The exact beginning of the counselling profession is unknown, but its roots may be found in a range of helping relationships that have spanned cultures and societies throughout the ages.Schmidt, 2008
Welcome to the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs! A career as a worker in the alcohol and other drugs industry offers an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals struggling with substance abuse. By providing essential services, and interventions, and implementing health promotion and community interventions, you can play a vital role in supporting individuals on their path to recovery and wellness. Seeing the positive impact of your work on clients can be a deeply gratifying experience, providing a sense of purpose and fulfilment in your professional life.
About this course
This qualification reflects the role of entry-level workers who provide services and interventions to clients with alcohol and other drugs issues and/or implement health promotion and community interventions. Work is undertaken in contexts such as community-based organisations, withdrawal services, residential rehabilitation services and outreach services under the guidance of other practitioners and professionals, with limited responsibility and within established parameters.
Course Structure
- Study Periods - Your course is delivered in three (3) six-month study periods. Each study period will contain a number of modules that must be completed (see table below). At the end of each Study Period, you will be required to re-enrol in the next Study Period.
- Modules (Units) - This course is delivered in a modular format, each module will provide learning and skill development for a relevant subject area. The module is then broken down into topics and subtopics.
- Readings - Each module will contain learning content on a specific topic that has been developed by Swinburne Open Education and the Australian Insititute of Professional Counsellors. Each topic is also supported by required readings, which, for your benefit, have been included at the bottom of each Module. You will be guided in the learning content when and which reading to access.
- Assessments - Each module will contain assessments for you to complete. Once you have completed the learning, activities and readings you will complete each assessment. All assessments must be completed and deemed competent to successfully complete the module (Unit).
Trigger warning
This course may include content that deals with sensitive and emotionally challenging topics. Some of the topics covered in this course may include trauma, abuse, addiction, mental health issues, and relationship difficulties. These topics may evoke strong emotions, memories, or reactions in some learners. It is important to prioritise your own self-care and seek support as needed. If you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, please do not hesitate to reach out to your trainer, student services or a mental health professional for support.
For more information about this qualification, click here to be directed over to the Training Gov Australia (TGA) Website.
The following table lists and describes the modules (units) you will be undertaking as a part of this course.
Before starting each module, it is important to establish regular time each week dedicated to your studies. A set routine is the best way to ensure you successfully complete your qualification.
To assist you in doing so, a Study Plan template (planning tool) has been developed for this qualification. Once you have downloaded this Study Plan, complete it and save it onto your computer. Please refer to the Orientation module, under subtopic 1.6.4, 'Self-Paced Learning' for more information on completing the Study Plan.
| Module Order | Module | Unit Code | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Work with diverse people | CHCDIV001 | Provides an in-depth exploration of the competencies and understanding necessary to engage in effective and inclusive interactions with individuals from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. It encompasses the capacity to demonstrate respect, sensitivity, and cultural competence when working with various groups, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities. |
| 2 | Manage personal health and wellbeing | BSBPEF401 |
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the abilities and information necessary to recognize indicators and causes of stress that can impact personal health and well-being, encompassing both physical and mental aspects. It focuses on identifying these strains within job roles and aligning them with key performance indicators (KPIs). The unit specifically targets individuals who work independently, possess exceptional communication skills, and apply their knowledge of organizational policies and relevant legislation. |
| 3 | Apply critical thinking to work practices | BSBCRT411 |
This unit explores the skills and knowledge needed to apply advanced-level critical thinking in a professional environment. It encompasses the use of analytical, synthetic, and evaluative methods to assess work practices. The unit is relevant to individuals who are tasked with evaluating current or proposed work processes, products, or services. These individuals are typically responsible for reviewing and developing practices within their organization, whether they are newly proposed or already established. |
| 4 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | CHCDIV002 |
Explore the significance of understanding cultural safety issues in relation to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities within a workplace environment. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating cultural safety practices in one's own work and developing strategies to improve cultural safety. The principles discussed are relevant to individuals in diverse roles, including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development, and evaluation. |
| 5 | Work legally and ethically | CHCLEG001 |
This unit focuses on the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary to recognize and operate within the legal and ethical frameworks relevant to a specific job role. It is designed for community services and health workers who actively engage in identifying and fulfilling their legal and ethical obligations. |
| 6 | Use communication to build relationships | CHCCOM002 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge to apply specific communication techniques to establish, build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders based on respect and trust. |
| 7 | Work with people with mental health issues | CHCMHS001 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues. |
| 8 | Assess co-existing needs | CHCCCS004 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to assess the diverse and multi-faceted needs of people and determine both internal and external services required to meet those needs. |
| 9 | Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships | CHCPRP001 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to identify networking and collaboration needs and develop formal and informal partnerships to enhance service delivery and improve professional practice. |
| 10 | Work in an alcohol and other drugs context | CHCAOD001 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to establish and work within the current context, philosophy and values of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector. |
| 11 | Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues | CHCAOD004 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and conduct assessments of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) clients to determine eligibility, service requirements and referral needs. This includes knowledge of factors affecting assessment for a range of different client groups including different genders, youth, older people, mandated and voluntary clients, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. |
| 12 | Provide intentions for people with alcohol and other drug issues | CHCAOD006 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to confirm, conduct and monitor intervention strategies to address alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues. |
| 13 | Develop and review individual alcohol and other drugs treatment plans | CHCAOD009 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with clients to establish treatment goals, and to develop and evaluate individual treatment plans to meet those goals. |
| 14 | Provide brief interventions | CHCCCS014 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to assess intervention needs, and then to implement and monitor brief intervention strategies for people at various stages of the change process. |
| 15 | Provide first aid | HLTAID011 |
This unit develops the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. This unit will require a CREDIT TRANSFER - meaning that you need to enrol and complete a HLTAID001 First Aid course and provide your certificate. |
| 16 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice | CHCPRP003 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. |
| 17 | Facilitate the interest and rights of the clients | CHCADV001 | This unit explores the skills and knowledge required to assist clients to identify their rights, voice their needs and concerns and realise their interests, rights and needs. |