Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 5:17 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.
Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health)
Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health)
CHC50412
J035
Deleted
Deleted
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.00 | 04/10/2013 | Current | Approved |
Description
This qualification applies to workers providing services to clients in relation to mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues.
The qualification:
Includes counselling, referral, advocacy and education/health promotion services
Requires 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 mental health issues and alcohol and drug use and misuse.
Occupational titles may include:
Alcohol and drugs worker
Mental health outreach worker
Community rehabilitation and support worker
Mental health rehabilitation support worker
Community support worker
Mental health support worker
Mental health community worker
Schedule
Packaging Rules
PACKAGING RULES19 units are required for award of this qualification including:
All 19 core units
Alternatively, candidates who have already completed requirements for one of the two diploma level qualifications (CHC50212 or CHC50312) may convert their qualification to the CHC50412 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health) by completing the electives identified for the 'other' specialisation as outlined below.
Those holding CHC50212 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol and other drugs) may convert their qualification to CHC50412 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health) by completing the electives identified for the mental health specialisation.
Those holding CHC50312 Diploma of Community Services (Mental health) may convert their qualification to CHC50412 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health) by completing the electives identified for the alcohol and other drugs specialisation.
Core units
CHCAD504B Provide advocacy and representation services
CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector
CHCAOD510B Work effectively with clients with complex alcohol and/or other drugs issues
CHCAOD511C Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and/or other drug issues
CHCAOD512B Develop and implement a behaviour response plan
CHCAOD513A Provide relapse prevention strategies
CHCCOM403A Use targeted communication skills to build relationships
CHCCS504B Provide services to clients with complex needs
CHCCW503A Work intensively with clients
CHCMH401A Work effectively in mental health settings
CHCMH402B Apply understanding of mental health issues and recovery processes
CHCMH404B Conduct assessment and planning as part of the recovery process
CHCMH409A Facilitate consumer, family and carer participation in the recovery process
CHCMH501A Provide advanced supports to facilitate recovery
CHCMH504E Provide a range of services to people with mental health issues
CHCORG428A Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPOL501A Access evidence and apply in practice
CHCPROM503A Provide community focused promotion and prevention strategies
HLTWHS401A Maintain workplace WHS processes
The importance of culturally aware and respectful practice
All workers undertaking mental health and/or alcohol and other drugs work need foundation knowledge to inform their work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and co-workers and with clients and co-workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This foundation must be provided and assessed as part of a holistic approach to delivery and assessment of this qualification. Specific guidelines for assessment of this aspect of competency are provided in the Assessment Guidelines for the Community Services Training Package.
Conversion option
Mental health specialisation
Candidates who have already completed CHC50208 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol and other drugs) must select the following units to convert their qualification to the CHC50408 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health).
CHCMH401A Work effectively in mental health settings
CHCMH402B Apply understanding of mental health issues and recovery processes
CHCMH404B Conduct assessment and planning as part of the recovery process
CHCMH409A Facilitate consumer, family and carer participation in the recovery process
CHCMH501A Provide advanced supports to facilitate recovery
CHCPROM503A Provide community focused promotion and prevention strategies
Alcohol and other drugs specialisation
Candidates who have already completed CHC50308 Diploma of Community Services (Mental health) must select the following units to convert their qualification to the CHC50408 Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health).
CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector
CHCAOD511C Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and/or other drug issues
CHCAOD512B Develop and implement a behaviour response plan
CHCAOD513A Provide relapse prevention strategies
CHCMH504E Provide a range of services to people with mental health issues
CHCPROM503A Provide community focused promotion and prevention strategies
Oral health
CHCOHC401A Inform and encourage clients and groups to understand and achieve good oral health
CHCOHC402A Support clients and groups to learn practical aspects of oral health care
CHCOHC404A Recognise and respond to signs and symptoms that may indicate oral health issues
1. Core Units
All nineteen (19) units must be completed
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D308 | CHC50408 | Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and mental health) | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
To gain entry into this qualification a candidate must:
1. Be recently appointed or currently working in a community support mental health and/or alcohol and other drugs work role and have a relevant recognised higher education or vocational education qualification at Certificate IV or above
OR
2. Be recognised as competent, through a recognised training program or recognition process, against the core units of competency from one of the following qualifications (or equivalent):
CHC40512 Certificate IV in Mental Health
CHC40412 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
OR
3. Have sufficient work experience in the relevant sector to indicate likely success at this level of qualification in a job role involving:
The application of knowledge with depth in some areas and demonstration of a broad range of technical and other skills
A wide range of tasks and roles in a variety of contexts, with complexity in the range and choices of actions required
The exercise of discretionary judgement and decision making under general guidance
Traineeships and Apprenticeships