CRICOS Provider No. 00103D | RTO 4909 | TEQSA No. PRV12151 (Australian University)
(CHC43315)
Certificate IV in
Mental Health
Support people with mental illness and psychiatric disability to
improve their wellbeing.
Federation.edu.au/TAFE
1800 333 864 (1800 FED UNI)
International: +61 3 5327 9018
/feduniaustralia
FREE TAFE
FREE TAFE
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Table of contents
Welcome to Federation TAFE 3
Free TAFE at Federation 4
Why study at Federation TAFE 5
Course overview 6
Program information 7
What will you study 8
Pathways for further study 9
Admissions process 10
We work hard so that work finds you 11
Supporting our students 12
Our campuses 13
Page 2
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Wimmera Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, Jupagulk
Ballarat Wadawurrung
Berwick Boon Wurrung
Gippsland Gunai Kurnai
Nanya Station Mutthi Mutthi and Barkindji
Brisbane City Turrbal and Jagera
Federation University Australia acknowledges
the Traditional Custodians of the lands and
waters where our campuses, centres and eld
stations are located and we pay our respects
to Elders past and present. We extend this respect
to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and First
Nations Peoples.
The Aboriginal Traditional Custodians of the
lands and waters where our campuses, centres
and eld stations are located include:
We o er a broad range of courses across major trade
sectors including automotive, business, IT, building and
construction, community and children services, cookery,
brewing, hairdressing, beauty services, engineering,
manufacturing and rural sciences among many others.
Studying at TAFE ticks all the boxes for a great hands-
on learning experience – providing you with the skills
employers need, and the right tools for a career in your
preferred industry.
And with more than 150 years’ experience training the
next generation of skilled tradespeople, we know a thing
or two about transforming the lives of our students and
responding to the growing need for new skills in our
local communities.
So, if you are looking to start your career, upskill in your
chosen fi eld or switch industries all together, Federation
TAFE will get you to where you want to be and ensure
that you feel supported in the process.
Welcome to
Federation TAFE
There are not many experiences as rewarding as studying at TAFE.
And at Federation, you’ll be welcomed with open arms by industry-
experienced, passionate teachers and hands-on learning experiences.
Page 3
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Take advantage of the many free TAFE courses oered at Federation
and have your studies fully funded by the Victorian Government.
Free TAFE is a Victorian Government initiative aimed at supporting Victorians
to get the skills needed to address critical workforce shortages, regardless of
their previous qualifications.
Does it cover all my fees?
If you are eligible, Free TAFE pays the tuition fees for your whole course. Other
fees may still apply, such as student services fees or materials fees that you
will have to pay for yourself.
Am I eligible for Free TAFE?
Any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen is eligible to
do one Free TAFE Priority Course as long as:
• you are undertaking the training in Victoria
• you are not attending a school (this doesn’t include a TAFE) or registered
for home schooling in Victoria
• you have not started or be scheduled to start more than two government-
subsidised courses in a year
• you will not be undertaking more than two government programs – either
courses or skill sets – at any one time.
You may be eligible to complete more than one Free TAFE course if it’s
included in the Free TAFE pathways initiative.
Click here to see all Free TAFE pathways and eligibility criteria >
FREE TAFE
FREE TAFE
FREE TAFE
at Federation
Page 5
Why study a Certificate IV in
Mental Health at Federation TAFE
We’re the largest dual-sector university in
regional Victoria
Whichever program you choose to study, you will be
part of our Federation community and have access to
the many incredible services and opportunities that
Federation University oers. This includes modern
learning facilities and equipment, industry-experienced
teachers, work integrated learning opportunities,
industry engagement, and extensive support services.
And if you choose to study at Federation, you can utilise
your certificate or diploma as a pathway to access entry
into undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
A future you can count on
Demand for mental health services in Australia is
outstripping supply, causing people who desperately
need help to languish for months on waiting lists. As
we recover from the pandemic, young people remain
aected in disproportionately high numbers.
The health sector is forecasting demand for a larger and
more skilled workforce. Future demand will come from
primary health networks, alongside ongoing demand
from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
This situation is creating opportunities for community
services workers to upskill with a mental health
qualification.
