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Diploma of Mental Health
CHC53315
Training provided by Stirling Institute of Australia, RTO 21132.
Course Overview
This Diploma of Mental Health reflects the role of workers who provide services to clients in relation to mental health issues. They can provide counselling, referral, advocacy and education/health promotion services. These workers are required to have high level specialist knowledge, skills and competencies especially in regard to laws affecting people with mental health issues, the range of services available to them and health issues related to mental health.
This nationally recognised qualification includes placement. During your work placement, you will find a role within a community services environment and work with an approved supervisor to gain real-life skills that could help you step directly into the workforce.
With a strong emphasis on laws affecting individuals with mental health issues, a comprehensive understanding of available services, and health-related concerns, you'll gain expert knowledge and skills to excel in this field. Plus, with 160 hours of hands-on workplace experience in a real-life industry setting, you'll be well-prepared to confidently step into the workforce upon completion. Join us on this exciting journey and unlock endless opportunities to positively impact the lives of others.
Course Essentials
Qualification Code: CHC53315
Recognition: Nationally recognised - meets Australian Qualifications Framework
Study: Full-time study
Study mode: Classroom-based
Class time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Duration: 12 months
Assessment: Knowledge evidence, direct demonstration and observation, portfolios, projects, role plays, case studies and presentations.
Practical Placement Hours: 160 hours (Minimum)
Funded Admin Fee: $0
Funded Tuition Fee: $100
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Throughout your studies, you will be required to complete your research, assessments as well as accessing your emails using a desktop/laptop/mobile device with internet availability.
Requirements
Education: There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.
Minimum Age: You will need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18 your enrolment form will need to be signed by a parent or guardian.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy: To assist prospective students to determine whether a course is suitable and appropriate for the individual needs Stirling Institute of Australia will assess all students' language, literacy and numeracy by asking you to undertake a self-assessment review prior to the enrolment. A Stirling Institute of Australia course advisor will discuss the outcomes of the review and make recommendations about whether the course is suitable for you, and identify additional support where required.
Enrolment Application & Pre-Training Review: To be done during the Information Session or Online.
Equipment: Throughout your studies, you will be required to complete your research and assessments as well as accessing your emails using a desktop/laptop with internet availability.
Police Check & Working with Children Check: This qualification requires you to hold current and satisfactory checks in order for you to undertake practical placement hours.
Why It’s Never Too Late to Go Back to School
We get it - going back to school can feel overwhelming. But fear not! Our student community is filled with mature-aged individuals just like you, ranging from late thirties to early sixties, with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. You'll be in good company as you embark on this educational journey.
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What's even better? The courses offered by our partner RTO's are designed to leverage the unique perspectives and skills of older adults. Your life experience and soft skills will be invaluable assets as you succeed in your chosen profession.
Unlike younger students, pursuing higher education is not assumed for mature-aged individuals. You may have additional responsibilities, like children or financial obligations. But choosing to invest in yourself can result in even greater self-fulfillment and gratification.
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So take the leap and invest in your future!
Potential job titles:
Typical employers of community workers:
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Mental Health Outreach Worker
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Drug and Alcohol Counsellors
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Family and Marriage Counsellors
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Community development groups
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Outreach & homeless facilities, houses, kitchens
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Welfare agencies
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Adult service units
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Government institutions
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Community Engagement Committees
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Aged Care facilities
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Councils
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Community Corrections Offices
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The Salvation Army
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Community Libraries
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Education Departments
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PCYC
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State Emergency Service (SES)
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Triple Zero Emergency Call-Takers
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Police Academy (This course is not an entry requirement)
Responsibilities
As a compassionate mental health worker, your day is filled with meaningful tasks that make a real difference in the lives of your patients. Engage in dynamic activities such as:
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Assessing and empathetically talking to patients about their problems, creating a safe space for them to share their concerns.
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Collaborating with patients to plan and deliver tailored care, finding the best strategies for their unique needs.
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Building trusting relationships, listening attentively to interpret their needs and concerns.
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Responding to distressed patients with non-threatening techniques, helping them manage their emotions effectively.
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Digging deep to understand the root causes of their discomfort, providing holistic care.
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Facilitating group and one-to-one therapy sessions, utilising evidence-based approaches to support patients' mental health.
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Organising social events to develop patients' social skills, fostering positive interactions and connections.
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Maintaining comprehensive patient records, producing care plans and risk assessments.
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Educating patients' families and caregivers about mental health, providing support and guidance.
Skills and Interests
As a community worker, key personal attributes for success include:
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Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Excellent interpersonal skills for effective relationships with co-workers and patients.
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Ability to problem-solve and de-escalate crisis situations.
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Experience in individual, family, and group therapy.
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Previous psychiatric care experience.
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Flexibility in scheduling.
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Working knowledge of mental health diagnoses.
