
NSW ContextEffective and responsive community based mental health services help people recover and stay well. Work in this field is diverse, rewarding and truly makes a difference to people living with a mental illness and to the communities they live within. People living with mental illness who are provided with well planned, comprehensive support in the community have a better quality of life, develop an improved level of functioning and social contact and have fewer relapses. Entry level training in NSW for community based mental health services is the CHC41102 Certificate IV in Mental Health Work–(Non-clinical). Work in this area is supported by NSW Department of Health’s policy document: NSW – A New Direction for Mental Health. Community based support is essential in the care and recovery of those with mental illness. Community based support is provided by non-government organisations. It needs a trained professional workforce with extensive knowledge and skills to accommodate the strong growth it is experiencing and to meet the needs of people living with mental illness, their families, carers and the community. A worker within a non-government mental health organisation must understand how to provide programs and services designed to both strengthen the individual’s skills and to develop the environmental supports necessary to sustain the individual in the community. The NGO Mental Health sector requires a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Work within the non government mental health workforce offers many benefits including:
Work opportunities within the community based mental health sector are increasing, reflecting growing government and community awareness of the level of need in this area. Typically community based mental health organisations undertake work in the areas of:
Job roles in this area include:
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CHC41102 Certificate IV in Mental Health Work–(Non-clinical)
The Vocational Training Board establishes traineeships in NSW. Through a consultative process between peak industry groups, employers and unions, facilitated by the ITAB, qualifications are identified that meet industry requirements and have appropriate award arrangements. This information is submitted to the Board for the declaration of a vocational training order in accordance with NSW legislation.
As qualifications have a vocational training order established, they are posted on the NSW DET Commissioner’s Bulletin. Further advice is available from NSW DET http://apprenticeship.det.nsw.edu.au/index1.htm
Traineeship pathway is not currently available in NSW for the Mental Health qualification.
The Mental Health qualification in the CHC02 Community Services Training Package has not been identified as suitable for VET in Schools pathways.
For more information about VET in Schools in NSW visit: https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/vetinschools/
The NSW Board of Studies is responsible for the inclusion of training package qualifications in the HSC studies. Further information is available at www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au .
Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC)
The Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) is the peak body for non-government organisations (NGOs) working for mental health throughout New South Wales (NSW). MHCC's membership includes NGOs, both specialist and mainstream, and other bodies interested in mental health.
Mental Health Association NSW
The Mental Health Association NSW Inc is a non-government organisation and registered charity funded by Northern Sydney Area Health. Members are people who are interested in mental health issues. The Association's major activities include provision of the Mental Health Information Service, the Anxiety Disorders Alliance, support groups including training and establishment of new groups), mental health promotion and advocacy.
NSW Consumer Advisory Group- Mental Health Inc (NSW CAG)
The state-wide, incorporated, non-government organisation that provides an ongoing mechanism for mental health consumer and carer participation into policy and service development, implementation and evaluation. NSW CAG acts as a bridge between consumers and carers in NSW and State and Federal Governments. An essential part of NSW CAG's role is to encourage consumer and carer input in decision making at all levels concerning mental health provision.
ARAFMI NSW
Provides support and advocacy for families and friends with mental illness or disorder.
Please contact NSW Community Services and Health ITAB regarding training and assessment resource needs for the qualifications or skills sets in this industry sector.
Other resources may be available from industry peaks, National Training Information Service (NTIS), Registered Training Organisations and Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council.