CHC43315 Cert 4 Mental Health

[Virtual Presenter] “Welcome everyone, and thank you for joining us today. My name is Jose Hernandez, Senior Educator for Mental Health courses here at Swinburne. Today I’ll be walking you through the Certificate IV in Mental Health — what it is, who it’s for, what you’ll learn, and how it can support your future studies and career. This qualification is widely recognised as the minimum requirement for many community and non‑clinical mental health roles, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to build real, employable skills while you’re still studying.”.

[Audio] "Before we begin, I'd like to respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Swinburne's campuses stand. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We honour our connection to Wurundjeri Country — its history, culture and spirituality — and we recognise the continuing sovereignties of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations. This acknowledgement is especially important in mental health work, where cultural safety and respect are essential.".

[Audio] "This course is designed to prepare you for real work in the community mental health sector. It focuses on non‑clinical roles — roles that support people in their recovery, wellbeing, and daily living. It's a nationally recognised qualification and aligns directly with industry expectations.".

[Audio] "When we talk about non‑clinical mental health roles, we're referring to positions like NDIS Support Worker, Community Mental Health Practitioner, Recovery Support Worker, Peer Practitioner, Outreach Worker, and many others. These roles exist across government, non‑government, and community organisations — including NDIS‑funded services. They're collaborative roles, often working within multidisciplinary teams, and they focus on supporting people to live meaningful, connected lives.".

[Audio] "The aim of this qualification is to give you the knowledge and skills to be work‑ready. You'll learn trauma‑informed care, wellbeing assessment, crisis and risk management, and how to implement community‑based recovery activities. You'll also develop skills in case management, group facilitation, and creating recovery plans. These are the core capabilities employers look for in this sector.".

[Audio] "One of the biggest benefits of this course is the 120‑hour practical placement in a community mental health setting. This gives you hands‑on experience while you're still studying your HE degree. Placement also strengthens your resume, builds your professional network, and often leads to volunteer or paid opportunities. Many students tell us that placement is the most valuable part of the course.".

[Audio] "This course also supports students who are thinking about postgraduate pathways, including clinical psychology. We include actor‑based simulations where you'll practise counselling, engagement, and coaching skills. These experiences align with what postgraduate programs often look for — as the Swinburne website notes, applicants should have 'experience in face‑to‑face counselling or significant training in counselling skills.' This course helps you build exactly that.".

[Audio] "This is an intensive course delivered over your six‑week winter break. Classes run Monday to Thursday, 8:30 to 3:30, and attendance is essential — both for your success and because it's a course requirement. Fridays are teaching‑free, but you'll need them for self‑study. Because this is a full‑time load, we strongly recommend minimising work commitments during this period.".

[Audio] "Assessment in this course is competency‑based, meaning you must demonstrate that you can perform the skills required in real practice. You'll complete online quizzes, written activities, role plays, peer coaching, case notes, wellbeing plans, reflective journals, and case studies. Most assessments occur during the six‑week block, though a small number may be due shortly after the course ends. There is a significant self‑study component, so planning your time is important.".

[Audio] "Our placement coordinator will guide you through the entire process. Students are encouraged to source their own placement — this builds confidence and helps you target organisations you're genuinely interested in. We'll support you with all compliance requirements, including Working with Children Checks, NDIS Screening, Police Checks, and any required immunisations.".

[Audio] "The great news is that this course is currently on the TAFE Fee‑Free list. If you're eligible, your tuition fees will be covered. If you've previously used your Free TAFE opportunity, you may still be eligible if this course forms part of a community services pathway. You can check your eligibility using the link provided.".

[Audio] "To apply, simply click the link in your email and make sure you select the June intake — that's the only pathway for this offering. This course is in high demand, so applications are processed in the order they're received. If you need help with the application, Student HQ is available to support you.".

[Audio] "Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about the course, placement, or your study pathway, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. We hope to see many of you in the June intake.".