Community Services and Health
Certificate IV in Mental Health Work - Non-Clinical
For further information contact: Community Services & Health – Port Adelaide Campus
Telephone: 8303 2648 Fax: 8303 2647 Email: commserv@tafesa.edu.au
TAFE SA Code ERD
National Code CHC41102
Course Type Training Package Qualification
Industry Group Community Services, Health and Education
Course Group Community Services Management
Duration 12 months Full Time or Part Time equivalent
Career Profile Mental Health Worker
Expected Employment Outcomes
Work may take place in a range of contexts such as community based organisations, residential
rehabilitation services and outreach services.
Occupational names may include:









Case worker
Family Support worker
Indigenous Mental Health worker
Welfare Support worker
Mental Health Support worker
Rehab Assistance
Support worker
Welfare worker
Community Support worker
Application Selection
SATAC entry requirements



Applications must be made through the centralised TAFE Admissions system via SATAC
(South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre) by the advertised date.
Applicants can make one application for up to six course preferences.
Applications for Places Available courses are made direct to the relevant campus and a
separate application is required for each course an applicant may elect to study.
Campus Delivery Locations, Modes and Codes
Campus
Location
Study
Mode
Study
Load
Scheduled
Student
Group
Port Adelaide
On
Campus
Full Time &
Part Time
Day Only
Award
Application
Method
753075 SATAC
Direct
Skills Covered
Defines knowledge and skills required by Support workers and Case workers who work
autonomously under the broad guidance of others.


See back pages for Unit of Competency
Certificate IV Units of Competence:











Assessing and responding to individuals at risk of self-harm or suicide
Orientation to mental health work
Providing brief intervention
Providing non-clinical services to people with mental health issues
Providing support services to clients
Responding holistically to client issues
Utilising specialist communication skills to build strong relationships
Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers
Working with other services
Working within a legal and ethical framework
Implementing OHS plus electives
Minimum Entry Requirements
SATAC entry requirements
Any one of:






