CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
(with mental health electives)

To be awarded this qualification, you must be successfully complete 21 of 22 units of competency, 15 core units and 6 elective units.  For this qualification you will need to provide us with your Statement of Attainment for unit HLTAID011 Provide First Aid from another education provider for the purpose of Credit Transfer. The electives for this course have been selected by Partners in Training Australia through industry consultation.

Core units

• CHCADV005 Provide systems advocacy services
• CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
• CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
• CHCAOD006 Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
• CHCAOD007 Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management
• CHCAOD008 Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues
• CHCAOD009 Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans
• CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
• CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships
• CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
• CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
• CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care
• CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice
• CHCPRP002 Collaborate in professional practice
• CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Elective units

• CHCMHS004 Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
• CHCMHS009 Provide early intervention, health prevention and promotion programs
• CHCMHS010 Implement recovery oriented approaches to complexity
• CHCMHS011 Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
• CHCMHS012 Provide support to develop wellness plans and advanced directives
• CHCMHS013 Implement trauma informed care

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: 9:30AM – 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 160 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) 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.

* We credit transfer 16 units from this course into our CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health course, leaving 4 additional units to study to gain a second qualification for $0 Administration Fee and $500 Tuition Fee.

*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:

CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management and CHC82015 Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management.

Graduates of this qualification can expect to apply for employment in the community services sector setting in occupational titles such as Case Worker, Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker, Alcohol and other Drugs Rehabilitation Worker, Family Support Worker, Outreach Officer, Mental Health and Outreach Worker, Youth Alcohol and other Drugs Worker as well as Drug and Alcohol Community Support Worker.

The welfare and community services sector are one of Australia’s fastest growing sectors.
Employment for Counsellors is expected to grow by 14.2% to 27,800 persons employed by 2026. Growth is expected as the population grows, and people seek counselling for an increasing number of issues, including health, drug and alcohol problems, accommodation, relationships, employment, grief and loss, stress management, child development or abuse issues. Growth is expected in addiction and mental health counselling services, as the potential positive effects of such programs are increasingly recognised, and as more of these programs are covered by health insurance policies.

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.