Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Course Overview
The CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (Release 3) prepares you for a career in community services, specialising in assisting clients with drug and alcohol issues. This qualification provides the skills needed to support clients facing these challenges and can be pursued as a standalone course or to supplement further study, offering a specialised focus for specific job roles in the field.
What you'll learn
This comprehensive certificate focuses on the two main areas of demand in the alcohol and other drugs sector: outreach work and community work. Gain skills to begin a career where your specialised knowledge will be relevant across a variety of community services settings such as mental health and youth work. A work placement is included to give you real life experience to ensure you are job ready upon graduation.
Studying with Upskilled
What's Included?
By choosing Upskilled's CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, you'll gain access to resources that enhance your online learning experience, making it interactive and engaging:
Modules
To satisfy the requirements of this qualification, you'll need to complete the following units of competency.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role. This unit applies to community services and health workers who play a proactive role in identifying and meeting their legal and ethical responsibilities. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes 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. This unit applies to work across a range of workplace contexts where workers at all levels may communicate with individuals and/or groups both in person and in writing.
This unit describes 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. This unit applies to work in all industry sectors, and to individuals who take pro-active responsibility for improving collaboration between workers and organisations.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish relationships, clarify needs, and then work collaboratively with people who are living with mental health issues. This unit applies to support workers in contexts outside the mental health sector, but who come into contact with people with mental health issues. The services and support provided are not mental health specific.
This unit describes 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.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, and then to work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access required support services. This unit applies to any community services worker involved in crisis intervention. Management of the crisis may involve face-to-face, telephone or remote contact with persons involved. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish and work within the current context, philosophy and values of the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector. This unit applies to workers who come into contact with clients affected by alcohol and other drugs.
This unit describes 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. This unit applies to people involved in the assessment of clients with AOD issues using established organisation or jurisdictional AOD assessment tools.
This unit describes 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. This unit applies to workers who develop treatment plans with, and for, clients with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues on the basis of an existing assessment and within established organisation guidelines. Depending on the context, development of the plan may be autonomous or collaborative. Workers may or may not be the person conducting the assessment.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to confirm, conduct and monitor intervention strategies to address alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues. This unit applies to workers who provide support to people with AOD issues within the scope of an established individual treatment plan. Interventions would be ongoing and be conducted under the guidance of a supervisor.
This unit describes 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. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services contexts.
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
This unit describes 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.
The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
Please note: You'll be required to undertake the unit HLTAID011 Provide first aid with an external provider at your own cost.
Career Outcomes
Possible Careers
Students who successfully complete this qualification may be able to pursue the following career outcomes.
Industry Outlook
Discover why Community Services is a vital and rewarding field, making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Salary
$60k - $82K Annual Salary
Jobs
88,500
Payment Options
Government funding
At both a state and federal level, government commitment to upskilling the Australian workforce has resulted in a comprehensive framework of funding schemes and incentive opportunities. As a result, many Upskilled participants are provided incentives by the Government to undertake training and/or find that their courses are heavily subsidised.
Government funding options for:
Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Major schemes include:
An Upskilled education consultant will contact you within 48 hours
Our Trainers
Upskilled Community Service trainers are industry professionals with extensive experience and expertise, dedicated to providing practical, hands-on learning. They are committed to helping students develop the skills to succeed in the impactful and evolving community services industry.
Hear from our past students
Recently started the Diploma of Counselling. Can't thank Upskilled and all staff enough. I was hesitant.at first but it was always something i have wanted to do. Have been involved in education and it has been a part of the job but have always wanted to do it as a profession. The education staff have been so supportive and instructional creating a great learning and interactive environment. Looking forward to studying more and making mistakes as thats how I learn and progress.
Special thank you to Jo one of the Education Consultants. He was informative. friendly, knowledgeable about the course and study. Didn't feel pressured just helped me navigate options and left it up to me to decide. So glad he rang after I expressed interest in commencing studies again after a long time.
