Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work - CHC43515

VOCATIONAL

Develop the skills and knowledge for a rewarding career in the mental health sector where you can make a difference to other people’s lives every day.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work reflects the role of workers who have lived experience of mental illness as either a consumer or carer, and who work in mental health services in roles that support consumer peers or carer peers.

Lived experience workers also include informal carers such as family members, friends or others who care for those experiencing mental health conditions outside of an employment or volunteer setting. They draw on their own life-changing experiences and journey, their use and knowledge of available services to support others.

Designed to ensure a balance between theory and practical learning, this qualification provides an opportunity for students to build on their lived experience as well as their work experience to gain a nationally recognised qualification in mental health peer work.

In addition to your coursework, you will undertake 80 hours of work placement activities, ensuring you are prepared for practical work in industry upon completion of your studies.

The Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work is a self-sourced placement program. Self-sourcing placements not only allow students to use the application process as a learning and development opportunity, but has also been strongly endorsed by our industry partners who prefer to review student applications on their merit and suitability, thus reflecting current industry expectations.

Students will be supported to source placements and provided links to known placement opportunities as they arise.

As a graduate of this certificate, you will be equipped to work with a level of autonomy while receiving general guidance from experienced practitioners and professionals. This hands-on experience will contribute significantly to your readiness for a successful career in the field.

*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Why study mental health at RMIT?

Hands-on learning

Undertake 80 hours of work placement activities, preparing for practical work in industry settings.

Industry input

We work closely with industry partners to ensure this certificate is aligned with their needs.

Recognised experience

Learn in an environment that honours your lived experience of mental illness as a consumer, carer or worker.

Details

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Learning and teaching

The majority of your learning in this certificate will take place in the classroom, in addition to some supervised self-directed learning. Your classes will ensure that your learning is contextualised to industry applications wherever possible, and that demonstrations and practical sessions will be incorporated wherever possible.

Your classes will be interactive and will give you ample opportunity to discuss ideas and put your learning into practice. In addition to this, you'll also have access to online resources and support, hear from guest speakers for insight into current industry practices, join your peers and develop your network through online learning.

You will also complete 80 hours of industry placement activities, allowing you to practice what you've studied in a real-world context.

Assessment methods

Assessment in this certificate has been designed to simulate industry practice, and requires you to demonstrate the practical application of the skills learned through your study. Assessment types may vary according to the subject, and will generally include research projects, presentations and observations, practical demonstrations, case studies, and written reflections.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

We work closely with industry partners to ensure this certificate is aligned with industry needs. This certificate maintains strong links with the community services sector through course design, development, delivery and assessment.

As part of your studies, you will undertake 80 hours of industry placement over the course of the year, complementing what you are learning in class. 

You will have the opportunity to complete placements through a variety of community mental health services. 

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with hands-on vocational practice. 

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

As a student in this certificate, you will undertake eight core subjects and seven electives designed to provide you with a strong theoretical knowledge and the practical confidence to work in the mental health sector.

Throughout your study, you will learn to apply peer work practices in the mental health sector, assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing, continuous improvement of mental health services and much more.

As part of this certificate you will undertake 80 hours of work placement activities to equip you with the practical skills to apply lived experience in mental health peer work, provide recovery-orientated mental health services, and how to work collaboratively with the care network and other services.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
Program code: C4425
National curriculum code: CHC43515
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
City Campus
1 year full-time
C4425
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C4425
CRICOS
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

The peer workforce is Australia’s fastest growing workforce in the mental health sector. Workers are employed in the mental health sector in government, public, private or community managed services. As a graduate, you may pursue roles including: 

  • Mental Health Peer Support Worker
  • Community Services Worker
  • Mental Health Intake Officer
  • Mental Health Outreach Worker
  • Mental Health and Community Rehabilitation Support Worker.

Due to a rise in diagnosed mental health issues in Australia, there is a growing need for more mental health workers in the community services industry. Victoria's Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Strategy 2021-2024 outlines the State government’s plan to provide 358 full-time positions across the mental health system.

Jobs and Skills Australia projects that work opportunities for social and welfare professionals are set to increase by 14.8% to 2028.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older before commencing and must meet the minimum University requirements.

You must submit a personal statement with your application outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study this program
  • confirmation of having lived experience of a mental health issue, or as a carer of a person with lived experience of a mental health issue (specific details not required)
  •  your intended career path
  •  the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
  •  details of any related work or voluntary experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Additional information

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Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check*

You will be required to present evidence of a successful Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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You must meet the entry requirements to gain access to this course. Please contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$770* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$3,850* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$12,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information