Certificate IV in Mental Health
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
To find a course that's available to international students, please visit the search page:
Overview
11 months full time / 18 months part time
February, March
February
Use a Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 to improve the wellbeing of others
Embark on a career where you can make a difference and improve the lives of others. Mental health in Melbourne is a growing industry where qualified professionals are more in demand than ever, with job opportunities expected to grow by more than 20% in the next five years. With the Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 you can commence a rewarding career where your in-demand skills can change lives.
Gain an understanding of the mind
Taught by our industry-experienced teachers, our Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 provides specific knowledge and skills related to mental health issues. With a focus on recovery-oriented models and community programs, you’ll learn essential skills for the community mental health and psychosocial disability sector. Melbourne Polytechnic students have the opportunity to learn on the job with mental health courses. You’ll undertake work placement in the mental health services industry, under the guidance and supervision of professional healthcare practitioners and graduate job-ready.
Graduate ready to make a difference
A Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 may see you employed in a range of contexts including community based non-government organisations, home/centre-based programs, respite and residential services, clinical and rehabilitations settings/programs or employment support. As a graduate of the Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315, you will be qualified to work in community-based support as a recovery-oriented mental health practitioner.
Students in this cohort will be simultaneously enrolled in Course in Identifying, Reporting and Responding to Family Violence Risk 22510VIC to deepen their skills and knowledge in reporting and responding to domestic violence. Students in this cohort will be simultaneously enrolled in Course in Identifying, Reporting and Responding to Family Violence Risk 22510VIC to deepen their skills and knowledge in reporting and responding to domestic violence.
The additional unit Identify and provide initial response to family violence risk VU22510 is included in the Melbourne Polytechnic program in acknowledgement that the community service workforce is key to reporting and responding appropriately to domestic violence.
Career Pathways
Where will the Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 take me?
A Certificate IV in Mental Health CHC43315 may see you employed in a range of contexts across the mental health field.
- Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Practitioner
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Outreach Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Psychosocial Disability Support Worker
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Support Worker
Study Pathways
Once you successfully complete this training you may apply for entry into the Diploma of Community Services CHC52021, or pursue further study in Mental Health.
Course Details
Delivery methods
As part of this course you will undertake a minimum of 80 hours work placement.
To obtain the Certificate IV in Mental Health students must successfully complete 15 units of study. Due to COVID-19 delivery will be blended (consisting of virtual classrooms via Zoom, online and some practical classes on campus). Additionally, delivery will include:
- Practical work placement
- Skills development activities in simulated work environments
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus / Virtual classroom
A blend of both face-to-face and virtual learning with scheduled classes taking place on-campus and in virtual classrooms. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Class Schedule
Preston (February) Full Time - Term 1 Wednesday to Friday. Term 2, 3 and 4 Wednesday to Friday with some Tuesdays. Times will vary from full days 9am – 4pm to half days 9am-12pm OR 1pm – 4pm.
Preston (March) Part Time - Monday full day 9am – 4pm
Assessment Methods
Various forms of assessment may be used including demonstration of skills and knowledge in simulated workplaces, written pieces, classroom activities and practical work placement.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| CHCCCS003 | INCREASE THE SAFETY OF INDIVIDUALS AT RISK OF SUICIDE | Elective | 110 |
| CHCCOM002 | Use communication to build relationships | Elective | 55 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | Core | 40 |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | Core | 25 |
| CHCLEG001 | WORK LEGALLY AND ETHICALLY | Core | 55 |
| CHCMHS001 | WORK WITH PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES | Elective | 80 |
| CHCMHS002 | ESTABLISH SELF-DIRECTED RECOVERY RELATIONSHIPS | Core | 60 |
| CHCMHS003 | PROVIDE RECOVERY ORIENTED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES | Core | 60 |
| CHCMHS004 | WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE CARE NETWORK AND OTHER SERVICES | Core | 75 |
| CHCMHS005 | PROVIDE SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH CO-EXISTING MENTAL HEALTH AND ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS ISSUES | Core | 90 |
| CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care | Core | 40 |
| CHCMHS008 | PROMOTE AND FACILITATE SELF-ADVOCACY | Core | 50 |
| CHCMHS011 | ASSESS AND PROMOTE SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING | Core | 80 |
| CHCPRP001 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | Elective | 80 |
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety | Core | 20 |
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
| Free TAFE | Concession | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $0 | $860 | $4300 | $13700 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $175 | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $250 | $1035 | $4550 | $13950 |
| Per year | $0 |
| Per semester | $0 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Fees explained
The State Government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition (excluding Amenities Fees and Materials Fees) for students who are eligible for government subsidised training and enrol into one of the Priority listed course.
Free TAFE is available to eligible students for one course enrolment in a lifetime.
Free TAFE places are limited. Please call 1300 635 276 and we can advise you whether Free TAFE places are still available.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition fees for students who are eligible. Materials and amenities may still apply.
The Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will pay your tuition fees for only one course. Once you have commenced in a tuition-free priority course, you are not eligible for further tuition-free places again, even if you do not finish your first tuition-free priority course.
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:
- Commonwealth Health Care card, or
- Pensioner Concession card, or
- Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
- Veterans Gold card.
The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Courses in health services at Melbourne Polytechnic
The Course in Introduction to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) 22469VIC offers hands-on experience with NDIS participants and people with a lived experience of disability.
Requirements
- You must have already received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (or have an exemption) to be able to work and undertake placement in a healthcare setting. See coronavirus.vic.gov.au for recommended vaccination doses.
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Attend a course information session
- Attend a course interview session
- Undertake the required language, literacy and numeracy assessment
- A Working With Children’s Check
- A clear Police Check
Prior to attending an interview for the CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health, please access and read the following document from the Australian Government:
Next Steps
It is recommended you attend an information session.
Following attending an information session or receiving course information you must attend a group interview session.
After the selection interview, successful applicants will be provided with a Letter of Offer for their course. The letter will include information for completing the enrolment process.
It is a mandatory government requirement for all prospective students to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment. Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend our Skills and Job Centre, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
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Juana Martinez
Juana Martinez teaches within our Community Services department, with experience in gender-based violence, counseling, and more.
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Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.