In 2012, a national qualification for mental health peer support workers was endorsed (Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work). Peer support is a vital role within the mental health workforce and involves the delivery of services by workers who have lived experience of mental health problems, as either a consumer or carer, and who work in mental health services in roles that support consumer peers or carer peers.
Delivery Method
The Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work is delivered through a blended delivery method.
Students are provided with learner resources and assessment handbooks for each unit of competency. The assessment handbooks provide students with instructions on submitting assessments.
Practical Placement
Health Industry Training recognises that an important part of undertaking a qualification in health or community services is the practical component of the course. Work placement provides students with an avenue to apply practical skills in a ‘real life’ environment, where you are able to practice the skills and knowledge you have learnt during the course.
It is compulsory for students to undertake practical placement for the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work.
Duration: Approximately 200 hours, based on skills to be demonstrated in the workplace.
Securing Practical Placement
As a student, it is important for you to discuss work placement opportunities with local organisations. Once you have sourced a relevant host employer, Health Industry Training will contact them on your behalf to discuss work placement requirements.
Insurance
Health Industry Training provides insurance to all students undertaking work placement as part of their qualification.
Pre-requirements
Depending on the organisation where your work placement will be conducted you may need to conduct a number of pre-placement requirements. All students will need to undertake a National Criminal Record check prior to placement. Health Industry Training can arrange the National Criminal Record check on your behalf for the cost of $18. Alternatively you can contact your local police station.
Assessment Methods
Health Industry Training uses a range of assessment methods to ensure sufficient evidence can be gathered to demonstrate students can perform the tasks against the specified criteria. Assessment methods can include:
- Short answer questions
- Projects/ Reports
- Case studies
- Scenarios
- Workplace portfolios
- Work placement logbook
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL considers previous formal study and work experiences and then assesses this against the elements of competency to determine competency. Students seeking recognition can apply for RPL on enrolment or throughout the duration of their study.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed a unit of competency within your intended qualification with another Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be able to apply for a credit transfer or exemption. A copy of the original transcript must be provided when applying for a credit transfer.
Entry Requirements
To enrol in the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work, it is anticipated that you will have completed year 10 or equivalent.
In addition, students are required to provide Health Industry Training with their Unique Student Identifier number.
Minimum Age Requirements
The minimum age for this course is 16 years old. If you are under 18 years of age your enrolment form must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Requirements
Students must have an adequate level of Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills (LLN). Entry into the course requires English proficiency to Year 10 level or equivalent. Students are able to test their LLN skills by emailing info@www.healthindustrytraining.org and completing an LLN test.
Fee-paying
To assist students who are not eligible for funding, Health Industry Training offers financial assistance to by allowing students to either:
- pay the cost of the course in full and receive a 10% discount on the full cost of the course; or
- take advantage of our affordable payment plan options to pay in weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments (see enrolment form for additional information).
Throughout your course with Health Industry Training, you will be provided with a range of support services depending on your individual needs.
One-on-one Trainer Support
You will be provided with a trainer with extensive experience and expertise in the course content and the industry sector. Our professional trainers are there to ensure you have a successful learning journey where you can contact them via phone or email.
In addition to your trainer, the administration team can provide you with support regarding your enrolment and study plan, changes to contact details, progress report and any issues you may encounter throughout your course.
Peer Support
Health Industry Training appreciates that distance/online learning can be an isolated experience for some students. To assist with isolation, all students have the option to be part of a Facebook peer support group. Peer support groups can be a positive experience where you can study with like-minded people, ask questions relating to your course and build friendships.
15 units are required for award of this qualification including:
- 8 core units
- 7 elective units
The course combines theoretical and practical work placement experience. The theoretical component of the course provides students with the relevant knowledge required to work in the primary health care sector.
The practical placement experience provides students with the clinical knowledge and skills to work in a practical setting on completion of the qualification.
To view the course outline, including the recommended order in which to complete your units, click on the ‘Download Course Outline’ button on the left hand side of this page.