September to November 2024
Mental health and alcohol and other drugs services in Australia are multifaceted and encompass a wide range of services, programs and approaches to meet the needs of diverse client groups.
Since 2015 a range of reports and strategies have been developed in the early education, disability, aged care and alcohol and other drugs sectors which acknowledge the need for improvements in relation to mental health services. The improvements typically reference awareness of mental health issues and co-existing conditions, developments in design and delivery of services, recognition of the role of the peer/lived experience workforce and the need for workforce development and vocational skills and training.
The sector faces challenges in service delivery due to outdated training units as concepts and practices have emerged or been developed since 2015. The full extent of these changes will be investigated within the project and feedback from stakeholders will inform whether and how they are incorporated into the qualifications and units.
Project Scope
This is an 18-month project and there will review of 5 qualifications, 7 skill sets and 41 units of competency. The new qualifications will support a range of occupations including:
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Mental Health Outreach Worker
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Community Rehabilitation Worker
- Drug and Alcohol Community Support Worker
- Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker
- Community Rehabilitation Worker
- Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker
- Outreach Officer
- Assistant Community Services Worker
- Assistant Community Health Worker
Qualifications
Skill sets
Project governance and consultation strategy
We have established a Technical Committee (TC) of experts to provide advice for the project. TC members are selected for their relevant expertise on the diverse aspects of the project.
Project fact sheet
Nov 2024 - May 2025
Project development is underway to update the community services qualifications and ensure they are aligned with current industry needs, regulatory requirements, safety and wellbeing outcomes for clients, and create clear and sustainable career pathways to support existing and future growth in the industry.
A Technical Committee (TC) comprising of industry experts has been established to provide specialised advice for this project. Members were carefully selected based on their relevant expertise and experience in areas critical to the project. The TC will work with us to:
- identify relevant stakeholders to consult with
- provide insights on proposed communication and consultation strategies
- provide technical knowledge on the skills and knowledge required to meet graduate outcomes and workforce needs.
We will also undertake:
- desktop research
- a review of available information on industry standards, working conditions, and employer recruitment selection criteria
- virtual workshops to:
- explore the skills that organisations need
- identify career pathways for employees
- discuss foreseeable changes in the sector.
Vocational Educators, Trainers and Assessors
We’re calling on trainers, educators and assessors of vocational qualifications in community services, mental health, and alcohol and other drugs.
We need your feedback on existing qualifications, skill sets and units. We want to know what’s working, what’s not working, and where things could change and improvements be made.
Please submit your feedback by completing this form.
Your feedback will influence the design of national qualification training products and contribute to resolving current workforce issues.
Draft materials will be developed and available for feedback during the Consultation stage.
Consultation will be via a number of methods:
- 16 face-to-face workshops
- 3 virtual workshops
- A minimum of 16 employer interviews
All draft training product materials will be made available for comment.
Dates and locations of workshops will be advised when confirmed.