The Certificate IV in Mental Health will equip you to
provide self-directed recovery-oriented support to
people aected by mental illness and psychiatric
disability. The work placement component will give
you practical industry experience as well as on-the-job
confidence. The course will also further develop your
communication skills and your ability to develop and
maintain relationships and partnerships.
Advance your career with a deeper understanding of
mental health issues and contribute to the increased
wellbeing of our community.
Teachers who’ve been in your shoes
You’ll be learning from some of the best in their field.
Our professional sta are highly respected for their
individual skills and knowledge gained while operating
within their vocational fields. They maintain extensive
contacts within industry to stay abreast of innovation and
development.
Strong local connections
We have some of the strongest industry and business
relationships in Australia including community health
organisations in the Ballarat, Horsham and Ararat areas.
Our course is designed to fit around you
Classes are held two days per week (9:30am to 4:30pm)
at our Mt Helen Campus – so you can easily find the
right balance between your studies, work, family and
any other commitments.
We incorporate the latest digital technology to
complement our training methods. This course is taught
with a combination of online and face-to-face classes.
Our online learning system allows you to study in a
safe, guided and fully supported manner with the same
access to all learning, personal and wellbeing supports.
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(CHC43315)
Our Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315).
Page 6
Course Overview
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Areas of study include:
• promoting social, emotional and physical wellbeing
• providing recovery-oriented mental health services
• recognising and responding to crisis situations
• providing services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol
and other drugs issues
• working eectively in trauma-informed care
• working legally and ethically
• following safe work practices.
Additional information will be provided at the information/induction session.
What’s in the detail?
Program information
Page 7
Award On completion of this course, you will be awarded the nationally accredited Certificate IV in
Mental Health (CHC43315)
Course Code CHC43315
Start dates Semester 1 and Semester 2
Duration 1 year
Contact Hours Classes are held two days per week on campus from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Additional study time is required to complete assessments, classroom readings and activities.
Work integrated learning: This program requires 80 hours of industry placement, which is
sourced by our TAFE Placement Team.
Study Load Part time
Available locations Ballarat – Mt Helen
Study Modes Students can choose to study:
• in person at our Mt Helen Campus
• a combination of on-campus and online classes.
Scholarships
Our scholarships and grants can help with your study costs.
Explore our scholarships to find an opportunity that’s right for you >
Entry requirements There are no prerequisites for this program. All TAFE applicants are required to complete a
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment and any other supporting documents as
part of the application process.
In addition, all applicants are required to:
• hold a valid police check
• hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• hold a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check.
Please note: the police check, Working with Children Check (WWCC) and NDIS Worker
Screening Check need to be obtained at your own expense.
Technology
requirements
To have a successful online learning experience you will need to ensure you have suitable
computer hardware and software, including access to video-conferencing capabilities
(microphone, camera).
Find out more about minimum IT requirements >
Fees
This course is oered as a Free TAFE course under the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE
initiative. Materials fees may still apply to some courses.
Find out about the initiative and your eligibility >
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What you will study
Page 8
COURSE CONTENT
How many units required for successful completion? • Number of Units required for successful completion: 15
• Number of Core Units: 11
• Number of Electives: 4
CORE UNITS ELECTIVE UNITS
• Work with diverse people CHCDIV001
• Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
• Work legally and ethically CHCLEG001
• Establish self-directed recovery relationships CHCMHS002
• Provide recovery orientated mental health services CHCMHS003
• Work collaboratively with the care network and other services
CHCMHS004
• Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and
alcohol and other drugs issues CHCMHS005
• Work effectively in trauma informed care CHCMHS007
• Promote and facilitate self-advocacy CHCMHS008
• Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
CHCMHS011
• Participate in workplace health and safety HLTWHS001
• Recognise and respond to crisis situations CHCCCS019
• Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide CHCCCS003
• Assess co-existing needs CHCCCS004
• Facilitate the recovery process with the person, family and carers
CHCMHS006
The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is made up of several
units that you will need to pass.
Information contained in this table is subject to change.
Current version available here.
