Support people through their toughest times, gain experience in the mental health industry, and strengthen your ability to work with clients from a variety of backgrounds. Contribute to the improvement of mental health services as you make a vital difference in the lives of your clients.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Provide trauma informed care
Work with a diverse range of people
Contribute to the improvement of mental health services
Apply lived experiences in mental health work
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
Skills to provide support to people with diverse needs
Understanding of how different organisations operate in the industry
Role-play scenarios to develop appropriate responses to a range of situations
Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
As this course covers a specialised area of training in mental health consumer peer work, there is a requirement to share your experience of mental illness to foster safe and positive working relationships.
To ensure that this course is right for you and that we can provide sufficient support, you will need to answer three questions in your application. A staff member may also contact you to discuss your readiness for the course.
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A Working with Children Check (WWCC)
National Police Check
Vaccination and health screenings
A NDIS Worker Screening Check
Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
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.
Our graduates go onto roles like: peer mentor, advocacy worker, peer education officer, youth peer worker, family advocate and consumer representative.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (Consumer Peer Work) does not have any pre-requisite courses.
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 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (Consumer 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.
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