Certificate IV in Mental Health

The Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 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.

The welfare, community services and health industry is one of Australia's fastest growing sectors, and is expected to continue growing strongly (Labour Market Insights). The Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 from Victoria University Polytechnic can help you launch your career.

This course is designed to prepare you to be able to provide a broad range of services such as establishing self-directed recovery relationships and providing recovery oriented mental health services. You will be able to work across a broad range of careers, including:

• community mental health practitioner
• mental health support worker
• peer worker
• community support worker - mental health
• mental health recovery worker.

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.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

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.

Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

• Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.