TURN COMPASSION INTO A CAREER!
Every day, more Australians need support—and you can be the person who helps them find hope, healing, and strength. Our course gives you the foundation to step into a deeply rewarding role where your empathy and care can change lives. You’ll learn how to build trust, walk alongside people through their challenges, and empower them to take meaningful steps toward recovery – both individually and within supportive communities. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to make a greater impact, this is your chance to be part of something bigger: helping others reclaim their lives and find their voice. If you’ve ever wanted to make a real difference, this is where it begins.
To be awarded this qualification, you must be successfully complete 15 units of competency, 11 core units and 4 elective units. The electives for this course have been selected by Partners in Training Australia through industry consultation.
Core 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 coexisting 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
Elective units
- CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCDIS008 Facilitate community participation and social inclusion
- CHCMHS006 Facilitate the recovery process with the person, family and carers
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Entry Requirements
- There are no mandatory prerequisites to enrol in this qualification.
- Applicants must attend a course information session and then to determine suitability, complete a:
- Pre-training Review (PTR)
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy and Digital skills assessment (LLND)
Class Attendance
- Students must attend one class per week, choosing between:
- Online (virtual classroom), or
- Face-to-face (onsite classroom).
Class Times:
- Day classes: 9:00AM – 4:00PM or 9:30AM – 4:30PM (7 hours).
- Evening classes (online only): 5:00PM – 9:00PM (4 hours).
- Additional time is required each week for private study, research, and completing assessments outside of scheduled class hours.
Technology Requirements
- You will need access to:
- A computer, laptop, or tablet with a stable internet connection.
- Zoom application, headphones/speakers, microphone & webcam capabilities for virtual classes.
- A laptop or tablet for onsite classroom session to access your course materials and assessments via our online Learning Management System (LMS).
Work Placement
- This course includes a minimum of 80 hours of work placement in a relevant community service delivery setting.
- Before starting placement, you must obtain:
- A current and satisfactory Victorian Working with Children Check.
- Additional clearances (e.g., Police Check) or proof of Immunisations may be required depending on your placement provider.
Training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding if you are eligible for a Skills First subsidised training place. The below Skills First Funded Course Fees are only applicable to students who live in a regional postcode. Please refer to our Postcode List on our student information page for regional postcodes.
* Aboriginal and/or Torres Straight Islanders pay the course Administration Fee but do not pay any Tuition fee.
* There are no materials fees when you study with us.
*Download Our Course Info Sheet– a comprehensive course brochure includes everything from course content to payment plans, refund policies, and fees for students not eligible for government funding. Its your first step toward flexible, affordable, and career-focused training.
*To check your eligibility for Skills First Funding click here
Graduates of this qualification have the following potential study pathways:
CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services , CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs and CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health.
Graduates of this qualification can expect to apply for employment in the community services sector in occupational titles such as Mental Health Outreach Worker, Mental Health Support worker, Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker, Welfare Support worker.
Community Services is an exciting and growing profession with many opportunities for specialisation.
Employment in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry grew significantly and is projected to grow by 301,000 (or 15.8%) by November 2026.
Employment for Social Assistance welfare workers is expected to grow by 25.2% to 94,700 persons employed by 2026.
Why Study with Partners in Training Australia (PTA)?
At PTA, we specialise in delivering high-quality training for the Health and Community Services sector across Regional Victoria and Metropolitan locations.
Flexible Learning That Fits Your Life
We understand that traditional classroom schedules don’t suit everyone. That’s why we offer flexible study options—including online and blended delivery—designed for people with busy work lives, family commitments, or limited access to TAFE. Our nationally recognised training is also government-subsidised, making it more affordable and accessible than many other providers.
Strong Industry Connections
We work closely with local employers to ensure our training is practical, relevant, and aligned with industry needs. These partnerships also provide:
- Work placement opportunities
- Customised training for staff
- Pathways to employment for our graduates
Expert Trainers with Real-World Experience
Our trainers are experienced professionals who are actively engaged in the industry. This means you’ll learn from people who understand current practices and expectations – ensuring your training is up-to-date and job-ready.
Come and see how we do things differently and let us be your ‘partner in training’!
As part of the application of enrolment process, we ask you to attend an Information/ Enrolment Session that will involve a written Pre-Training Review with an Enrolment Officer who will be available to support you through the process. Our pre-training review is designed to make sure the course is the most suitable and appropriate training option for you.
Information/Enrolments sessions are held at each of our campuses and via Zoom, which makes it easy for you to attend.
We look forward to discussing this course and the study options with you, then arranging an information session for you to attend.
Course Dates
| Delivery Location | Start Date | Class Day | Time of Classes | Duration of Training | Click Apply Now to Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Classroom | 10th Mar 2026 | Tuesday | 9am - 4pm | 11 months | Apply Now |
| Virtual Classroom | 11th Mar 2026 | Wednesday | 5pm - 9pm | 18 months | Apply Now |
| Warragul | 28th Apr 2026 | Monday | 9am - 4pm | 11 months | Apply Now |
If you do not see a date or location which interests you, please Enquire Now to register your interest in studying this course, and we will contact you.
