Course Summary

This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide self-directed recovery-oriented support for people affected by mental health issues. Work involves implementing community-based programs and activities focusing on mental health and mental illness.

Work is undertaken in a range of community contexts such as:

• community based non-government organisations;
• home based outreach;
• center-based programs;
• respite care;
• residential services;
• rehabilitation programs;
• clinical settings; and/or
• supporting people in employment.

Work is carried out autonomously under the broad guidance of other practitioners and professionals. To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 80 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of Units of Competency.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment, unless they have completed an equivalent or higher-level course.

Mandatory placement checks are compulsory for this course, and students will be required to obtain a Working With Children's Check relevant to their State of residence, an Australian Federal Police Check and a Student ID Card. Students must meet the requirements for all mandatory placement checks prior to placement. Students may also be required to undertake a pre-placement interview with the host organisation and placement may be subject to students meeting the requirements of the organisation. The Vocational Placement will entail 80 hours of work in an appropriate mental health setting and will be undertaken towards the end of the course. Students who are currently working within the Mental Health sector may be eligible to undertake placement hours with their existing employer, subject to approval from the relevant Head of Course and agreement by the employer.

Vocational Placement and Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete a Vocational Placement and/or Work Integrated Learning as part of this qualification.

Additional information

To complete this course, you will be required to complete an approved work placement of 80 hours.  Students who are currently working in a relevant role may be eligible to undertake placement with their existing employer, subject to approval from the relevant Educational Team Leader and agreement from the employer. 

When you have completed at least 10 units, you will be required to complete a Placement Application Form. This form allows you to apply for approval to complete your placement within your workplace or alternatively, request to attend a CQUniversity-sourced placement. If your workplace does not meet the required criteria for the training package to undertake your placement hours then, CQUniversity will arrange a work placement for you.

CQUniversity’s Workforce Integrated Learning (WIL) team will aim to source a placement located within your community; however, circumstances may require you to relocate to complete the placement.

Mandatory placement checks are compulsory for this course and it is important that students ensure they can meet the requirements for these checks. Mandatory Check inquiries can be directed to WILCompliance@cqu.edu.au and further detailed information can be sourced by clicking on the following link:  IMMUNISATIONS AND VACCINATIONS WIL DOCUMENT. 

You may also be required to undertake a pre-placement interview with the host organisation and placement may be subject to you meeting the organisation's requirements.

Course Details

Admission Codes

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

Completion of this qualification may lead to work in implementing community based programs and activities focusing on mental health and mental illness. Work is 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; and/or supporting people in employment.