Certificate IV in Mental Health
CHC43315
Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315
Course Overview
Learn how to provide support for people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability with the Certificate IV in Mental Health.
In this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge needed to enter an ever-growing industry and will learn the skills to provide self-directed, recovery-oriented support, implement community-based programs, and organise and run activities.
Students will also gain important transferable skills in case management and program coordination, which will make them a valuable employee in a range of community services organisations.
This course is available as part of the Free TAFE scheme as well as the JobTrainer initiative, for eligible students.
Please note: the information on this page is relevant for 2022 enrolments.
Studying during COVID-19 Restrictions
During COVID‐19 lockdown periods, this course will have the majority of the training delivered using online methods of teaching and communication while students engage from home with their trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time later in the year.
Career Pathways
This course prepares students to work in the Community Services or Mental Health industry as a:
- Community Worker
- Social Welfare Worker
- Drug and Alcohol Worker
- Mental Health Worker
- Welfare Worker
Roles may include:
- Provide self-directed recovery oriented support for people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability
- Implementing community-based programs and activities focusing on mental health, mental illness and psychiatric disability
- Working in a range of 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
- Working autonomously under the broad guidance of other practitioners and professionals.
After graduating, work can be 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
- Supporting people in employment
Further Study
After graduating, you might like to undertake further study in the CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services.
Course Dates & Times
Benalla - Samaria Road
Blended - Starts on 12th Sept - Mon Online, Tue OnCampus - 9.30am-4pm / 2022
Detailed Fee Information
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2022 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of 3 different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - cover the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to students at a course information session or pre-training review interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help students pay their fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Entry Requirements
Training package entry requirements
There are no training package entry requirements for this qualification.
GOTAFE preferred entry requirements
Before being accepted into the course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Hold/obtain a current and successful Working with Children Check (prior to enrolment)
- Hold/obtain a current Police Check and NDIS Check - neither being older than six months (prior to placement)
Course Study Units
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Oral presentations
- Roleplays
- Workplace observations/demonstrations
- Simulations
- Written tasks
Course Co-ordinator
John Katsourakis
Attendance & Commitment
Students attend face-to-face classes 2 days per week for 30 weeks. There are approximately 3 hours per week of study required over the course duration. In addition, there is a component of online content and students are expected to engage in online self-paced learning and assessments which involve research time and completing assessment tasks.
Students are strongly encouraged to engage with their trainer outside their training in order to enhance their learning by using the opportunity to clarify assessment via face to face meetings, email, GOLEARN platform and phone where required.
Placement:
- Placement will be offered to students once ALL required written tasks are satisfactorily completed and active demonstration of knowledge through class participation is seen
- 80 hours mandatory component, built of 38 hour weeks
- Undertaken in a block, or set up as 1-2 days per week, toward in the later stages of the course to allow students to consolidate skills and knowledge in the workplace and complete assessments.
- Students are required to travel throughout Victoria (up to approximately 50km away) at their own cost
- Placements are organised by GOTAFE and students are unable to choose where they want to go.
- Students are required to be available for placement on site between 9AM - 6.00PM Monday to Friday
- Includes the completion of assessment tasks and demonstration of skills and knowledge
- GOTAFE uniform is required to be purchased on orientation day
Educational Support Services
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Student Support
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life through your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learner's Rights
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Enrolment in general public entry courses will require a selection interview. Please call 1300 468 233 to enquire further.
Skills Recognition
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Browse other courses
Course in Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Risk (22510VIC)
Learn how to identify and respond to family violence risk with this short course from GOTAFE.
Course in Introduction to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (22469VIC)
Get an introduction to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and learn how to work with an NDIS participant.
Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015)
Learn the skills to support the welfare of your community with the Certificate III in Community Services from GOTAFE.