CHC43215
Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Start Date
Rolling Enrolment
Duration
9 months
Delivery Method
Online
Units
17
Be the change someone needs in their life.
Substance abuse can wreak havoc on an individual’s life, their family and even the wider community. If you have a passion for helping those suffering from these issues transform their lives, then CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs is your pathway to becoming an entry-level support worker specialising in aiding recovery.
This CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs course can equip you with the skills and knowledge required to make a difference in alcohol and drug dependent people.
Next Start Date
Rolling Enrolment
Duration
9 months
Delivery Method
Online
Course Overview
Study the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Through the CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs qualification, you will learn to provide support services to clients suffering from alcohol and other drug issues, working one-on-one with individuals and in group-based settings. This course will also equip you with practical skills to build and maintain relationships with clients, plan and provide interventions and develop and review AOD treatment plans.
Upon completion of this 9 month course, you will be qualified to work as an Alcohol and Other Drugs Support Worker, in a variety of settings including community non-government-based programs, withdrawal services, residential rehabilitation services and out-reach services.
Graduates of this level will have limited responsibilities and established parameters, working under the guidance of a professional or practitioner.
Is the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs for you?
The community service industry is a challenging, but rewarding one. It takes many skills and attributes to do this job well including:
- Good active listening skills
- Understanding of ‘whole of life issues’
- Non-judgmental approach
- Appreciation of different choices in life
- Looking to grow as a person
- Logic and reasoning to narrow down support options
- Service orientation
Student Requirements:
- 15 hours per week commitment for study for 9 months
- Active participation in online classes
- Active participation in role plays
- Professional and respectful behaviour in the online classes
- Taking responsibility of own learning and reaching out when needing support
What will you learn in the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs?
The CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs course is guided by our three pillars of learning.
Pillar 1: Work in a legal and ethical manner with people within a diverse community
– Learn to work with diverse social and cultural groups and situations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
– Learn legal and ethical frameworks that apply to the mental health industry
– Manage and improve your own professional development
– Learn safe work practices related to workplace health and safety
Pillar 2: Effectively provide support in AOD sufferers
– Learn how to develop and establish working relationships with clients suffering mental health issues
– Support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
– Learn a range of communication skills and techniques to build and maintain client relationships
Pillar 3: Understanding client needs and choosing the best approach and strategy according to their readiness
– Gain skills in examining and determining client’s needs suffering from alcohol and other drug issues
– Develop your awareness of internal and external services available to treat clients
– Gain practical skills and knowledge to provide interventions to AOD clients
– Learn how to develop and review alcohol and other drugs treatment plans
How will you study the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs?
This course will be delivered through a blended learning approach which combines the flexibility of online learning with the practical support of live training via web tutorials, online forums, and interactive eLearning. All learning whether that be online or face to face, is overseen by a qualified trainer and assessor.
This course is also supported by our Purpose Practical’s service, where students can complete practical assessments in a safe, controlled, and simulated environment.
How long is the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs?
The CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs is 9 months long.
This qualification requires the completion of 17 units, including assignments.
Entry Requirements
TrainSmart Australia will assess a student’s ‘academic suitability’ to ensure the student has the best chance of success. This is determined by either:
- The student providing TrainSmart Australia with a copy of an Australian year 12 certificate of education; or,
- The student providing TrainSmart Australia with a copy of a completed Certificate qualification that can be verified; or,
- For entry into a Certificate III – A Certificate II or higher;
- For entry into a Certificate IV – A Certificate III or higher;
- The student completing the Core Skills Profile for Adults online assessment passing at or above Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy.
Please note, we are unable to enrol international students at this time.
Delivery Method
The CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs course is delivered fully online with 17 units to complete.
Knowledge Based Assessments
17
Case Studies
17
Practical Assessments
17
Modules
This qualification is made up of the following units of competency. All units of competency must be completed in order to successfully attain the CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs.
The CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs is broken up into the following Modules.
Module 1: Alcohol and Other Drugs Part 1
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
HLTWHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCCS019
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, and then to work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access required support services. This unit applies to any community services worker involved in crisis intervention. Management of the crisis may involve face-to-face, telephone or remote contact with persons involved.
Work legally and ethically
CHCLEG001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role. This unit applies to community services and health workers who play a proactive role in identifying and meeting their legal and ethical responsibilities.
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.
Module 2: Alcohol and Other Drugs Part 2
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
Work in alcohol and other drugs context
CHCAOD001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish and work within the current context, philosophy and values of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector. This unit applies to workers who come into contact with clients affected by alcohol and other drugs.
Provide first aid **
HLTAID011
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies.
The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
** Please note. This Unit: ‘HLTAID011 Provide first aid’ is trained and assessed externally. Learners are expected to arrange and complete this unit themselves at their own cost with another RTO or Training Organisation eg St John Ambulance, and then apply for Mutual Recognition with TSA.