Satisfactory completion of SACE Stage 1 or Year 11
Satisfactory completion of SACE or Year 12
Any Certificate II (or above) in same or related area
Any Certificate III (or above)
Satisfactory achievement in the TAFE SA Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS)
2 years full-time equivalent verified work experience
Exit Qualifications
Qualification
Estimated time to complete
Certificate IV in Mental Health Work (Non-clinical)
(ERD)
12 months Full Time or Part Time
equivalent
Qualification/Certification
Successful completion of this course provides you with Certificate IV in Mental Health Work (Nonclinical). Students who elect to only do a certain number of units within this Qualification will receive
a Statement of Attainment.
Fees
Charges vary between courses and units and are based on a rate per curriculum hour. Concessions
may be available to holders of certain government concession cards, and in some circumstances
fees may be paid by instalment. A brochure detailing the refund of fees policy is available at each
campus. The standard TAFE SA fee for State Government-subsidised courses undertaken by
students enrolled in two consecutive semesters is capped at $1,285 in 2006. This fee cap does not
apply to all courses.
Students are generally expected to purchase their own textbooks, personal equipment, uniforms and
stationery.
Financial Assistance
This course is approved for Abstudy, Austudy and Youth Allowance benefits. Eligibility criteria apply.
The application form and further information are available from Centrelink or phone Abstudy 13 2317
or Austudy & Youth Allowance 13 2490. TAFE SA student services officers can also provide
information.
Recognition of Prior Learning / Mutual Recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises current competencies learned from other courses,
from life experiences, from training provided at work and measures those competencies against the
units of competence within the course.
In order to gain RPL, it is the student’s responsibility to provide evidence which may include
certification, references from employers, testimonials from clients and work samples.
For further information and application forms contact your lecturer or course coordinator.
Credit Transfer
TAFE SA accepts Australian Qualification Framework qualifications and statements of attainment
issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTO). Mutual recognition applies nationally.
See www.tafe.sa.gov.au/credittransfer for more information.
Support Services
General career and education counselling and learning support are available.
Contact the client services centre of your local campus for more information.
Licensed Child Care Centres operate on campus for students attending day classes.
Phone the centres direct: Port Adelaide 83032600
For child care options at other campuses; contact a student services officer.
Most campuses have a learning resource centre (library), cafeteria, student lounge and recreational
activities.
Apprenticeships & Traineeships
Many TAFE SA courses are offered via traineeship and apprenticeship schemes. Phone the New
Apprenticeships Referral Service on 1800 639 629 for information.
Assessment
The process of assessment, including method and timing is explained at the beginning of each
course. Methods of assessment vary between courses and may include quizzes, group work,
reports, assignments, practicals, on-the-job placement, tutorials or research presentations.
Students with special needs should contact their lecturer.
Access & Equity
TAFE SA is committed to ensuring that all members of the public have equitable access to
all of the courses offered and a fair and non-discriminatory learning environment.
Conditions of enrolment, including policies and procedures and TAFE SA Code of
Practice, can be accessed via the website and via the Student Pre-enrolment Information
available on campus.
This course information was last modified : 08/08/2006 3:43:00 PM
The fees listed are subject to change at any time and do not commit the Institute to charging the fees
indicated.
The information was accurate at the time of publication. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to
make any changes necessary.
Units of Competency
Packaging Rules
14 units must be selected for this qualification including:
- 11 compulsory units
- 3 elective units
11 COMPULSORY UNITS
Unit Code
Unit of Competency
CHCCOM3C
CHCCS301A
CHCCS402A
CHCCS403A
CHCCS405A
CHCNET4A
CHCCS9A
CHCMH1B
Utilise specialist communication skills to build strong relationships
This unit relates to the application of specialist workplace communication
techniques to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and clients,
based on respect and trust. It includes skills relating to interviews, running groups
and oral communication. Within the unit students will develop strategies to
support effective communication and represent the organisation to a range of
groups. Students will develop specific communication techniques to assist in
resolving conflict and skills that will enable them to implement mechanisms that
facilitate group discussions.
Work within a legal and ethical framework
This unit of competency is designed to provide students with an understanding of
the legal and ethical framework that supports the duty of care requirements of any
person working in the area of community services. It outlines legislation and
common law relevant to their work role. The importance of working within
guidelines of organisational policies, procedures and job description is explained.
Topics such as human rights, consent, advocacy, confidentiality and ethical issues
provide students with a broad overview of the complexities of working within the
framework.
Respond holistically to client issues
Gathering information to aid assessment in brief intervention and empower the
individual. The focus of the work is assisting clients that have complex issues
outside and in addition to the area of immediate focus, expertise or interests of the
worker and their organisation. For instance, the worker might work for an agency,
and possess relevant competence, in the area of child protection, but will still be
able to identify when say alcohol and other drug issues are important in the life of
a presenting client. Completion of the unit will also provide the worker with
competence to make decisions as to whether to refer or retain the client. The
worker will first be able to make a decision as to whether a brief intervention is
appropriate (instead of an immediate referral). The worker will be able to
implement and monitor brief intervention strategies in a variety of community
service contexts, with primary aim of helping the client accept intervention.
Provide brief intervention
This unit is intended to provide an understanding of Brief Intervention, its use
across a wide range of health contexts and the paper trail to ensure its
effectiveness. An appreciation of the factors that influence behavioural change
and the options to support those changes from the base for the learner to develop
skills in brief intervention. A non judgmental and non confrontational manner
combined with interpersonal communicational skills are required for this
competency.
Work effectively with culturally diverse clients, customers and co-workers
The intention of this competency is to prepare students for the diverse nature of
Australian society, and the implications of that diversity on performing in the
workplace and in working with clients. It addresses values and attitudes critical to
working effectively in the community services sector. Exploration of the definition
of culture and topics such as discrimination, racism, prejudice, stereotyping and
human rights guide the student to reflect on their level of tolerance and
acceptance of others.
Work with other services
Liaise and facilitate linkages between all community services including specialist
and general services in the community to ensure support of people in need.
Elements include: Identify and maintain links with relevant services, provide
relevant information to services and work with and support community service
organisations to deliver appropriate services to people in need.
Provide support services to clients
This unit applies to all workers who provide support services to a range of people
in a range of community service settings. A plan of care is usually negotiated and
the key outcomes obtained through this unit include the ability to contribute to that
care plan, implement it and evaluate its effectiveness. Successful completion will
indicate that the learner is able to explore issues, understand their role and its
limitations and work constructively to manage conflict and resistance.
Orientation to mental health work
This unit is intended to provide an understanding of the current context within
which mental health work occurs. It aims to provide an understanding of the
different models of care and how they developed, the influences of changing
social political and economic impacts and in particular the importance of a
consumer centred approach. Successful candidates would be well grounded in
understanding the different issues associated with a sector undergoing change.
They will also be aware of the different needs of people accessing mental health
CHCMH4A
CHCCH26A
CHCOHS401A
CHCCS501A
support in a culturally diverse society.
Provide non-clinical services to people with mental health issues
Support client participation in the organisation
These units are taught together they apply to all workers who may be working with
clients who have mental health issues. The unit involves
The collaborative assessment of needs,
The development of an agreed plan to meet identified needs
Provision of a range of services to meet those needs
Progress review and evaluation of the agreed plan.
The unit stresses the importance of involving the client in all stages of service
provision and presupposes an ability to provide services in a culturally diverse
society.
Implement and monitor OHS policies and procedures for a workplace
That the worker demonstrates leadership skills and management skills in
implementing and monitoring defined OSHW policies and procedures for a work
place or area. The worker would also be skilled in coaching staff to develop quality
OSHW practice as well as skilled in being part of the OSHW committee.
Assess and respond to individuals at risk of self-harm or suicide
This unit aims to provide community services workers with appropriate skills and
knowledge to assess and respond to individuals who are at risk of self-harming or
suicidal behaviour. The level of response anticipates that the worker would refer to
appropriate professional services when necessary. Since suicidal behaviour can
also involve harm to others, managing risks posed to third parties is also covered
in this unit. Elements include Identify and estimate the level and immediacy of the
current self-harm/ suicide risk, undertake the necessary action required to
promote safety and facilitate and strengthen the individual’s links to further care.
3 ELECTIVE UNITS
Recommended Electives:
Unit Code
Unit of Competency
CHCCS401A
Facilitate cooperative behaviour
This unit is concerned with the competencies required to respond to unacceptable
behaviour and support responsibility for behaviour management change.
Elements include monitor behaviour of the client, use communication strategies
used to de-escalate and respond to unacceptable behaviour.
Orientation to alcohol and other drugs work
This unit applies to all workers who may be working primarily with clients with
AOD issues and provides a basic introduction to values, services and approaches
applied to work in this sector. It aims to provide an understanding of the different
models of interventions and the values that underpin them, especially harm
minimisation, and the influences of the changing social political and economic
impact on the AOD sector. The different needs of people accessing services in a
culturally diverse society will also be explored.
Develop and Implement Community Programs
This unit reflects skills and knowledge required to develop, design implement and
evaluate community programs to ensure maximum participation. Elements include
develop program parameters, design programs with the community, implement
programs and evaluate programs.
CHCAOD2C
CHCCD4C