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The review of training products for the mental health and alcohol and other drugs workforces is an opportunity to contribute to the implementation of a number of national strategies.

This project will focus on reviewing qualifications, units of competencies, skills sets and identifying how common core skills, and specialisations can support the skills development requirements of this workforce.

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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The sector faces challenges in service delivery due to outdated training units as concepts and practices have emerged or been developed since 2015.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 

Project governance and consultation strategy

We are currently establishing 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.
 
The project terms of reference and the TC membership will be published on the website when finalised.
 
We will also publish the project consultation strategy.

Project fact sheet

Details to come.

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.

 
Details to come.
 
Details to come.
 

How to get involved

Please register if you would like to receive project updates and consultation opportunities.

Project updates

Contact details

Training Product Project Manager,  Eleanor Ravenarki

Project Coordinator, Katrina Sewell
  
To contact the project team, please email [email protected].

Project timeline

  • Project Set Up

    Establish a Technical Committee to provide expert advice for the project.

  • Development

    Functional analysis undertaken via 16 employer interviews and a virtual functional analysis workshop. 
    Development of draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency.

  • Consultation

    Delivery of 16 face-to-face and 3 virtual workshops.
    Workshops will be held in all states and territories.

  • Finalisation and Submission

    Final draft materials will be submitted to Skills Senior Responsible Officers and any feedback will be addressed prior to submission to the Skills Ministers for endorsement.

  • Endorsement and Implementation

    Endorsed qualifications, skill sets and units of competency will be uploaded onto the VET National Training Register.  
    The Companion Volume will be updated to reflect changes to the Training Package, identified pathways information and mapping information.  
    Delivery of 3 virtual professional development workshops to highlight the features of the new qualifications, skill sets and units of competency.