OverviewAbout this course
Enter the social work industry with confidence as you support the community in a rewarding career. Gain experience through work placement to develop specialist skills to enable you to work with clients who are facing mental health challenges.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Work with diverse people
Promote self-advocacy
Undertake peer work practices
Best work with impacted families
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Real-world experience through 80 hours of work placement in industry, organised by TAFE NSW
Communication skills to promote self-advocacy
Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities in the mental health industry
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A National Police Check
Vaccination and health screenings
A Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires. Your teacher will let you know when this is required.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
Empathy, patience and the ability to empower others
The ability to cope with confronting issues when working with people with mental illness
Important information
This qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that may be distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when participating in this qualification and in any future employment in this field. If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: mental health peer worker , peer mentor , advocacy worker , peer education officer and youth peer worker.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study1 Course
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 8 core and 7 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Work effectively in trauma informed careCHCMHS007
Contribute to the continuous improvement of mental health services for consumers and carersCHCPWK002
Apply peer work practices in the mental health sectorCHCPWK001
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeingCHCMHS011
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community