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Non-judgmental attitude.
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Ability to build trusting relationships.
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Patience and perseverance in coping with challenges.
What you'll learn
During your studies, you will gain knowledge in various areas, including:
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Providing services to individuals with co-existing mental health and substance use issues.
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Delivering interventions.
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Assessing client needs.
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Developing and reviewing individual treatment plans.
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Collaborating with care networks and other services.
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Implementing trauma-informed care.
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Providing early intervention, health prevention, and promotion programs.
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Supporting individuals with complex needs.
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Managing client relationships.
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Communication techniques for building and maintaining relationships.
Course Units
To successfully complete CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health you must complete the following units of competency.
HLTWHS004 Manage work health and safety (Core)
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people (Core)
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety (Core)
CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice (Core)
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice (Core)
CHCMGT001 Develop, implement and review quality framework (Elective)
CHCMHS004 Work collaboratively with the care network and other services (Core)
CHCMGT002 Manage partnership agreements with services providers (Elective)
CHCCSM004 Coordinate complex case requirements (Elective)
CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues (Elective)
CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues (Core)
CHCMHS009 Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs (Core)
CHCADV005 Provide systems advocacy services (Core)
CHCMHS013 Implement trauma informed care (Core)
CHCMHS003 Provide recovery oriented mental health services (Core)
CHCMHS011 Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing (Core)
CHCMHS012 Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives (Core)
CHCMHS002 Establish self-directed recovery relationships (Core)
CHCMHS010 Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity (Core)
CHCDFV006 Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence (Elective)
VU22733 Identify and provide initial response to family violence risk (Elective)
Assessment
Unlocking your potential has never been more thrilling! Assessment is a crucial element in your learning journey, paving the way to a nationally recognised qualification or a statement of attainment. Get ready to showcase your skills and knowledge through dynamic methods such as captivating presentations, hands-on demonstrations, immersive role plays, and engaging case studies. You'll be immersed in a world of active learning, where your progress will be celebrated at every step. Your learning experience will be an exhilarating adventure, propelling you towards achieving your educational goals with confidence!
Trainer Support
At Stirling Institute of Australia, they take pride in their top-notch trainers! They're hand-picked for their vocational competencies, industry expertise, and teaching skills. In every class session, your trainer will leverage their wealth of experience to foster a dynamic, fulfilling, and engaging learning environment. With their passion for teaching, you'll be guided towards success by a dedicated partner who is committed to making your learning journey truly enjoyable. Get ready to thrive under their guidance and unlock your full potential!
Practical Placement Hours
Ready for hands-on experience? To complete this qualification, you'll need a current Police Check and Working with Children Check. You'll dive into the field with a minimum of 160 hours of workplace experience, gaining practical skills in community service delivery settings. From direct client work to community education or development, you'll make a real impact. Your supervisor's feedback during placement will contribute to your assessment. Exciting placement opportunities await, from community organisations to health facilities, mental health clinics to hospitals.
Note: travel may be required.
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If you're already working in the field, you may be able to use your workplace for placement with approval from Stirling Institute of Australia.
Further Study
This qualification will provide you with a pathway to the Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol And Other Drugs. Although it does not guarantee an employment outcome, completion of this qualification could lead to your employment in the community services and mental health industry.
Working With Children's Check and Police Check
These checks are compulsory to gain in order to commence your work placement. It is recommended that you start to apply for these closer to your work placement commencement so they are relevant.
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The Working with Children Check assists in protecting children from sexual or physical harm by ensuring that people who work with, or care for them are subject to a screening process. If you are doing or intending to do child-related work and do not qualify for an exemption, you need a Check. Visit me for more information.
Children's Check: Approximately $130
Volunteer Card: Free
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The Victoria Police provides a service to all Victorians who wish to obtain a National Police Certificate for employment, voluntary work and occupation-related licensing or registration purposes. Information about an individual's criminal history will not be released without an applicant's written consent other than for law enforcement purposes. Visit me for more information.
Police Check (Name Only): Approximately $50
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*Prices are subject to change without warning.
Skills First Funding & Eligibility Criteria
Skills First is a Victorian Government scheme that helps people access subsidised vocational education and training. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your course tuition fees.
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Eligibility criteria for Skills First government-subsidised training
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Citizenship/Residency
You must be:
1. an Australian citizen, or
2. a holder of a permanent visa, or
3. a New Zealand citizen (visa 444), or
4. an Asylum Seeker (though referral for government-subsidised training from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the Australia Red Cross), or
5. a holder of one of the below visas (VEVO verification required):
* valid Bridging visa class E, or
* Safe Haven Enterprise visa, or
* Temporary Protection visa, or
* Bridging visa class F, or
* Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) (subclass 449) visa, or
* Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) (subclass 786) visa.