Provide brief interventions
CHCCCS014
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess intervention needs, and then to implement and monitor brief intervention strategies for people at various stages of the change process. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services contexts.
Use communication to build relationships
CHCCOM002
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to apply specific communication techniques to establish, build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders based on respect and trust. This unit applies to work across a range of workplace contexts where workers at all levels may communicate with individuals and/or groups both in person and in writing.
Assess co-existing needs
CHCCCS004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the diverse and multi-faceted needs of people and determine both internal and external services required to meet those needs. This unit applies in a range of community service contexts.
Module 3: Alcohol and Other Drugs Part 3
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
CHCPRP001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify networking and collaboration needs and develop formal and informal partnerships to enhance service delivery and improve professional practice. This unit applies to work in all industry sectors, and to individuals who take pro-active responsibility for improving collaboration between workers and organisations.
Work with people with mental health issues
CHCMHS001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues. This unit applies to support workers in contexts outside the mental health sector, but who come into contact with people with mental health issues. The services and support provided are not mental health specific.
Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCAOD004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and conduct assessments of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) clients to determine eligibility, service requirements and referral needs. This includes knowledge of factors affecting assessment for a range of different client groups including different genders, youth, older people, mandated and voluntary clients, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This unit applies to people involved in the assessment of clients with AOD issues using established organisation or jurisdictional AOD assessment tools.
Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCAOD006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to confirm, conduct and monitor intervention strategies to address alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues. This unit applies to workers who provide support to people with AOD issues within the scope of an established individual treatment plan. Interventions would be ongoing and be conducted under the guidance of a supervisor.
Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans
CHCAOD009
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with clients to establish treatment goals, and to develop and evaluate individual treatment plans to meet those goals. This unit applies to workers who develop treatment plans with, and for, clients with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues on the basis of an existing assessment and within established organisation guidelines. Depending on the context, development of the plan may be autonomous or collaborative. Workers may or may not be the person conducting the assessment.
Module 1: Alcohol and Other Drugs Part 1
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
HLTWHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCCS019
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, and then to work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access required support services. This unit applies to any community services worker involved in crisis intervention. Management of the crisis may involve face-to-face, telephone or remote contact with persons involved.
Work legally and ethically
CHCLEG001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role. This unit applies to community services and health workers who play a proactive role in identifying and meeting their legal and ethical responsibilities.
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.
Module 2: Alcohol and Other Drugs Part 2
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
Work in alcohol and other drugs context
CHCAOD001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish and work within the current context, philosophy and values of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector. This unit applies to workers who come into contact with clients affected by alcohol and other drugs.
Provide first aid **
HLTAID011
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies.
The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
** Please note. This Unit: ‘HLTAID011 Provide first aid’ is trained and assessed externally. Learners are expected to arrange and complete this unit themselves at their own cost with another RTO or Training Organisation eg St John Ambulance, and then apply for Mutual Recognition with TSA.
Provide brief interventions
CHCCCS014
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess intervention needs, and then to implement and monitor brief intervention strategies for people at various stages of the change process. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services contexts.
Use communication to build relationships
CHCCOM002
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to apply specific communication techniques to establish, build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders based on respect and trust. This unit applies to work across a range of workplace contexts where workers at all levels may communicate with individuals and/or groups both in person and in writing.
Assess co-existing needs
CHCCCS004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the diverse and multi-faceted needs of people and determine both internal and external services required to meet those needs. This unit applies in a range of community service contexts.
Module 3: Alcohol and Other Drugs Part 3
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
CHCPRP001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify networking and collaboration needs and develop formal and informal partnerships to enhance service delivery and improve professional practice. This unit applies to work in all industry sectors, and to individuals who take pro-active responsibility for improving collaboration between workers and organisations.
Work with people with mental health issues
CHCMHS001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues. This unit applies to support workers in contexts outside the mental health sector, but who come into contact with people with mental health issues. The services and support provided are not mental health specific.
Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCAOD004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and conduct assessments of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) clients to determine eligibility, service requirements and referral needs. This includes knowledge of factors affecting assessment for a range of different client groups including different genders, youth, older people, mandated and voluntary clients, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This unit applies to people involved in the assessment of clients with AOD issues using established organisation or jurisdictional AOD assessment tools.
Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCAOD006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to confirm, conduct and monitor intervention strategies to address alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues. This unit applies to workers who provide support to people with AOD issues within the scope of an established individual treatment plan. Interventions would be ongoing and be conducted under the guidance of a supervisor.
Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans
CHCAOD009
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with clients to establish treatment goals, and to develop and evaluate individual treatment plans to meet those goals. This unit applies to workers who develop treatment plans with, and for, clients with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues on the basis of an existing assessment and within established organisation guidelines. Depending on the context, development of the plan may be autonomous or collaborative. Workers may or may not be the person conducting the assessment.
