Become a leader in an in-demand industry and empower people to work through their recovery. Engage in advocacy work, implement trauma informed practice and develop programs as you gain the skills to enter team leader positions.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Contribute to the wellbeing and recovery of a diverse range of people
Support individuals within a recovery framework
Work collaboratively across a range of services
Develop programs to support healthy outcomes for groups and the community
Implement recovery and trauma informed frameworks
Adhere to the laws and legislation impacting people with mental health issues
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level
A minimum of 160 hours of work placement in industry
Leadership and supervisory skills within the industry
The confidence to assess and respond to complex needs
Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Working with Children Check (WWCC)
A National Police Check
Vaccination and health screenings
Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
A Certificate IV in Mental Health
The desire to increase your managerial skills in the industry
High level written and verbal communication skills
Empathy, patience and the ability to empower others
Good organisational and time management skills
Ability to work independently and in groups
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.
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.
Our graduates go onto roles like: supervisor or team leader in a non-clinical mental health service and mental health support worker.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
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.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Mental Health qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 20 units of competency, including 15 core and 5 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.
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
There are a total of 3 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Foundation Skills, English Language and Auslan