High demand, meaningful work
— huge job opportunities in mental health.
*National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020-22,
Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Develop practical, job-ready capability to deliver recovery-oriented, person-centred support for people experiencing mental health challenges.
Step into a growing sector where skilled mental health support workers are in demand!
Delivery Mode and Times
40
Weeks
Study
80
Hours
Work Placement
8
Weeks
Holidays
52
Weeks
Total Course
Duration
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face Classes & In‑person Placement & Training
Location
Various facilities: Classes at Focus Vocational College in Melbourne CBD and placement sessions at our partner's centers.
Course Fees
Enquire now for
a Special Launch Offer!
For the special offers and more information on the fees for tuition, enrolment, materials or work placement, send us an enquiry now!
Entry Requirements for International Students
English Language requirements
Candidates must meet one of the following: - IELTS band score of 6.0 or an equivalent internationally recognised exam result in line with Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regulations - Satisfactory completion of an ELICOS program at advanced level from Focus Language School, or other English language centre with English Australia Membership - Certificate of completion equivalent to, or higher than, an Australian Year 11 qualification from an English-speaking country - Completion of FOCUS’s English Placement Test with an overall score equivalent to IELTS 6.0, or above - Other English language proficiency tests, such as TOEFL and OET, will also be considered. *Candidates who have completed 1 year of study in Australia in English within the past 2 years at Certificate IV or AQF level 4 and above are exempt from submitting Australian Year 11 completion certificate or equivalent and Evidence of English Proficiency.
Prerequisites
There are no pre-requisite requirements for this qualification.
Education and Skills
- Completion of High School or equivalent to Australian Year 11 - Completion of a Pre-Training Review (PTR), and meet the Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Assessment standards for this program level, and demonstrate they are a suitable candidate for this program.
Regulatory
All candidates require a Unique Student Identification (USI) number. If you do not have a USI number you can apply for one online via the USI website, or you can give our staff permission to apply on your behalf.
Digital Technology
Students must possess adequate digital literacy skills to access online content, respond to written questions, and communicate with trainers via email and the learning management system. Additionally, students should have access to the internet and a laptop or computer equipped with Microsoft Teams to successfully participate in this program
Industry Requirements
Candidates may be required to provide evidence of the following for work placement (all evidence must be current at the time of placement) at the student’s expense, unless otherwise advised: - National Police Background Check - Working with Children Check - NDIS Worker screening Check - Flu or COVID-19 vaccinations - First Aid and CPR Certificates - Other: requirements may vary according to employer's policies.
Prior experience
Credit Transfer (CT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are available. Credit Transfer is free of charge, while RPL applications are subject to fees.
Students with Disabilities
FOCUS welcomes all people with disabilities, learning differences and medical conditions. Acceptance in this program is subject to candidates’ ability to undertake all program requirements as discussed in the Pre-Training Review, with reasonable adjustments where applicable.
Learning & Career Outcomes
Career Prospects
This nationally recognised qualification equips graduates with the confidence, communication skills, and professional judgement to build trust with clients, manage complex situations, and support positive recovery outcomes.
Typical Job Outcomes:
-
Mental Health Support Worker
-
Community Services Support Worker
-
Mental Health Outreach Worker
-
Mental Health and Community Rehabilitation Support Worker
-
Psychosocial Disability Support Worker
Further Study Package Options
Graduates may progress to higher level courses with credit waivers*:
-
CHC52025 – Diploma of Community Services
*Graduates may be eligible to credit waivers for units from the Certificate IV that match Diploma requirements, potentially reducing the study duration.
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What You'll Learn
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Provide strength-based, trauma-informed care
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Support self-advocacy and goal setting
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Respond appropriately to crisis and suicide risk
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Work within ethical and legal frameworks
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Address substance use and complex support needs
11 Core Units
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CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
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CHCDIV002 - Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
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CHCLEG001 - Work legally and ethically
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HLTWHS001 - Participate in workplace health and safety
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CHCMHS002 - Establish self-directed recovery relationships
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CHCMHS003 - Provide recovery-oriented mental health services
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CHCMHS004 - Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
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CHCMHS007 - Work effectively in trauma informed care
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CHCMHS005 - Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
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CHCMHS008 - Promote and facilitate self-advocacy
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CHCMHS011 - Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
4 Elective Units
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CHCCCS020 - Respond effectively to behaviours of concern
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CHCCCS018 - Provide suicide bereavement support
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CHCCCS003 - Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
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HLTHPS010 - Interpret and use information about nutrition and diet
Course Structure
How Will You Learn?
All 11 core and 4 elective units are structured over a 10-week study period, followed by one week of work placement and two weeks of holidays, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments. You will complete units term by term, enabling you to showcase your completed subjects to potential employers and enhance your chances of employment.
Work Placement
To attain this qualification, you must complete 80 hours of mandatory work placements. FOCUS will arrange your work placement with one of our supported home and community care services providers. Alternatively, self-sourced placements are permitted with prior approval from the College.
Assessment Methods
The assessment for this course includes written tasks, long and short answer questions, multiple choice quizzes, group tasks, oral presentations, role plays, case studies, practical/simulated tasks, work placement journals, logbooks, portfolios and projects. All assessment is designed to meet the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence.
Required Equipment and Digital Skills
Students must have access to a computer or laptop and reliable internet, and be able to access online content, complete and submit assessments, attach/upload documents, and communicate with trainers via email, the student portal and the Learning Management System.