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Pathways for further study
Federation oers a pathway in Mental Health to take you from TAFE to
Higher Education, so you can progress your skills as much as you want
while still making a dierence to the community.
And thanks to the Free TAFE priority pathways initiative oered by the
Victorian Government, you now have the chance to complete multiple
fee-free courses in this study area.
Mental Health pathway
Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315)
– 12 months
A certificate IV is the best place to start. It’s designed
for people wanting to design and deliver person-centred
services to individuals and groups in the role of a mental
health support worker.
Diploma of Mental Health (CHC53315) – 2 years
Further your experience and expertise with the diploma
qualification, which reflects the role of workers who
provide services to clients in relation to mental health
issues. You’ll develop a high level of knowledge,
especially in regard to laws aecting people with mental
health issues, the range of services available to them
and health issues related to mental health.
Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015)
– 2 years
Continue your studies with our Diploma of Community
Services. This course provides you with an area of skill
and knowledge specialisation through elective study
streams. Plus, because hands-on experience is key to
your confidence and career success, we’ll help you gain
200 placement hours in real community organisations.
Bachelor of Community and Human Services – 3
years (2 years if taken after the diploma)
Successful completion of the Diploma of Mental Health
or Diploma of Community Services will provide you with
120 credit points (or the equivalent of one-year full-time
study) towards your bachelor’s degree and accreditation
by the Australian Community Workers Association
(ACWA). It’s the smart way of studying, where you will
get all the benefits and support of studying at TAFE,
while also advancing your academic skills and job
opportunities.
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) – 2 years (1.5
years if taken after the bachelor)
Completion of the bachelor’s degree can provide you
with credit for one semester of study for the Master of
Social Work (Qualifying). It’s a postgraduate program
that is designed to provide opportunities for research,
challenging projects, and enhancing your professional
qualification.
Please note: additional essential requirements for
admission may apply to entry into these programs.
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Page 9
Ready to apply? Click below to get started or book a call with a course
adviser to get help.
Federation TAFE’s
admissions process
Page 10
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Book a call →Apply now →
1. Check the entry requirements
Make sure you know the entry requirements for your
selected program. To search and confirm the entry
requirements of your chosen TAFE course, refer to our
Course Finder.
2. Have your ID and USI number ready
Make sure you have a copy of your current ID – this can
be your birth certificate, Medicare card or passport.
You’ll also need to provide your Unique Student Identifier
(USI), or create your USI if you don’t have one.
Confirm your USI details >
3. Confirm your eligibility for funding
Understand your program fees and eligibility for
government funding.
See detailed information >
4. Apply
In your application you will have the opportunity to tell us
about yourself and why you are applying to Federation
TAFE. We are interested in what is motivating you to
study the program you have chosen, and about your
interests and achievements.
Apply direct >
5. Complete your application tasks
Once you have submitted the online application form,
you will be required to complete a Language Literacy
and Numeracy test (LLN).
Some TAFE courses will have specific tasks such as
completion of a pre-training interview. All tasks will be
listed on the application portal if they are applicable to
the course.
6. Wait for your admission email
Once your application is assessed, you may receive an
oer to study at Federation TAFE. If you receive an oer,
you won’t need to do anything until you receive your
enrolment details.
7. Enrol
Before starting at TAFE, you will receive information
about enrolment. This is when you will receive
information about setting up your My Student Centre
account, support services, and learn about your
upcoming course timetable.
Here at Federation TAFE, we provide many employability programs
aimed at improving your future career. And thanks to our experienced
sta and long history, we have some of the strongest industry and
business relationships in Australia.
Federation TAFE is ahead of the national Vocational
Education and Training (VET) average in the
following employment outcomes
*
:
Better job security
76.7% of graduates had an improved employment
status after training.
Greater career opportunities
71.4% of students were employed before training. Of
these, 28.8% were employed at a higher skill level after
training.
More likely to fi nd employment
28.6% of students were not employed before training.
Of these, 65% were employed after training.
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) combines classroom
learning with work experience for specifi c programs. We
utilise our strong connections with leading businesses
and organisations to link you to a workplace related
to your course and better prepare you for your future
career.
