This qualification will provide you with the skills and knowledge to provide recovery-oriented, person-centred support in the form of counselling, referral, advocacy and health promotion services to clients in need.

You will learn about the laws that affect people with mental health issues, the range of services available to them and health issues related to mental health. You will gain an understanding of co-occurring disorders and learn how to work with diverse populations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To be awarded this qualification, you must successfully complete 20 units of competency, 15 core units and 5 elective units.  The electives for this course have been selected by Partners in Training Australia through industry consultation.

Core units

  • CHCADV005 Provide systems advocacy services
  • CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
  • CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
  • 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
  • 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
  • CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice
  • CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
  • HLTWHS004 Manage work health and safety

Elective units

  • CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of Individuals at risk of suicide
  • CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support
  • CHCCOM003 Develop workplace communication strategies
  • CHCCSM004 Coordinate complex case requirements
  • CHCDFV006 Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence

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 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 requires a minimum of 160 hours of 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.

*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:

CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services, CHC53315 Diploma of Alcohol and other Drugs, CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management.

Graduates of this qualification can expect to apply for employment in the community services, mental health or health care setting in occupational titles such Mental Health Outreach Worker, Mental Health Support Worker, Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker, Community Rehabilitation Worker, Welfare Support Worker and Community Support Worker.

The welfare and community services sector are one of Australia’s fastest growing sectors and is expected to continue growing. Employment for Counsellors is expected to grow by 14.2% to 27,800 persons employed by 2026. Employment in Health Care and Social Assistance is projected to grow by 301,000 (or 15.8%) over the five years to November 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

26 Feb

Virtual Classroom

12 Mar

Virtual Classroom

16 Mar

Virtual Classroom

23 Mar

Virtual Classroom

Delivery Location Start Date Class Day Time of Classes Duration of Training Course ID Click Apply Now to Get Started
Virtual Classroom 26th Feb 2026 Thursday 9.30am - 4.30pm 14 months CLD2026??#61 Apply Now
Virtual Classroom 12th Mar 2026 Monday 9am - 4pm 14 months CLD2026ST#30 Apply Now
Virtual Classroom 16th Mar 2026 Monday 5pm - 9pm 2 years CLD2026??#60 Apply Now
Virtual Classroom 23rd Mar 2026 Monday 5pm - 9pm 2 years CLD2026ST#34 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.

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