My Experience with upskilled's coordinator Mr Ronnie, is absolutely amazing, his such a great teacher and his explanation in regarding the course are very clear and very helpful. Since I started he was always there when needed help with the course. Mr Ronnie makes you understand how to reach your goal of understanding of each session and the progress is very successful. Keep up with the good work Ronnie, and i recommend Upskilled's and Ronnie to every student and do not hesitate to contact all staff there as there a very grateful and will attend helping you straight away. One more think, I wouldn't be able to do this with out you (Ronnie) helping and supporting me, overall his fantastic. I look forward to the next meeting.
I really enjoyed studying the Diploma in Counselling this was such a great course. I loved the interaction with people and learning new aspects of counselling. I have learnt so much that going onto the next faze of my studying will help me tremendously after doing this course.
My trainer Ronnie was very supportive and helpful and was always available when needed, he offered great feedback and encouraged role playing as much as possible.
How to enrol
What you need to know
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. To make sure you get the most out of training with us, the following enrolment process applies:
- Once you have inquired, one of our friendly Education Consultants will contact you to ensure you have the right pre-existing knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification.
- A short language, literacy and numeracy assessment will need to be completed upon enrolment.
Recommended Skills and Resources:
- Have the ability to read and write in English and display numeracy skills up to a minimum level of Year 10.
- Have access to a modern computer with high-speed internet.
- Have access to a device with audio/video recording and playback capabilities.
- Have basic computing skills, including the ability to make and upload short videos.
Self-Paced Learning and Course Duration
Upskilled's flexible, self-paced courses let you balance personal and work schedules. With a training plan to keep you on track, most students complete the course in 12-18 months, but motivated learners can finish faster. Speak with an Education Consultant to discuss your study and completion goals.
Assessment
This course will have you undertake summative and formative assessments, write reports and/or create a portfolio, and participate in role-playing scenarios. You'll also be working on a variety of projects that require your own research as well as answering various written/oral questions that apply the theory you learn into practice.
Work Placement
For the CHC43215 - Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, the work placement requirements are as follows:
- You will need to undertake a minimum of 80 hours of work placement in a suitable Counselling or Community Services Environment.
Please note: You'll be required to undertake the unit HLTAID011 Provide first aid with an external provider at your own cost.
Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit Transfer
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) with supporting evidence of prior education or work experience. This can reduce your study load or course duration. Speak with your Education Consultant before enrolment for details, or download the application from MyUpskilled after enrolment. A trainer will assess your eligibility.
Role-Playing and Interactive Learning Activities
This course comes with Interactive Learning Activities. Upskilled understands the importance of practical experience, so to complement the theory components of your course, our specialist trainers may run ad-hoc Interactive Learning Activities.
You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with other students - sharing questions, thoughts and ideas, as well as participating together in interactive learning activities.
While the Interactive Learning Activities are not mandatory, your participation is encouraged. You can receive some additional benefits and support, which may include:
- Having a study buddy where you can bounce off ideas and help each other with assessments.
- Online Classrooms where our specialist trainers can go over learning content that's part of your course.
- Activities that relate to your assessments, which can help boost your knowledge and skills.
Additionally, role-playing is included in some of the learning areas of this course. It will also make up some of the practical elements of your assessments, including the assessments in your work placement.
Dedicated Community Service Trainers
Upskilled's community services trainers bring comprehensive skills and industry experience to prepare you for a rewarding career. They approach training with empathy, compassion, and openness, helping you develop job-ready skills. Support includes recorded assessment walkthroughs, academic support sessions, additional resources, professional development opportunities, peer support, practical practice sessions via Zoom, and online recorded training.
Requirements for work placement
This qualification will have you undertake work placement at a nominated host organisation approved by Upskilled.
Work placement has been specifically designed to help prepare you for potential career outcomes, giving you the opportunity to further implement and gain practical skills and valuable industry insights through a real-life workplace.
