Sarah also works for ACATA Trust Fiji, as their Senior Community Health Education Officer (Nutritionist). Sarah has experience teaching around the world and has recently returned from living and volunteering in Fiji with the Australian Red Cross for some time.

Work Placement

The course contains a minimum of 120 hours of work placement

You will need to undertake your work placement in an organisation involved in the delivery of mental health to clients. The workplace will need to be able to provide you with access to specialist equipment and resources. The specific requirements of the workplace are outlined in the Workplace Assessment Guide. Your workplace assessor will ascertain whether the workplace is appropriate.

Immunisations

Each individual host organisation may have different requirements regarding vaccinations. Please discuss these with your Work Placement provider before beginning your placement. Please note – there are mandatory vaccination requirements within each state, and it is up to the student to ensure they are complying with their own state, territory legislation and workplace organisation policies and procedures.

Cost of work placement

All costs of work placement including any placement fees charged by the host organisation (whether to the student or OC), cost of statutory checks and vaccinations, travel, accommodation and uniforms are the responsibility of the student.

Partnership Details

Open Colleges offers this qualification in association with Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90197). The testamur will be issued by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd.

Become an Open Colleges student

Course at a Glance

icon for career outcomes

Career Outcomes

  • checkCommunity Rehabilitation and Support Worker
  • checkCommunity Support Worker
  • checkMental Health Intake Officer
  • checkMental Health Outreach Worker
  • checkMental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker
computer

Delivery Method

Online with Work Placement

credit_score

Payment

Flexible payment options available

Recognition

Nationally recognised

Nationally Recognised Training

Why study with us?

  • Study at your pace
  • Flexible payment options
  • Nationally recognised accreditation
  • World-class learning platform

Course at a Glance

icon for career outcomes

Career Outcomes

  • checkCommunity Rehabilitation and Support Worker
  • checkCommunity Support Worker
  • checkMental Health Intake Officer
  • checkMental Health Outreach Worker
  • checkMental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker
computer

Delivery Method

Online with Work Placement

credit_score

Payment

Flexible payment options available

Recognition

Nationally recognised

Nationally Recognised Training

Become an Open Colleges student

Get a basic understanding of mental health and learn practical recovery orientated practices you can use as a Mental Health Support Worker, with Open Colleges’ online Certificate IV in Mental Health.

Why study this course?

  • Ideal for those just entering the sector or those with some experience in community services, this course will provide you with an introduction to mental health work.

  • You will gain a broad understanding of mental health, and learn the practical skills to advocate for people and help them on the road toward recovery.

  • Designed to ensure you’re job-ready when you graduate, this course includes a 120-hour work placement to help you develop your practical skills in a real community setting.

  • This online mental health course will set you on the path towards a personally rewarding career in a stable industry helping people to live their best lives.

What do you learn in this course?

  • You will learn how to provide recovery-oriented support for people affected by mental health concerns.

  • Through a combination of online study and a structured work placement, you will graduate ready for a career as a Support Worker or Mental Health Worker in a variety of community settings.

  • Studying online with Open Colleges is fully flexible. This means you can study whenever you want, wherever you want. You can access your learning materials anytime via your online campus, Open Space, and make your way through the course at a pace that suits your lifestyle

  • This course may also offer a pathway into further study, including a Diploma of Counselling, Diploma of Youth Work or a Diploma of Community Services.

This course involves work placement that currently needs to be undertaken in Australia. More information available in our FAQs

If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation. You may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and complete your studies faster. Please note - limitations do apply.

Potential career outcomes

  • Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker
  • Community Support Worker
  • Mental Health Intake Officer
  • Mental Health Outreach Worker
  • Mental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker
Course number E1142
Qualification name CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
Course duration Maximum 18 months
Delivery Method Online with Work Placement
Recognition Nationally Recognised Nationally Recognised Training
Assessments Case studies, Demonstrations, Multiple choice questions, Portfolio of evidence, Presentations, Short-answer questions, Workplace assessments, Written reports
Awarded by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90197)

Education

There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.

