This qualification can lead to a range of career opportunities within the mental health and community services sectors. Possible job roles include:

Mental Health Support Worker
Community Support Worker
Recovery Coach (NDIS)
Outreach Worker
Peer Support Worker
Case Worker (Mental Health)

These roles exist across a range of community and care settings and typically involve supporting recovery plans, facilitating community participation, promoting independent living skills, and collaborating with health professionals, families, and other service providers. Depending on the setting, you may work one-on-one or as part of a multidisciplinary team in residential, outreach, or community-based environments.

Please note this list is intended as a general guide, as job titles and qualification requirements may differ across organisations and service settings.

To enrol in this course, you must meet ALL entry and study requirements, including having suitable technology access and digital skills to engage in online learning and complete assessments.

This course is designed specifically for those already currently working in the community services sector.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This qualification includes topics and scenarios related to mental illness, trauma, suicide, substance use, self-harm, abuse, and other complex life experiences that affect mental health. Please be aware that these topics may be emotionally sensitive and distressing for some learners. We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing and speak with your Trainer or our Student Support Team if you feel distressed or need support at any time during your course.

There are no formal entry requirements for CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health.

• Be over 18 years of age
• Have a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• Have the Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) skills sufficient to read and interpret documents such as policies, case notes, support plans, risk assessments, and referral documents; write case notes, incident reports, intake forms, and progress updates; communicate clearly with people, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds, including de-escalating situations, supporting people in distress, and participating in team discussions or care meetings; and basic numeracy skills to mange scheduling of appointments, interpreting service data, and recording time-based activities or observations. This will be tested through a LLN assessment as part of the course entry process.
• Be employed in a community service organisation in a role that involves direct client support to at least (3) people with mental health, mental illness, and/or psychiatric disability, and have the support of the workplace supervisor or employer to participate in this training.

• A desktop computer, laptop, or tablet capable of running modern applications and accessing the internet
• Reliable internet connection so you can access your results online and study without interruptions
• An email account to receive course communications
• A webcam and microphone to participate in the virtual classroom (if applicable)
• Microsoft Teams to participate in the virtual classroom (if applicable). Free download here, the App Store or Google Play
• A mobile device or camera with video recording capability in case you are required to submit video evidence as part of your assessments (Distance students)
• It is recommended that you have the latest version of Google Chrome and Adobe PDF Reader for optimum compatibility with accessing course materials and assessments.

• Internet Skills such as navigating websites and using search engines (e.g. Google) to find reliable information, logging in to and using online web-based systems, and completing digital forms
• Computer Skills such as open, save, upload and download documents
• Email Skills such as accessing and reading emails, sending and replying to emails, attaching files to emails, and downloading or opening email attachments

The course is delivered in the following modes;

Student Portal 
On enrolment you will receive access to your Student Portal. This is where you will find all course information, links to virtual classroom workshops (if applicable), learning and assessment materials, and where you will complete your assessments and access your assessment results.

Assessment Strategies
Each unit will comprise of a number of assessment tasks which may include short knowledge tests, case studies, research, written questions and participating in practical activities such as observations, roleplays, simulated assessments and presentations.

Workplace Observations 
As part of this course, you will be required to complete practical observations in the workplace. These tasks must be signed off by an appropriately qualified person in your workplace, such as a supervisor or team leader. Where possible, our trainers will also visit your workplace to conduct direct observations and support your learning.

Training Plan
Regardless of your study mode, you will be issued with a personalised training plan that outlines your units of study and assessment due dates. This helps you stay organised and on track to complete your qualification within the expected timeframe. This is especially important for Online (Distance) students who are managing their own study schedule.

Study Commitment
Students should allow additional time outside of class to complete assessments. While the time needed may vary depending on your experience, learning style, and support needs, as a general guide, you should allow an extra (4) – (6) hours per week to stay on track with your coursework.

Online (Distance) Students should  allow up to (6) – (9) hours per week to complete readings, activities, and assessments, as well as maintain regular communication with their trainer for support and guidance.

This qualification consists of (15) units in total, including (11) core units and (4) elective units.

CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
CHCMHS002 Establish self-directed recovery relationships
CHCMHS003 Provide recovery oriented mental health services
CHCMHS004 Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care
CHCMHS008 Promote and facilitate self advocacy
CHCMHS011 Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety

 All our upcoming intakes will complete the following electives:

CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment

Alternative elective options are outlined in our course brochure.
Students completing this course through employer-arranged or Traineeship delivery may undertake different elective units that better align with their workplace needs. Electives are selected on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the employer and must be agreed upon before enrolment is finalised.

If you are interested in or working as a Recovery Coach under the NDIS we have developed an elective stream targeted to that role. Download the flyer below for more information.

The price for this qualification will vary and is based upon specific eligibility requirements for government subsidies available at the time of your enrolment. As part of our Enrolment Application and Pre-Training Review process, we will assess your eligibility for any applicable funding or concessions. Once this is complete, you will be provided with a formal quote outlining your exact course fee before your enrolment is finalised.

Outlined below is the approximate fee range for this qualification:

Your fees are always protected, and we have safeguards in place to keep your payments secure. All transactions are processed in Australian Dollars (AUD) through trusted gateways like eWAY and Stripe, with your card details encrypted and never stored by us.

For extra convenience, you can also pay quickly and securely using Link, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Eligible students may be able to access government-funded training support through one of the following programs:

NSW Traineeships – If you are employed and enrolled through a traineeship arrangement, your training may be fully subsidised under the Smart and Skilled program

Funding availability is subject to eligibility criteria and government guidelines. We’ll assess your eligibility during the enrolment application process and provide you with a course fee quote based on your circumstances. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office for more information.

We offer flexible payment plans to make it easier to manage your course fees. You can choose to pay in weekly or fortnightly instalments, helping to spread the cost over time. Our team is here to support you in setting up a plan that works for your budget.

Click here for more information.

We understand that circumstances can change. Our refunds policy outlines your rights and options if you need to withdraw from your course. It includes details about eligibility, notice periods, and how to request a refund.

Click here for more information.

There are (4) steps involved in our enrolment process. This process helps us ensure the course is suitable for your learning needs, check your eligibility for any available Government subsidies, and identify if any additional support is needed, so we can assist you right from the start.

The steps are:

1. Complete an Online Enrolment Application. This form captures your personal details, course selection, and helps us begin preparing for your enrolment.
2. Complete an Online Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Assessment. This is an important part of the process as it helps us understand how best to support you during your training and ensures the course is the best fit for you. You will need about (30) minutes to (1) hour of quiet, uninterrupted time to complete the assessment. It must be done on a computer or tablet—not on a mobile phone.
3. Complete a Pre-Training Interview. One of our friendly Customer Relationships Officers will contact you for a quick chat to discuss your goals, course suitability, eligibility and any support you may need.
4. Accept Your Course Fees Quote. Once your enrolment application has been reviewed and accepted, you’ll receive a course fee quote. Simply review and accept the quote to finalise your enrolment and secure your place.

To secure your place in the course, all (4) steps of the enrolment process must be fully completed. We encourage you to complete these steps as soon as possible to avoid delays in starting your training and to help ensure a smooth enrolment experience.

If your enrolment is not accepted, we’ll contact you to explain the reasons and explore other course or support options that may be more suitable for you.

We are unable to enrol International students at this time.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are undertaking this qualification as a traineeship, you cannot commence training until your training contract has been formally approved by Training Services NSW.

Our upcoming course intakes are listed below. To apply, simply click ‘Apply Now’ next to the course date you wish to start, or select ‘Enquire’ to request more information or speak with our team. Online (Distance) study can start at any time.

Please note: You will not be charged any fees until we have been able to assess your eligibility for funding. A $0 amount will be shown in the online application. The Customer Relationships Officer will provide you with a quote for your course fee as part of the Pre-Training Review process. On acceptance of the quote, a deposit will be required to finalise your enrolment.

Completing this qualification may open the door to further study in community services or related areas. Depending on your career goals you may choose to continue your education with:

CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management

Note: Essential Skills Training and Recruitment does not offer all qualifications listed above.