Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

Change lives for the better

For anyone wanting to have a positive impact on people dealing with substance use and abuse, this entry level course is the start you’re after. The knowledge you’ll develop gives you the foundation to support individuals, implement community interventions and promote good health. You’ll learn how to harness communication skills to build relationships and cultivate networks within the sector. genU Training’s job-ready graduates can go on to work under the guidance of other practitioners in community-based organisations, withdrawal services, residential rehabilitation services and outreach services.

You’ll gain valuable professional experience through an 80 hour (genU Training recommended) work placement which will allow you to put your theoretical learning into practice.

To be awarded CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, a student must successfully complete a total of seventeen (17) units of competency, consisting of:

• twelve (12) core units, and;
• five (5) elective units

genU Training delivers the electives listed in the ‘Elective units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, student pathways and/or student and trainer/assessor feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).

Core units

Elective units

Work placement

To achieve this qualification, a student must complete a minimum of 80 (genU Training recommended) hours of work placement.

When you study with genU Training, we want you to succeed. Entry requirements allow us to make sure that you have the right pre-existing knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification. You will need to provide evidence that you meet the requirements listed in this section.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for non-trainees. You can apply for this course now.

Study requirements

During your study, you will need to meet specific requirements that are necessary for you to complete your course work and be successful:

• Students will need to demonstrate that they have the appropriate language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills
• Effective communication, documentation and research skills
• Be able to complete 80 hours of work placement
• Access to digital technologies (e.g. laptop, desktop, tablet-computer and/or smartphone) with basic digital literacy skills.

Students undertaking a blended and/or online virtual training will require the additional digital skills and technologies:

Digital literacy skills – Intermediate computer skills such as internet browsing, email, word processing, and presentation software

Workstation setup

• • Stable internet connection with suitable data plan
  • A laptop, desktop or a full size tablet / tablet-computer
  • Web camera / microphone
  • Smartphone with charger
  • Earphones / headphones / speakers
  • Printer (optional)
  • Have a quiet / non-interruptive space to complete their studies
  • Desk/table, comfortable chair, no tripping hazards and room to move around for assessment
  • Access to water/tea/coffee

Browser software – Access to one of the following internet browsers, available to download from:

• • Google Chrome browser – https://www.google.com.au/chrome
  • Microsoft Edge browser – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge
  • Safari browser – https://www.apple.com/au/safari

Video conferencing software (Zoom) – Access to video conferencing software (Zoom), available to download from:

• • Apple App Store for you iPhone/iPad/MacBook – https://apps.apple.com
  • Google Play for Android phone/tablet – https://play.google.com
  • Laptop or desktop computer – https://zoom.us/download

Please note: You will need access to turn your Web camera and microphone on, as required when using video conference

Work placement requirements

Work placement provides you with opportunities to practice responding to situations and circumstances that cannot be replicated in a learning or simulated environment.

During your course you will undertake a mandatory 120 hours of work placement with a suitable industry employer.

You may need to meet the following requirements to be able to undertake work placement within industry. Your Course Coordinator will let you know if you need to provide evidence of:

• Working with Children Check (WWCC)
• Australian National Police Record Check
• Vaccination and health screenings
• Occupational assessments
• Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires.

genU Training can assist with arranging an appropriate work placement with a suitable host employer.

If you are already working in industry or working through a community agency (through paid or voluntary work), our Learner Experience team can assess your working environment for work placement suitability.

Important information

This qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that some individuals may find distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when participating in this qualification and in any future employment in this field.

What will you learn?

You can support people with issues around alcohol and drugs. Learning from trainers with extensive expertise in the field, you’ll graduate with a nationally recognised qualification in line with industry requirements. Go on to a rewarding career providing interventions and other services to people in need of your skills.

Where could your skills take you?

• Rehabilitation support worker
• Outreach worker
• Family support worker
• Drug and alcohol support worker
• Case worker

What could you study next?

• CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
• CHC40413 Certificate IV in Youth Work
• CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services

Victorian residents may be eligible for government subsidised training in Victoria under the Skills First Program. Am I eligible?

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding for eligible individuals. We encourage students with a disability to access government subsidised training. There may also be other charges such as material or amenities fees. A genU Training staff member will assist you in determining your course fees and a statement of fees detailing all course charges will be provided prior to enrolment.

For full details of genU Training’s course fees please view our Fees & Charges page.

South Australian residents may be eligible for government-subsidised training in South Australia under the Work Ready Program based on your employment status and any training you have already completed. Am I eligible?

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

This training is supported through WorkReady by the Government of South Australia. Eligibility criteria apply, to check your eligibility visit www.skills.sa.gov.au. We encourage students with a disability to access subsidised training. There may also be other charges such as material or amenities fees. A genU Training staff member will assist you in determining your course fees and a statement of fees detailing all course charges will be provided prior to enrolment.

For full details of genU Training’s course fees please view our Fees & Charges page.

genU Training offer CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, in a variety of study modes and times:

On-campus (day)  – Study face to face (in a classroom setting)

1 day per week (9:30am – 4pm)

Blended (day) – Study with a mix of real time online instructor-led sessions via video conferencing and pre-determined on-campus (face-to-face) sessions, supplemented with guided activities via the Learning Management System (eLearning)

1 day per week (9:30am – 4pm, comprising of 3 hours via video conferencing and 3 hours guided eLearning) with 6 on-campus sessions (9:30am – 4pm) to allow for practical assessment

Blended (night) – Study with a mix of real time online instructor-led sessions via video conferencing and pre-determined on-campus (face-to-face) sessions, supplemented with guided activities via the Learning Management System (eLearning)

1 night per week (6pm – 9pm, comprising of 3 hours via video conferencing with an additional 3 hours guided eLearning) with 6 on-campus sessions (9:30am – 4pm) to allow for practical assessment (scheduled on Saturdays throughout the duration of the course)

NB: All study modes require students to access and undertake additional activities, including: research activities, reflections and assessments via the Learning Management System (LMS).

Time zones:  Local state time zones are observed