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.

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Specialised skills to spark meaningful change – that’s what’s on offer with the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Register now

COURSE CODE

CHC53215

At a glance

Duration

18 months

Class type

Face-to-face classes held once a month. Tuesday – Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Enrolling on behalf of your team?

Find out how we work with ACCOs

Course Overview

The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs builds on core support skills and prepares you for complex client needs, care coordination, and sector leadership.

You’ll deepen your understanding of trauma, co-existing conditions, and harm reduction – while strengthening your ability to advocate, assess and respond in high-pressure environments.

Designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous learners already working in Community or health settings, this course equips you with the tools to walk alongside clients with clarity, confidence and care.

If you’ve completed the Certificate IV, this is your next step. If you’ve been supporting others informally, it’s your chance to formalise your skills – and elevate your impact.

Who is this course deadly for?:

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

  • Case Manger
  • Community Support Worker
  • Drug and Alcohol Clinician
  • Outreach Worker
  • Intake and Assessment Worker

Course Details

How you will learn

This course combines classroom learning with real-world experience:

  • Face-to-face training (3-day sessions, monthly)
  • Group discussions and peer support
  • Workshops led by industry experts, including Elders and Community leaders
  • Practical assessments and reflective learning tasks

Clinical placement

No formal placement required.

However, students are encouraged to be working or volunteering in a SEWB-related field to deepen their learning and apply their skills in context.

Further study pathways

Graduates may continue their studies with:

  • CHC53315 Diploma of Mental Health
  • CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
  • CHC51015 Diploma in Counselling
  • CHC50413 Diploma in Youth Work
  • Bachelor of Counselling
  • Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs

Assessment methods may include:

  • Written questions
  • Observation/demonstration
  • Case studies

Learning outcomes

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

  • apply trauma-informed, person-centred counselling techniques
  • support clients through grief, loss, identity and mental health challenges
  • use ethical and culturally safe approaches in your practice
  • build trust and rapport in a helping relationship
  • work within boundaries and refer clients to appropriate services

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

Core Units

CORE UNIT NAME

CORE UNIT CODE

  • Reflect on and improve own professional practice CHCPRP003
  • Work in an alcohol and other drugs context CHCAOD001
  • Establish and maintain client relationships CHCCOM006
  • Work with diverse people CHCDIV001
  • Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues CHCAOD004
  • Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues CHCAOD006
  • Assess co-existing needs CHCCCS004
  • Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues CHCAOD008
  • Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues CHCMHS005
  • Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans CHCAOD009
  • Collaborate in professional practice CHCPRP002
  • Research and apply evidence to practice CHCPOL003
  • Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management CHCAOD007
  • Provide systems advocacy services CHCADV005
  • Work effectively in trauma-informed care CHCMHS007
  • Provide first aid HLTAID011

Elective Units

ELECTIVE UNIT NAME

ELECTIVE UNIT CODE

  • Work with clients who are intoxicated CHCAOD002
  • Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety CHCDIV002
  • Provide alcohol and other drugs withdrawal services CHCAOD005
  • Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing CHCMHS011
  • Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide CHCCCS003
  • Establish and confirm the counselling relationship CHCCSL001

HLTAID011 – Provide first aid (NOTE: Students need to complete 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 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.

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.

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 take the next step in AOD support?

Register now