Job Outcomes
Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Career Opportunities
The CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs qualification can lead to an array of career opportunities with job titles such as;
- Detoxification Worker
- Drug and Alcohol Community Support Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker
Further Study Options:
This flexible qualification can also be used as a pathway to further studies such as:
– CHC53215 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
– CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
Upon graduation TrainSmart Australia can offer direct credits into Diploma courses, reducing the cost, time and workload to achieve your next qualification.
Expected Salary and Biggest Employment Opportunity
$51,900
SALARY
15.9%
JOBS
9.9%
INDUSTRY
All statistics are supplied by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research. Based on national surveys.
Payment Options
$4,000
The maximum tuition fee for this course is $4,000. Your fee payment options are:
- Upfront payment
- Interest Free Payment Plan – No deposit, no interest payment plans.
Find out what your repayments may be using our Payment Plan Repayment Calculator
Simulated Practicals
Gain Practical Experience In a Safe Environment
As a part of studying Health and Community Services at TrainSmart Australia, some units require students to complete practical assessments that simulate a counselling setting. These assessments give students opportunities to practice counselling skills and techniques before entering the workplace.
Simulated Practicals provides a safe and controlled environment to build confidence and develop essential counselling skills for future health care professionals.
Simulated Practicals simulates a counselling environment through an online Zoom call between an actor and the learner/student. In these sessions, the actor takes on the role of resembling a real-life client, in which an issue or traumatic event is retold from the actor’s perspective.
Based on the assessment criteria, the student is tasked with responding to the client with the focus on utilising skills taught in the unit.
Through these recorded sessions, students can gain valuable feedback and be prepared to handle complex situations before entering the real-world environment.
We know that Counselling is an incredibly important skill, which is why we implemented Counselling units throughout more courses than just our Diploma of Counselling. TrainSmart Australia students studying Health and Community Services have access to our Simulated Practicals service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course nationally recognised? What does that mean?
Completing a nationally recognised qualification (or training) means that your qualification and credentials are recognised all across Australia by other registered training organisations and employers. All accredited courses must adhere to the standards set by the Australian Skills and Quality Authority (ASQA). According to ASQA, accreditation is formal confirmation that the course:
- Is nationally recognised
- Meets an established industry, enterprise, educational, legislative or community need
- Provides appropriate competency outcomes and satisfactory basis for assessment
- Meets national quality assurance requirements
- Is assigned appropriately to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) where it leads to a qualification.
How many hours do I need to study each week?
To achieve this qualification within the given timeframe, students are required to commit to a minimum of 15 hours of study per week.
Can I get course credit for previous study?
Students enrolling into a Trainsmart Australia course can receive recognition for previous studies completed at a Certificate and Diploma level. Students can be awarded a credit transfer if:
- The student already holds a unit (or units) for the they’re enrolling into,
- The student holds an old unit which is deemed equivalent to the new unit they’re enrolling into
Receiving credit transfers will reduce the overall cost of your qualification as well as the duration to complete your remaining units.
University qualifications are not backwards transferrable, which means no credit transfers can be awarded. However, you can still apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?
If you are unable to provide a copy of an Australian Year 12 Certificate or Certificate IV qualification or higher, you may be required to complete an Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test to gain entry into your course of interest. This test is offered online, free of charge, after you have submitted your application.
Are TrainSmart courses Centrelink approved?
All of our courses are Centrelink approved through AUSTUDY.
Trainers
Other Courses
Related Content
Next Start Date
Duration
Delivery Method
All statistics are supplied by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research. Based on national surveys.
Simulated Practicals
Gain Practical Experience In a Safe Environment
As a part of studying Health and Community Services at TrainSmart Australia, some units require students to complete practical assessments that simulate a counselling setting. These assessments give students opportunities to practice counselling skills and techniques before entering the workplace.
Simulated Practicals provides a safe and controlled environment to build confidence and develop essential counselling skills for future health care professionals.
Simulated Practicals simulates a counselling environment through an online Zoom call which involves a Health and Community Services assessor, an actor and the learner/student. In these sessions, the actor takes on the role of resembling a real-life client, in which an issue or traumatic event is retold from the actor’s perspective.
Based on the assessment criteria, the student is tasked with responding to the client with the focus on utilising skills taught in the unit.
Through the sessions, students can gain valuable feedback and be prepared to handle complex situations before entering the real-world environment.
We know that Counselling is an incredibly important skill, which is why we implemented Counselling units throughout more courses than just our Diploma of Counselling. TrainSmart Australia students studying Health and Community Services have access to our Simulated Practicals service!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Kickstart your career in Community Services today!
Applying online is easy and only takes 5-7 minutes! Once your application is submitted our friendly Career Advisors will contact you at your chosen time.