TAFE Placements
Many of our courses require students to complete
practical placement hours in a workplace to meet their
course requirements and those required by industry.
Our team will help to fi nd placement opportunities with
local businesses in your chosen study area.
Placements provide you with:
• experienced supervisors and mentors in the
workplace
• fi rst-hand training and experience working with an
established organisation
• work-ready skills
• improved understanding of how theory relates to
workplace practice.
Prior to placement, we help guide you through the
mandatory documents required (police check, Working
with Children Check, etc.) and then confi rm your
placement hours.
Skills and Jobs Centre
Our Skills and Jobs Centres in Ballarat and Horsham
are a Victorian Government initiative, and work with
our students to provide career advice, develop their
employability skills, and help them fi nd a job.
Through our strong relationships with industry, the
Skills and Jobs Centre helps to connect students with
genuine employment opportunities in their chosen fi eld.
We work hard
so that work finds you
*Source: National Centre for Vocational Education Research
(NCVER) survey results, 2022
Page 11
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We’re renowned for
supporting our students
Support services
We want all our students to feel good so that they can
concentrate on what matters – study, friends, family and
life outside of TAFE.
• Accommodation
• Scholarships and grants
• Equity and inclusion
• Health services
• Complaints
• Aboriginal Education Centre
• Safer campuses
• Counselling
• Disability support
• Financial information and support
• International student advisory
• Chaplaincy
• Justice of the peace
• Student advocacy
• Children’s centres (child care)
We understand that starting or returning to study is exciting, but that it
also involves change with a challenge or two along the way.
Study support
At Federation TAFE we o er a free tutor service to
all enrolled students who need a little more help with
literacy and numeracy. See more study support services
o ered below:
• ASK desk
• Free literacy and numeracy support
• IT support
• Learning skills advisors
• Library
• Online systems help
• Online study hub and booklet
• PASS (Peer Assisted Study Support) program
• Student mentors
• Studiosity study skills
• Subject guides
Page 12
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Discover
our campuses
Our campuses are located in the booming
regional areas of Central Victoria.
Gillies Street Campus
Our Gillies Street Campus is home to our Horticulture and Conservation
and Ecosystem Management courses - where you’ll gain fi eldwork
experience in the surrounding Ballarat Botanical Gardens and large
wetlands area.
Mt Helen Campus
Our Mt Helen Campus hosts a wide range of modern facilities for
both TAFE and Higher Education courses. The campus is located 10
kilometres from the city centre of Ballarat on 110 hectares of natural
bushland, which attracts colourful bird species as well as resident
kangaroos and koalas.
Mt Rowan Campus
At our Mt Rowan site, you can study our Agriculture courses. You’ll learn
the business of farming, and how to use the kind of equipment and
facilities you can expect to fi nd in modern agricultural enterprises.
School of Mines Ballarat (SMB) Campus
Our SMB Campus is home to Federation TAFE and is located in the
heart of Ballarat. The SMB Campus provides an attractive, historical
environment dating back to 1870. This campus is also home to our
purpose-built building and construction centre, manufacturing and
engineering skills centre and our unistyle hair and beauty services centre.
Wimmera Campus
Our Wimmera Campus delivers education and training throughout
Horsham and surrounding regions. The Wimmera Campus delivers TAFE
programs, university-level courses and research.
Mt Helen Campus
Gillies Street Campus
Mt Rowan Campus
SMB Campus
Wimmera Campus
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Disclaimer: Information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of printing. Federation University Australia reserves the right to alter any program, procedure or fee,
as deemed necessary. Prospective students should confi rm information by visiting federation.edu.au and vtac.edu.au or by contacting the University directly. The information
contained in this brochure may not apply to international students. International students should contact +61 3 5327 9018. Federation programs are delivered with Victorian
and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals. CRICOS Provider No. 00103D | RTO 4909 | TEQSA No. PRV12151 (Australian University)
Federation.edu.au/TAFE
1800 333 864 (1800 FED UNI)
International: +61 3 5327 9018
/feduniaustralia
01.06.23 dt_104.41
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