Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Addiction, dependence and substance use can impact anyone. Gain the skills to support affected Community members on their path to wellbeing.
COURSE CODE
CHC43215
At a glance
Duration
12 months
Class type
Face-to-face classes held once a month. Tuesday – Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Enrolling on behalf of your team?
Course Overview
For many people, the road away from alcohol and other drugs is long, and no one should have to walk it alone.
The Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs is built for entry-level workers providing direct support to people experiencing alcohol and other drug issues across community, withdrawal, residential rehabilitation and outreach settings.
It’s particularly suited to people already in this space – support workers, community services workers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners working in culturally grounded wellbeing, healing or community support roles – who want to grow their skills and show up even more effectively for the people they serve.
You’ll build practical, recovery-oriented and trauma-informed capabilities to deliver meaningful support – guided, grounded and ready for the work ahead.
Who is this course deadly for?:
Graduates can work in roles across the ACCO and mainstream sectors, such as:
- Case Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Drug and Alcohol Worker
- Outreach Worker
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Worker
- Family Support Workerer
Course Details
How you will learn
This course combines classroom learning with real-world experience:
- Face-to-face training (3 days per month)
- Group discussions and peer support
- Workshops led by industry experts, including Elders and Community leaders
- Scenario-based learning and role plays
Clinical placement
80 hours supervised placement required.
Placement allows you to apply your skills in a mental health or community services setting, supervised by professionals. If you’re not already in a role, Yagilaith Djerring can help you organise a placement.
Further study pathways
Graduates may continue their studies with:
- duates may continue their studies with:
- CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
- CHC51015 Diploma in Counselling
- Bachelor of Counselling
Assessment methods may include:
- Written questions
- Case studies and projects
- Workplace and simulated projects
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- provide culturally safe, non-judgemental support to people affected by AOD use
- respond to crises and support recovery with confidence
- work in Community organisations, withdrawal services, residential rehabilitation services and outreach programs
- understand the impact of substance use on individuals, families and Community
- communicate effectively with clients, carers and health workers
- promote health, wellbeing and self-determination.
Course fees
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria can access the Aboriginal access fee waiver – no tuition fees required.
Travel and accommodation costs may be subsidised through the AbStudy funding program if you’re eligible.
See Yagilaith Djerring Course Fees for more information.
Course Structure
To graduate, you must complete 17 units of competency – 12 core and five elective:
Core Units
CORE UNIT NAME
CORE UNIT CODE
- Work in an alcohol and other drugs context CHCAOD001
- Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues CHCAOD004
- Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues CHCAOD006
- Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans CHCAOD009
- Assess co-existing needs CHCCCS004
- Provide brief interventions CHCCCS014
- Use communication to build relationships CHCCOM002
- Work with diverse people CHCDIV001
- Work legally and ethically CHCLEG001
- Work with people with mental health issues CHCMHS001
- Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships CHCPRP001
- Provide First Aid HLTAID011
Elective Units
ELECTIVE UNIT NAME
ELECTIVE UNIT CODE
- Work with clients who are intoxicated CHCAOD002
- Provide alcohol and other drugs withdrawal services CHCAOD005
- Coordinate complex case requirements CHCCSM004
- Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide CHCCCS003
- Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues CHCMHS005
HLTAID011 – Provide first aid (NOTE: Students need to complete this unit externally and provide a valid First Aid certificate for a credit transfer prior to completion of course).
Why study at Yagilaith Djerring?
Self-determined
training
Training is co-designed with ACCOs and the Aboriginal health sector to ensure your learning is connected to current sector needs.
Expert
educators
Subject matter experts with current industry experience and Community leaders will shape your learning.
Support every
step of the way
A dedicated support team will walk with you throughout your journey – from enrolment to graduation.
Culturally safe
learning
Training that respect and reflects your cultural identity and lived experience.
Entry Requirements
Below are the entry requirements for this course:
To enrol, you must:
- be 18 years or older at the time of enrolment
- complete a Learning, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment and Pre-Training Review (PTR) to assess your suitability, leadership readiness, and workplace access requirements
- have wide-ranging skills and knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of living
- provide evidence of some vaccinations – including influenza (flu) and COVID19
- have basic digital skills, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
You must also be:
- working or volunteering in a relevant role providing support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, or
- working or volunteering for an Aboriginal health organisation, or
- able to access an appropriate workplace to complete practical assessments.
If you’ve completed similar units or gained relevant skills through work or study, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer. Our team can guide you through this process during enrolment.
This training is delivered under the Skills First Program and may be free for eligible students.
Eligibility is assessed individually before enrolment, and tuition fees may vary depending on your circumstances.
Additional Information
Yagilaith Djerring (RTO No. 20739) is responsible for the quality of training, assessment and the issuing of nationally recognised certification.
Completion of this course does not guarantee employment.
Yagilaith Djerring supports inclusive education and welcomes learners from all backgrounds, including people with a disability.
Ready to begin your journey?
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) today – and take the first step into alcohol and other drugs support.
