Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 4:42 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Certificate IV in Pastoral Care
Certificate IV in Pastoral Care
CHC41112
J018
Replaced
Replaced
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 07/05/2012 | Current | Approved |
Description
This qualification covers people who provide person-centred care that takes into account the pastoral care needs arising from people's experiences.
Work may take place in a range of contexts such as the client's workplace, hospitals, aged care facilities, schools and community environments. Pastoral care workers work with other practitioners in developing holistic approaches to care.
This qualification prepares pastoral care workers to:
Provide pastoral care, advice and support
Identify and assess client well being and needs
Participate as a member of an inter-disciplinary team
Provide basic ethical, moral and spiritual direction and pastoral counselling with referral to appropriate professionals where appropriate
Provide pastoral care information.
The qualification aims to develop foundation skills involved in pastoral care work. The development of self-awareness and pastoral identity required to underpin effective work in pastoral care must be developed over time, through professionally supervised practice.
Pastoral care workers are required to be immersed in the practices of their organisation and to operate within a highly ethical and moral framework. Their role may include the ethical, moral and spiritual support of clients on a day-to-day basis.
Occupational titles may include:
Human resources manager
Workplace chaplain
Pastoral care worker
Schedule
Packaging Rules
Thirteen (13) units are required for award of this qualification including:- eight (8) core units
- five (5) elective units
A wide range of elective units is available, including:
- Group A elective which is recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice
- Other relevant electives listed in the qualification outline
- Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in Community Services and/or Health Training Packages
- Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, up to two (2) units of competency packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in other relevant Training Packages or accredited courses where the details of those courses are available on the TGA or other public listing
1. Core Units
All eight (8) units must be completed.
Note: HLTHIR403C OR HLTHIR404D to be chosen, NOT both.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD312 | HLTWHS300A | Contribute to WHS processes | 30 | Unit of competency |
| WC954 | CHCORG405E | Maintain an effective work environment | 40 | Unit of competency |
| D2630 | CHCORG428A | Reflect on and improve own professional practice | 40 | Unit of competency |
| WC854 | CHCCS422B | Respond holistically to client issues and refer appropriately | 60 | Unit of competency |
| WC969 | CHCPAS401B | Undertake pastoral care work | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D2313 | CHCCOM403A | Use targeted communication skills to build relationships | 45 | Unit of competency |
| WC847 | CHCCS411C | Work effectively in the community sector | 50 | Unit of competency |
| D8283 | HLTHIR404D | Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D8281 | HLTHIR403C | Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers | 30 | Unit of competency |
2. Group A Culturally Aware and Respectful Practice
One unit (1) not already chosen in the core units may be completed from Group A.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D8283 | HLTHIR404D | Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D8281 | HLTHIR403C | Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers | 30 | Unit of competency |
3. Other Relevant Elective Units
Up to five (5) units may be completed from the elective units listed.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D288 | CHC41108 | Certificate IV in Pastoral Care | Qualification |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWM8 | CHC42315 | Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
Not Applicable