Minimum age

You will need to be at least 18 years old.

English

This course involves reading learning content and undertaking a range of written assessments and engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 12 level.

If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 12 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:

  • Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate III level or higher; or
  • 3 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.

Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided by Open Colleges.

Computing

Access to others

This course includes a requirement to record video and/ or audio roleplays. These will require participation by 1-2 other people sourced by you.

Tools and equipment

You will need to purchase specific tools and equipment for this course. Click here to view the complete list of materials, equipment and tools required for this course. IT Requirements It is recommended that students have the following hardware and additional software:

  • Operating System:
    • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
    • Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan) or higher Note: (Microsoft Office 365 can only guarantee support on the current release of Mac OS, plus two previous versions. Older versions may work but may have issues)
  • Processor: 2 GHz or faster, 2-core
  • Memory: 8GB of RAM or higher z916GB recommended)
  • Hard Drive: Space 2 GB free disk space
  • Browser: Chrome is the preferred browser for students
  • Windows users:
  • Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 10 recommended)
  • 1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)
  • Software:
    • Acrobat Reader
    • Microsoft Office 2017 or later (including MS Office 365). Note: if using an equivalent office software (such as Open Office or Apple Pages etc), ensure that documents can be formatted correctly and exported to common file formats
    • Audio recording Software (Voice recorder app, Garageband, or Audacity)
    • Video editing software (iMovie, Video Editor app)
    • File compression software
  • Internet Connection: DSL, Cable, or Satellite with at least 2mbps upload speed Note: it is strongly recommended that you have access to the Internet from home. Expecting to access your course from your work internet or a public network like a library or coffee shop may be impractical due to your average weekly study hours.
  • Printer/Scanner: Access to printing/scanning devices or facilities may be required for certain course activities
  • Peripherals:
    • 1280 x 800 display (1280 x 1024 recommended) with 16-bit colour and 512 MB of V RAM
    • Speakers or headset for audio playback
    • Microphone for audio recording
    • Webcam or equivalent (such as a smartphone with video recording capability)
  • E-Mail Capability: Access to e-mail through an e-mail program or web-based e-mail system (e.g., Gmail, Hotmail, Mail for Android or Mail for iOS apps)

Skills

To successfully complete this course, you will require basic computing skills. This includes:

  • Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents.
  • Accessing and searching the internet.
  • Downloading and saving documents from websites.
  • Uploading documents through websites.
  • Participating in online discussions.
  • Compressing image files.
  • Connecting digital cameras and downloading and storing images.

Physical requirements

Students will need to be reasonably physically fit to undertake the work placement as the tasks and activities associated with the work placement may involve manual handling and other physical activities. Where first aid is a requirement of the host organisation, you will be required to complete 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR on an adult manikin placed on the floor.

Mental health skills

During work placement you will be responsible for providing support and services to individuals and families experiencing mental health issues. This may include confidential individual, family, supporting families dealing with mental health issues, working with clients who have complex needs and working with children and young people experiencing abuse. It is important that you are able to work cooperatively in a team, act with cultural sensitivity, be accepting of diversity and be non-judgemental. Some of the learning materials are sensitive in nature and warnings are provided along with potential services that can assist with self-care and managing any personal issues that the learning may raise.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy

Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.

Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.

