Program Overview

CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health

Course Description

This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide services to clients in relation to mental health issues. They can provide counselling, referral, advocacy, and education/health promotion services. These workers are required to have high-level specialist knowledge, skills, and competencies, especially in regard to laws affecting people with mental health issues, the range of services available to them, and health issues related to mental health.

Course Structure

The Diploma of Mental Health consists of 20 units of competency; 15 Core Units and 5 Elective Units.

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 co-existing 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

• CHCCCS017 | Provide loss and grief support
• CHCCCS018 **** | Provide suicide bereavement support
• HLTAAP001 **** | Recognise healthy body systems
• HLTHPS006 **** | Assist Client with medication
• BSBFIM501 **** | Manage budgets and Financial Plans

Entry Requirements

• Students must be 18 years of age or above and provide evidence of the following published entry requirements:
  • International Students:
    • Must be 18 years of age or above at the time of enrolment
    • Year 12 or equivalent of Australian HSC
  • English Language Entry Requirements:
    • IELTS score 6.0 overall (with no band less than 5.5) or equivalent Pearson Test of English (PTE)

Mandatory Work Placement

• Students are required to complete 160 hours of mandatory work placement to complete CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health.
• Students may request Australian Health and Management Institute to organise their work placement or they may find their own mandatory work placement.
• In the event the student has selected the work placement, Australian Health and Management Institute staff undertakes a workplace suitability assessment prior to approval.
• All students are required to evidence the following documentation prior to undertaking mandatory work placement:
  • Current and satisfactory police check
  • Current First Aid Certificate

Career Opportunities

• Graduates may find employment in a broad range of industries as:
  • Mental Health Outreach Worker
  • Assistant Community Services Worker
  • Welfare Support Worker
  • Program Service Co-ordinator
  • Case Manager

Education Pathways

• Further training pathways from this qualification may lead to any of the following qualifications:
  • CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services
  • CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
  • CHC50421 Diploma of Youth Work

Exit Point/Award

• Students that successfully complete all 20 units of competency as stated in the Course Structure and mandatory 160hrs work placement, will be issued with CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health. This qualification is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).