CHC43215 - Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

CHC43215 - Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

Empower Your Community by Supporting Those Affected by Alcohol & Other Drugs

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by alcohol and other drugs (AOD)? The Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC43215) equips Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals with the specialist knowledge and skills required to provide culturally safe support, counselling, and harm reduction strategies within the community-controlled health sector.

By completing this qualification, you will be empowered to support individuals dealing with substance misuse, advocate for harm reduction policies, and contribute to culturally responsive healthcare services.


Why Choose This Qualification?

Culturally Relevant Training – Learn in a supportive environment with training tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Meaningful Career Opportunities – Work in health services, community organisations, rehabilitation centres, or support programs.
Supportive Learning Environment – Gain insights from experienced trainers who understand the challenges in AOD support and Indigenous health.
Flexible Learning Options – A combination of face-to-face, online, and on-the-job training to support students across urban, regional, and remote locations.
Away From Base (AFB) Approved – Eligible students can access the AFB allowance to support their studies.


Course Overview

  • Course Code & Name: CHC43215 - Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
  • Duration: 6-12 months (full-time) or part-time options available
  • Delivery Mode: Blended learning (online, face-to-face, workplace training)
  • Study Hours: Approx. 1000-1400 hours

Course Units

Core Units

  • CHCAOD001 - Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
  • CHCAOD004 - Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
  • CHCAOD006 - Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
  • CHCAOD007 - Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management
  • CHCCCS004 - Assess co-existing needs
  • CHCCCS014 - Provide brief interventions
  • CHCCOM002 - Use communication to build relationships
  • CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
  • CHCLEG001 - Work legally and ethically
  • CHCMHS001 - Work with people with mental health issues
  • CHCPRP001 - Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships
  • HLTWHS001 - Participate in workplace health and safety

Elective Units (Selected Based on Career Goals)

  • CHCCCS019 - Recognise and respond to crisis situations
  • CHCAOD002 - Work with clients who are intoxicated
  • CHCAOD005 - Provide alcohol and other drugs withdrawal services
  • CHCDFV001 - Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

For a full list of units, please visit training.gov.au.


Delivery Locations

📍 Sydney Region: 35 Harvey Street, Little Bay NSW 2036 (Aboriginal Health College)

📍 Satellite Locations:

  • West Region: 8 Tony McGrane Pl, Dubbo NSW 2830
  • South Region: TBA
  • North Region: TBA

Course Offering Schedule

📆 Semester 1 Intake:

  • Applications Open: October
  • Applications Close: December
  • Course Starts: February

📆 Semester 2 Intake:

  • Applications Open: March
  • Applications Close: Early June
  • Course Starts: July

💡 Late Applications? Contact us to discuss enrolment options!


Entry Requirements

Must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
Minimum age of 18 years
Completion of Year 10 or equivalent (or relevant work/volunteer experience in community services or health sector)
Basic computer skills for online learning components


Course Cost & Funding

💰 Fee Range: $0 - $7,500 per student (call for exact pricing)

🟢 NSW Smart & Skilled Subsidised Training and Fee Exemptions:

  • Fee-Free Exemptions: $0
  • Concession: $160
  • Subsidised Fee: $1,000 (first qualification)
  • Full Fee: $7,500

For more information on fees, subsidies, and payment plans, visit our Fees & Funding page.


Study Resources & Support

📚 Access to learning materials:

  • Office 365 Student Account – Includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Online Library Database for research and study support
  • Printed and digital study booklets

📡 Remote Learning Support: Alternative arrangements available for students in remote areas.

📞 Student Support Services:
✔ Academic support and tutoring
✔ Career advice and job placement assistance
✔ Culturally appropriate counselling services
✔ Away From Base (AFB) support for eligible students


Intensive (Residential) Study

📍 Face-to-Face Intensive Training Blocks are required as part of this qualification.
📍 Held at Aboriginal Health College, Little Bay NSW and other regional locations.


Away From Base (AFB) Eligibility

Eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students can receive financial support for:
✅ Travel costs to and from the training location
✅ Accommodation expenses while attending training
✅ Meals and incidental costs

🛑 AFB students must apply for ABSTUDY - Incidental Allowance before their first intensive block.

📢 Note: If you are a Trainee in NSW, AFB is not available. Instead, you may be eligible for VTAS travel and accommodation support.

For full AFB details, visit our Away From Base support page.


Workplace Training & Employment Pathways

🔹 Work Placement & Practical Training:

  • Hands-on experience in community health services, alcohol and drug treatment facilities, and mental health support organisations.

🎯 Career Outcomes:
✔ Alcohol & Other Drugs Worker
✔ Community Support Worker
✔ Mental Health Support Worker
✔ Harm Reduction Practitioner

📚 Further Study Pathways:
✔ Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC53215)
✔ Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021)
✔ Other related community services qualifications


Apply Now & Take the Next Step!

📞 Call: 02 9030 8200
📩 Email: info@ahmrc.edu.au
🌐 Website: www.ahmrc.org.au

💪 Ready to support individuals and families affected by AOD issues? Submit your application today!