Introduction:
Certificate 4 in mental health peer work is designed for workers who are somehow experiencing mental health illness and issues in their lives. This experience can be in terms of a consumer or a carer, these workers work in mental health service centres to support the roles of consumer and carer peers. Certificate 4 in mental health peer work is designed to enforce theoretical learning merged with a practical skillset. This qualification enables the students to use their living experiences along with the skills they learn during their degree in mental health peer work which is nationally recognised.
When your course is about to end there is an 80-hour mandatory work placement requirement in the course which you need to complete to ensure you are fully ready to step into this professional world. This work placement in mental health peer work is focused on learning practical on-field knowledge which is a crucial aspect in your career growth.
What is Peer Work?
Mental health peer work means that the person must have gone through mental health problems himself/herself. These problems may include:
- A person experiencing emotional or mental distress merged with suicidal thoughts.
- Have experience in supporting a friend or a family member going through mental health issues. Suicidal thoughts or mental distress.
- Having a close relationship with someone who lost his life through suicide.
The most important aspect to keep in mind, whenever a person is opting for the qualification or services as a peer worker they must be well assured that they have reached a level of recovery that will help them to use their lived experiences for the betterment of others currently suffering from this condition. Peer workers use their experiences and skills to help others reach a level of recovery and well-being.
In addition to their lived experiences, peer workers must possess some additional skills like good communication skills and a sound understanding of the people around them. They should be well aware of their boundaries as peer workers. They must understand the workplace which is a mental health care centre, and know the rules and regulations and the policies to further improve their practice as Peer Workers.
Career After Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work:
Today we can say that the mental health peer workforce is the fastest-growing workforce in Australia. Individuals work in all sectors including government, private, public, and community-managed services. After completing your qualification in mental health peer work you will be equipped to pursue the duties of:
- Community Services Worker.
- Mental Health Outreach Worker.
- Mental Health Peer Support Worker.
- Mental Health Intake Worker,
- Mental Health and Community Rehabilitation Support Worker.
The community services industry is facing a significant shortage of workers due to the rise of mental health cases in Australia. There is a wide chance of growth in this field as the sector is currently vacant and expecting more workforce to join the industry.
Learning Outcomes Through Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work:
In this Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work when you mix the theory with the practical coursework you can easily understand and learn the modules like, trauma enforced care. You can give a lot for the improvement of mental health services while working with a diverse range of people. Combining the qualifications and your lived experiences in mental health you can help multiple individuals suffering from this severe condition.
Course Outcomes Through Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work:
There are multiple course outcomes in the field after Certificate 4 in mental health peer work. The most important advantage of this qualification, you gain special experience and develop practical skills. Additionally, this gives you a plus point in the job market. You will also gain valuable experience in the real world through the 80-hour work placement provided by Skiltrak. You will learn and observe the working of different organisations in the industry of mental health. Moreover, you will always have the option to continue your studies while performing your duties at the same time. This enables you to further grow in your career.
This qualification teaches the right skills to support and communicate with the consumers through the method of therapeutic communication. However, lived Mental Health experiences are merged with therapeutic communication, making your job easy as a peer worker.
Requirement For Work Placements After Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work:
When students come to us for work placements, we arrange a virtual interview to clarify the requirements and needs of the student. Then we require some documents that are necessary for the placement procedure like,
- National Police Certificate.
- Covid Vaccination Record.
- Working With Children Check.
- Code Of Conduct Check.
After the documents are successfully submitted, we source industries suitable for our students and bring the best names to the table. After a short interview scheduled between the industry and the student. Furthermore, Both parties sign an agreement, and the student is all set to start the placement journey. We place more than 100 happy students every week. Visit our Facebook page for real-time student testimonials.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work offers a transformative pathway and career for individuals with lived mental health experiences. The study model is based on practical skills and theoretical knowledge which helps the students to gain the right skillset needed for the job. Furthermore, the graduates become pillars of support in the growing Mental Health Peer Work industry. Embrace the journey, empower others, and be the change in mental health peer work.
