Certificate IV in Mental Health

People who are successful in this industry:

• Enjoy helping others
• Are empathic to others
• Enjoy empowering people to discover solutions
• Understand the issues people with mental illness are facing
• Have conflict resolution skills
• Are highly adaptable and respond easily to change
• Have good oral and written communication skills

Assessments give you the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned and to identify the knowledge or skills that may need further development. In this course you will undertake:

• Skills assessment: role play scenarios, presentation, practical, observation (including assessments in the work place)
• Knowledge assessment: multiple choice, true or false, short answer questions
• Case study: case study scenario, reflection
• Portfolio: samples of work in a workplace environment
• Project: report, research based project, journal, essay

The Certificate IV in Mental Health is a basic level qualification and would lead to a job that is entry level in a mental health or community service business.

The Diploma level course provides you with a high level of specialist knowledge and skills and is ideal if you have experience working in mental health or similar fields. You can enrol in this without doing the Certificate IV, however, the Certificate IV cements your foundational knowledge and sets you up for success in the Diploma which could lead to a more senior role with a greater degree of autonomy.

You will gain hands-on experience in:

• Working appropriately with diversity
• Promoting safety: physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual
• Contribute to the wellbeing and recovery of people
• Working collaboratively with other services
• Understanding and working effectively within trauma-informed care
• Responding appropriately to crises
• Making referrals to other appropriate services
• Engaging in critical analysis and reflection of your own practices
• Work within organisational policy and procedures in regards to documentation

You will learn in simulated environments on a TAFE NSW campus or in real world situations like a workplace.

Prior to commencing your work placement, you will be provided with numerous opportunities to work with, assess and respond to a range of simulated clients with mental health requirements to ensure you have gained relevant, helpful and authentic experiences responding professionally to complex needs.

TAFE NSW offers you a range of study environments to enhance your learning and employability, such as:

• TAFE NSW campus classroom: you will be equipped with the knowledge needed to work within the community services industry
• Indigo Community Services and Health Hub: a custom-designed virtual simulated organisation where you will develop practical skills
• Mental Health organisation: your work placement hours provide an opportunity to refine your practical skills

In the January 2019, the Federal Government announced a $1.45 billion funding boost for mental health services. In addition, the NSW government has pledged $700 million towards a statewide mental health infrastructure program.

There are forecast to be around 6,000 new job openings per year until 2023 in the mental health sector across all regions in Australia. Therefore by 2023, it is expected that there will be approximately 52,100 jobs. This makes now a great time to start studying towards a career in Mental Health Support Work.

Mental health awareness is on the rise. People are more comfortable finding help and this has lead to increased demand for mental health services.

In the January 2019, the Federal Government announced a $1.45 billion funding boost for mental health services. In addition, the NSW government has pledged $700 million towards a statewide mental health infrastructure program.

Around 6,000 new jobs are forcaste to open per year until 2023 in the mental health sector across all regions in Australia. These job openings include new jobs being created. Therefore by 2023, it is expected that there will be approximately 52,100 jobs. This makes now a great time to start studying towards a career in Mental Health Support Work.