Your work placement will commence once you have completed most of the theory components of your course.
Here are some key requirements you should be aware of for the CHC43215 - Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs:
- You will need to undertake a minimum of 80 hours of work placement in a suitable Counselling or Community Services Environment.
- It is your responsibility to source a suitable host organisation for work placement. Please note that this can take up to several weeks, so it is recommended to allocate sufficient time when sourcing host suitable organisations.
- If you are unable to locate a host organisation, Upskilled's Work Placement Officer can assist you in finding one. Please note that it is required to provide Upskilled with a list of host organisations who have declined your requests for work placement
- Once you have successfully secured work placement with a host organisation, you will need to complete the Work Placement Agreement Form and submit via MyUpskilled. Please note that Upskilled must approve the Work Placement Agreement before you start your work placement.
What happens if I'm already working in the industry?
If you are currently employed in the industry relevant to your qualification, you may be able to complete your work placement assessment requirements within your own workplace and may not need to source for a suitable host organisation.
You will need to submit a Work Placement Agreement Form via MyUpskilled with the details of your employer and Workplace Supervisor. Please note that Upskilled must approve the Work Placement Agreement Form before you commence your work placement.
What clearance checks and documentation do I need for work placement?
Requirements vary from state-to-state. Please see below the required documentation and clearance checks needed by Upskilled and host organisations.
If you live in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, NT and WA, you will need:
- Working with Children Check
- National Police Check
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
If you live in ACT and TAS, you will need:
- Working with Vulnerable People Check
- National Police Check
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
Fees may apply when obtaining some of the clearance checks. It is a mandatory requirement that you apply for the relevant checks and submit your approved checks via MyUpskilled within the first 2 months of your course start date.
You will also need to supply your cover letter and curriculum vitae if you require assistance from Upskilled’s Work Placement Officer.
Upskilled reserves the right to transfer you to another course which work placement is not a mandatory requirement or cancel your enrolment if you have not obtained and submitted the required clearance checks.
How will I be assessed?
An Upskilled Assessor will liaise with your host organisation's Workplace Supervisor to review and validate your practical skill ability. For certain tasks, you will need to demonstrate your skills through video recordings and when necessary, through simulated activities which will be assessed by your Upskilled Assessor.
Please note that to successfully complete the work placement component of this qualification, you will need to be reasonably fit to undertake a variety of tasks and activities that may involve manual lifting, kneeling on the floor and other physical activities.
Physical Requirements
Students will need to be reasonably physically fit to undertake the work placement as the tasks and activities associated with the work placement may involve manual lifting and other physical activities.
FAQs
The CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs is a qualification designed to prepare individuals for a career in the community services sector, specifically focusing on helping individuals with drug and alcohol-related issues. It provides the necessary skills to work in roles that involve supporting clients facing challenges related to substance abuse.
The duration of the CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs can vary, but typically it can be completed within 12-18 months, depending on your study pace and any prior learning or experience you may have.
Upon completion of the CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, you can pursue various career opportunities in the community services sector. Some potential roles include Alcohol and Other Drugs Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Case Manager, or Outreach Worker in organisations focused on supporting individuals dealing with drug and alcohol-related issues.
Yes, work placement is often included as part of the CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs. It provides valuable hands-on experience and allows you to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course in real-world settings.
To enrol in CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs course, you must first submit an enquiry form through our website. You'll be asked to provide basic information about yourself: including your name, email address, and phone number.
Once you've completed and submitted your form, one of our education consultants will get in touch within 48 hours. You will then be assessed on your suitability for the course (i.e. questions on your current experience, skill set, and knowledge). At this stage, you'll also have the opportunity to enquire on payment options, training materials, and the online learning experience.
We're always here to help you succeed. Get a free education consultation with one of our Upskilled Education Consultants about this course or simply find out what's best for you.
1300 009 924
9am - 5pm Mon-Fri