OverviewAbout this course
Become equipped with specialist skills to provide counselling, referral and health promotion services to clients experiencing issues with alcohol and other drugs. Build the skills needed to work in this critical area of community service and empower people on their recovery journey.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans
Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
Use communication to build relationships
Provide first aid
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level
A sound understanding of best practices in the alcohol and other drugs sector
A solid foundation for a career in the alcohol and other drugs sector
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.
Completion requirements
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
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Check
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
An interest in working in the alcohol and other drugs sector
Great organisation and time management skills
Good literacy and communication skills
The ability to work independently and with others
Empathy, patience and the ability to empower others
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.
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:
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Drug and Alcohol Counsellors provide support and treatment for people with drug and alcohol dependency problems, develop strategies which assist them to set goals and affect and maintain change, and provide community education. They may work in call centres.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
60%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
900 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
45 years
Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.
$1,280
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
39 hours
Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.
Very high
Gender share
63% female
Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.
Strong Growth
Other jobs include: alcohol and other drugs community rehabilitation worker, community rehabilitation and support worker, mental health outreach worker, drug and alcohol community support worker, outreach officer (alcohol and other drugs) and youth alcohol and other drugs 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 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs 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 Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 22 units of competency , including 16 core and 6 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.
Provide systems advocacy servicesCHCADV005
Work in an alcohol and other drugs contextCHCAOD001
Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issuesCHCAOD004
Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issuesCHCAOD006
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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
Info sessionsWant to know more?
There are a total of 4 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 Study and Career Pathways