Info

Why I should study this course?

This qualification reflects the role of workers who work under broad supervision and guidance and provide services to clients with alcohol and other drugs issues. They can provide counselling, referral and promotion services. These workers require high level specialist knowledge, skills and competencies especially in regard to laws affecting clients, the range of services available to them and health issues related to alcohol and drugs use and misuse.

You will learn skills in supporting drug dependant people including rehabilitation, promoting health and wellbeing and techniques and methods in helping people suffering from long-term addictions. You will also learn skills to effectively communicate with clients, assess their needs and learn to develop programs that will encourage people to make better life choices.

What are my career opportunities?

Completion of this qualification can lead to a number of career opportunities such as:

• Drugs and Alcohol Counsellor
• Service Coordinator
• Youth Liaison Officer
• Alcohol and Other Drugs Case Manager
• Support Worker
  
  

The duration and training delivery

This course will be delivered over 18 months. The course includes a mix of delivery methods, such as face-to-face class time and online classes.

As part of this course you will be required to complete clinical or work placement activities. This must be undertaken within a relevant organisation that provides these services. Details of the hours for clinical or work placement activities can be obtained by contacting VACCHO Student Administration training@vaccho.org.au in the first instance.

Note: There is opportunity to complete the Diploma of Mental Health concurrently with this course.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants are required to attend an interview. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at time of course commencement. Admission requirements are completion of a Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment.

All students need to be able to obtain a satisfactory Police Check and a valid Working with Children Check prior to undertaking work placement.

Students are required to complete work placement to successfully complete the requirements of the course.

Career pathways

Graduates of the Diploma qualification may be eligible for pathways to the Diploma of Mental Health or the Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Units of study

Total number of units = 22

16 core units:

• CHCADV005 Provide systems advocacy services
• CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
• CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
• CHCAOD006 Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
• CHCAOD007 Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management
• CHCAOD008 Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues
• CHCAOD009 Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans
• CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
• CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships
• CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
• CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
• CHCMHS007 Work effectively in trauma informed care
• CHCPOL003 Research and apply evidence to practice
• CHCPRP002 Collaborate in professional practice
• CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
• HLTAID003 Provide first aid

6 elective units:

• CHCMHS013 Implement Trauma informed care
• CHCHSS011 Assess and promote social emotional and physical well being
• CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
• CHCCCS018 Provide suicide bereavement support
• CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support
• CHCAOD005 Provide alcohol and other drugs withdrawal services

Click here for information on Credit Transfer and RPL

Click here for information on fees and funding