Acknowledgement of Country

The Yagilaith Djerring acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

Certificate IV in Mental Health

The path towards mental wellbeing starts with a single step. Learn how to support Mob to take theirs with the Certificate IV of Mental Health.

Register now

COURSE CODE

CHC43315

At a glance

Duration

12 months

(3 days per month)

Class type

Face-to-face classes held three days per month from 9am to 5pm.

Enrolling on behalf of your team?

Find out how we work with ACCOs

Course Overview

Recovery looks different for everyone – and the people who walk alongside others through it make all the difference.

The Certificate IV in Mental Health is built for workers who provide recovery-oriented, trauma-informed support to Community experiencing mental illness and psychiatric disability.

It’s particularly suited to people already doing this work – mental health and community services workers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners working in culturally grounded wellbeing, healing or community support roles – who want to strengthen their practice and deepen their impact.

You’ll build the skills and confidence to implement Community-based programs and support individuals on their recovery journey, in a way that’s grounded, human and culturally safe.

Who is this course deadly for?:

Graduates can work in roles across the ACCO and mainstream sector, such as:

  • Mental Health Support Worker 
  • Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker 
  • Community Mental Health/ Support Worker 
  • Mental Health Outreach Worker 
  • Recovery Support Worker 
  • Case Worker (Mental Health) 
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Worker 

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
  • Practical assessments and reflective learning tasks

Clinical placement

80 hours of supervised placement required.

Placement allows you to apply your skills in a mental health or SEWB 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:

  • CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
  • CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
  • CHC51015 Diploma in Counselling

Assessment methods may include:

  • Written questions
  • Workplace projects
  • Portfolio
  • Case studies
  • Observation/demonstration
  • Role plays

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • support people living with mental health challenges using recovery-focused approaches
  • promote resilience and wellbeing in Community
  • implement Community-based mental health programs and activities
  • respond to crisis situations with confidence and care
  • apply trauma-informed, culturally safe practices
  • collaborate with teams across health, justice and welfare sectors.

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.

Course Structure

To graduate, you must complete 15 units of competency – 11 core and four elective:

Core Units

CORE UNIT NAME

CORE UNIT CODE

  • 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 oriented 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

Elective Units

ELECTIVE UNIT NAME

ELECTIVE UNIT CODE

  • Assess co-existing needs CHCCCS004
  • Work with people with mental health issues CHCMHS001
  • Reflect on and improve own professional practice CHCPRP003
  • Recognise and respond to crisis situations CHCCCS019

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
  • have basic digital skills, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Ideally, you should 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.

Check your eligibility here.

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 make a difference?

Build the support skills to strengthen Mob’s mental wellbeing – and the future of Community.

Register now