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VIC Government funding eligibility rules – what’s changed?
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1. Your prior education is no longer taken into consideration!
Now you can enrol and study any qualification at Stirling Institute of Australia with government funding, regardless of what level of education you’ve completed in the past. This applies to all students who meet the citizenship/ residency requirements.
Prior to this change, you had to ‘upskill’ to get government funding.. but now you don’t.
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2. Removal of ‘2 at level in a lifetime’ limit!
You can study more than 2 courses that are at the same qualification level with government funding! Prior to 1 January 2023, you could only study 2 of the same level qualifications with government funding in your lifetime.. but now you don’t.
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3. What hasn’t changed?
You can still only be studying no more than 2 government funded qualifications at any one point in time. This is known as the ‘2 in a year’ limit.
Course Fees & Payment Plans
If you are eligible your fees are:
$0 Admin Fee + $100 Tuition Fee
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If you do not meet the Funding Eligibility Criteria you can still undertake the course as a Fee For Service Student, your Tuition Fee is: $10,000.
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Payment plans are available to Full Fee Paying Students. Stirling Institute of Australia will not accept more than $1,500 prepaid fees in advance.
Centrelink
Please note that some Centrelink Payments may be affected by undertaking study. We strongly advise you speak to your Centrelink Coordinator to see if you are affected. Fresh Futures Australia accepts no responsibility or liability for affected payments.
Meet your Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Stirling Institute of Australia is an exceptional Registered Training Organisation that focuses on critical areas such as Allied Health, Community Services, Mental Health, Early Childhood, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Individual Support, Ageing Support, and Disability. What sets Stirling apart is its unwavering dedication to providing practical, hands-on training. Stirling believes that experience is the best teacher, and its approach to learning is a testament to that philosophy. With its impressive completion rates and strong employment outcomes for graduates, it's easy to see why Stirling is one of the most sought-after training providers in Victoria. Stirling Institute of Australia is a dynamic and innovative institution that is making a significant impact on the training landscape. At Stirling, student success is paramount, and they are committed to helping their students achieve their career aspirations.
Enrolment Process
1. Fill out our Student Questionnaire
The Student Questionnaire is designed for me to get to know you a little better before I pass your details over to the RTO conducting the course. This doesn't guarantee your acceptance into the RTO nor is it a part of the enrolment paperwork.
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2. Speak to one of our Student Liaison Coordinators
Once you have completed your Student Questionnaire, one of our Student Liaison Coordinators will give you a courtesy call to:
- Further discuss your eligibility.
- Ensure you have read over the study details.
- Speak further about your career goals and suitability for the course.
- Give you additional information and answer any further questions you may have.
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If you decide that you would like to proceed with the application process after speaking with one of our Student Liaison Coordinators then we will invite you to an Information Session.
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3. Information Session
This Information Session is your opportunity to speak to Stirling Institute of Australia's friendly team and listen to valuable information about the course, complete your application forms and enrol. Please note that the Information Session is compulsory for you to complete before your first day of class. To complete the enrolment forms, you will need the following:
- Unique Student Identifier (USI) - Create your USI here.
- Victorian Student Number (VSN) - Only required for students who have attended a Victorian school since 2009
- Evidence of Citizenship/Residency and Age such as Drivers Licence and Medicare Card.
Please have these documents with you during the information session. Completion of the Enrolment Application Form does not guarantee enrolment. A Stirling Institute of Australia Authorised Delegate will review your form and determine the progression of enrolment.
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What will be covered
- General information about Stirling Institute of Australia, industry areas and delivery locations
- Vocational Education & Training, learning pathways, course choice and industry based trainers
- Student Support
- Entry requirements, LLN Quiz, funding eligibility
- Course details, expected hours of study, student handbook, refund policy
- Practical placement (WWCC & Police Records Check)
- Fees and payment options
- The enrolment session – you can enrol on the day
- Your suitability for the course
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4. First day of class
On the first day, get ready to meet your amazing trainer, dive into the course syllabus, discover classroom expectations, and connect with your awesome classmates through fun introductory activities. Let the learning adventure begin!
We're here to support you every step of the way in your journey to enrol in our courses at Fresh Futures Australia. To ensure classes start on time, we kindly request your assistance. If you've submitted your Student Questionnaire, we take it as a positive sign that you're ready to continue with the enrolment process. However, if you still have questions or uncertainties, please don't hesitate to reach out to me personally. I'm here to address any further queries you may have.
To ensure a vibrant classroom environment, we need a minimum of 15 students to commence classes. If you see a missed call, voicemail, or text message from us or the RTO, please be courteous and give us a callback, even if it's to let us know you're no longer interested. We won't be offended!
We eagerly anticipate receiving your Student Questionnaire and discussing your career path with you further. Let's speak soon and take the first step towards achieving your goals!