Module 1

  • Communicate with clients and co-workers
  • Address communication needs
  • Facilitate meetings
  • Identify and respond to legal requirements
  • Identify and meet ethical responsibilities
  • Contribute to workplace improvements

Module 2

  • Work from a trauma informed care perspective
  • Utilise self-care strategies
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of trauma informed care in services
  • Prepare for assessment
  • Analyse the person’s needs using a collaborative approach
  • Determine appropriate services
  • Complete reporting
  • Evaluate assessment and referral processes
  • Assess capacity to provide support to a person with co-existing mental health and AOD issues
  • Work collaboratively to provide support services to address co-existing issues
  • Facilitate links to further care
  • Collaborate with the person to minimise risk
  • Review and report on support provided

Module 3

  • Reflect on own perspectives
  • Appreciate diversity and inclusiveness, and their benefits
  • Communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and situations
  • Promote understanding across diverse groups
  • Identify cultural safety issues in the workplace
  • Model cultural safety in own work
  • Develop strategies for improved cultural safety
  • Evaluate cultural safety strategies

Module 4

  • Establish the context for AOD work
  • Apply understanding of context to AOD practice
  • Integrate the core values and principles of AOD work into practice
  • Apply understanding of the impact of values in AOD practice
  • Identify and assess the person’s current suicide risk
  • Collaborate to increase immediate safety
  • Facilitate links to further support
  • Review and report on support provided

Module 5

  • Identify and build resilience and capacity in the person’s care network and community of choice
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other services and programs
  • Review and monitor services provided by other organisations and programs
  •  
  • Follow safe work practices
  • Implement safe work practices
  • Contribute to safe work practices in the workplace
  • Reflect on own safe work practices

Module 6

  • Promote principles of recovery and recovery oriented practice
  • Establish the context for a self-directed recovery relationship
  • Invite information sharing
  • Define and confirm the collaborative relationship
  • Share and collect information to collaboratively inform the plan for recovery
  • Facilitate collaborative planning process for recovery
  • Collaboratively implement plan for recovery
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with care support network
  • Support person during challenges
  • Collaboratively review the effectiveness of the plan and support provided

Module 7

  • Assess the persons wellbeing
  • Promote physical wellbeing
  • Promote social wellbeing
  • Promote emotional wellbeing
  • Promote cultural or spiritual wellbeing
  • Review the persons well being
  • Assist individuals or groups to identify their issues, rights and preferred options
  • Enable individuals to gain self-advocacy skills
  • Follow up and support individuals after self-advocacy
  • Promote self-advocacy

Pay in Full

You can choose to pay your course fees in full upon enrolment and benefit from a 10% discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Pay 50% & Payment Plan Combo

You can also choose to pay 50% of your total course fees upon enrolment and the balance on a Payment Plan.  When you do, you’ll benefit from 50% of the standard Pay in Full discount (unless otherwise advertised).

Payment Plan

You can choose to pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.

BPAY®

With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more. 

BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.

Sarah Burgess

Sarah has passionately worked in the training and assessment sector for almost 10 years, specialising in adult education for international students, new migrants and refugees. She holds a double degree in Bachelor of Arts (Social & Community Studies) and a Bachelor of Science (Nutrition). She presently delivers programs in the South Australian community as a Learning and Development Consultant, focusing on supporting individuals working through mental ill-health experiences and their recovery.

Sarah also works for ACATA Trust Fiji, as their Senior Community Health Education Officer (Nutritionist). Sarah has experience teaching around the world and has recently returned from living and volunteering in Fiji with the Australian Red Cross for some time.

The course contains a minimum of 120 hours of work placement

You will need to undertake your work placement in an organisation involved in the delivery of mental health to clients. The workplace will need to be able to provide you with access to specialist equipment and resources. The specific requirements of the workplace are outlined in the Workplace Assessment Guide. Your workplace assessor will ascertain whether the workplace is appropriate.

Immunisations

Each individual host organisation may have different requirements regarding vaccinations. Please discuss these with your Work Placement provider before beginning your placement. Please note – there are mandatory vaccination requirements within each state, and it is up to the student to ensure they are complying with their own state, territory legislation and workplace organisation policies and procedures.

Cost of work placement

All costs of work placement including any placement fees charged by the host organisation (whether to the student or OC), cost of statutory checks and vaccinations, travel, accommodation and uniforms are the responsibility of the student.

Open Colleges offers this qualification in association with Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90197). The testamur will be issued by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd.
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